In Part 38 with historian John Turner we dive into his latest book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. In this episode, we focus on Chapter 29, “Cool as a Cucumber,” unpacking the turbulent years of 1843-1844 –arguably the beginning of the end for Joseph Smith.
We explore mounting legal pressure, political entanglements, and growing internal dissent with Nauvoo. Along the way, we examine controversial and often difficult topics, including Joseph Smith’s relationship with William Law and his wife, accusations of coercion tied to plural marriage, and an alleged physical altercation involving Watler Bagby.
This episode traces how tensions –both inside and outside the church –escalaated rapidly, setting the stage for the final chapter of Joseph Smith’s life.
If you’d like to help this project going, please consider donating to supporting this series. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible: https://donorbox.org/josephsmith
Purchase John Turner’s book here: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/97803…
We’d also love your feedback: should we move next into a full Brigham Young series (10 episodes) covering Turner’s book “Brigham Young: Pioneer Propeht”?
Thumbnail Credits: William Law – Unknown Author (public domain); Joseph Smith – Unknown painter, from Community of Christ Archives (public domain); Nauvoo House – by Beneathtimp
One Response
According to Historian Qinn, Abraham C. Hodge (a bodyguard) stopped Joseph on the way to warn him that the Mob was out for blood.
Apparently, Joseph did not take the warning seriously. Incidentally Abraham C. Hodge is my great great grandfather. Abraham was also in attendance when Joseph asked the keeper of the minutes of the counsel of the 50 to destroy the records.