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Joseph Smith’s Polygamy, Volume 1: History
Few American religious figures have stirred more passion among adherents and antagonists than Joseph Smith. Born in 1805 and silenced thirty-nine years later by assassins’ bullets, he dictated more than one-hundred revelations, published books of new scripture, built a temple, organized several new cities, and became the proclaimed prophet to tens of thousands during his abbreviated life.
Among his many novel teachings and practices, none is more controversial than plural marriage, a restoration of the Old Testament practice that he accepted as part of his divinely appointed mission. Joseph Smith taught his polygamy doctrines only in secret and dictated a revelation in July 1843 authorizing its practice (now LDS D&C 132) that was never published during his lifetime. Although rumors and exposés multiplied, it was not until 1852 that Mormons in Brigham Young’s Utah took a public stand. By then, thousands of Mormons were engaged in the practice that was seen as essential to salvation.
Victorian America saw plural marriage as immoral and Joseph Smith as acting on libido. However, the private writings of Nauvoo participants and other polygamy insiders tell another, more complex and nuanced story. Many of these accounts have never been published. Others have been printed sporadically in unrelated publications. Drawing on every known historical account, whether by supporters or opponents, Volumes 1 and 2 take a fresh look at the chronology and development of Mormon polygamy, including the difficult conundrums of the Fannie Alger relationship, polyandry, the “angel with a sword” accounts, Emma Smith’s poignant response, and the possibility of Joseph Smith offspring by his plural wives. Among the most intriguing are the newly available Andrew Jenson papers containing not only the often-quoted statements by surviving plural wives but also Jenson’s own private research, conducted in the late nineteenth century.
Telling the story of Joseph Smith’s polygamy from the records of those who knew him best, augmented by those who observed him from a distance, may have produced the most useful view of all.
Praise for Joseph Smith's Polygamy:
"Brian Hales wants to face up to every question, every problem, every fear about plural marriage. His answers may not satisfy everyone, but he gives readers the relevant sources where answers, if they exist, are to be found. There has never been a more thorough examination of the polygamy idea." —Richard L. Bushman, Claremont Graduate University, author of Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling
“Joseph Smith’s Polygamy, the first thorough treatment of Joseph Smith’s plural marriages written by a conservative Mormon scholar, is a landmark in the historiography of Mormon polygamy. While I disagree with some of Hales’s conclusions, I admire his willingness to confront difficult topics and the depth of his research. This impressive work furthers the ongoing dialogue in the Mormon historical community on a fascinating and challenging aspect of the life and teachings of Mormonism’s founding prophet.” —Todd M. Compton, author of In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith
Among his many novel teachings and practices, none is more controversial than plural marriage, a restoration of the Old Testament practice that he accepted as part of his divinely appointed mission. Joseph Smith taught his polygamy doctrines only in secret and dictated a revelation in July 1843 authorizing its practice (now LDS D&C 132) that was never published during his lifetime. Although rumors and exposés multiplied, it was not until 1852 that Mormons in Brigham Young’s Utah took a public stand. By then, thousands of Mormons were engaged in the practice that was seen as essential to salvation.
Victorian America saw plural marriage as immoral and Joseph Smith as acting on libido. However, the private writings of Nauvoo participants and other polygamy insiders tell another, more complex and nuanced story. Many of these accounts have never been published. Others have been printed sporadically in unrelated publications. Drawing on every known historical account, whether by supporters or opponents, Volumes 1 and 2 take a fresh look at the chronology and development of Mormon polygamy, including the difficult conundrums of the Fannie Alger relationship, polyandry, the “angel with a sword” accounts, Emma Smith’s poignant response, and the possibility of Joseph Smith offspring by his plural wives. Among the most intriguing are the newly available Andrew Jenson papers containing not only the often-quoted statements by surviving plural wives but also Jenson’s own private research, conducted in the late nineteenth century.
Telling the story of Joseph Smith’s polygamy from the records of those who knew him best, augmented by those who observed him from a distance, may have produced the most useful view of all.
Praise for Joseph Smith's Polygamy:
"Brian Hales wants to face up to every question, every problem, every fear about plural marriage. His answers may not satisfy everyone, but he gives readers the relevant sources where answers, if they exist, are to be found. There has never been a more thorough examination of the polygamy idea." —Richard L. Bushman, Claremont Graduate University, author of Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling
“Joseph Smith’s Polygamy, the first thorough treatment of Joseph Smith’s plural marriages written by a conservative Mormon scholar, is a landmark in the historiography of Mormon polygamy. While I disagree with some of Hales’s conclusions, I admire his willingness to confront difficult topics and the depth of his research. This impressive work furthers the ongoing dialogue in the Mormon historical community on a fascinating and challenging aspect of the life and teachings of Mormonism’s founding prophet.” —Todd M. Compton, author of In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith
1107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 17, 2020
I was organizing my Goodreads shelves and realized I never reviewed this book. I honestly turned to Hales thinking he could explain and defend polygamy in some sort of rational, moral way. And while Hales puts facts out there, the conclusions he draws throw God under the bus.
Joseph Smith lied continually about polygamy. Hales admits that Joseph lies, but he defends these lies every time they get a reference. At one point I had to put the book down and ask myself if I worshipped a God who loves a liar and even commands us to lie. Once I figured out that even if that was the God I worshipped, such a God is amoral and not worth worship, Hales’ commentary came across as morally compromised apologetic drivel ( with a lot of sincerely illuminating data charts and footnotes—and we can probably thank Don Bradley for those). I have no doubt Hales’ arguments that Joseph Smith was commanded by God to do this to women are sincere. And to that I say, EW.
Joseph Smith lied continually about polygamy. Hales admits that Joseph lies, but he defends these lies every time they get a reference. At one point I had to put the book down and ask myself if I worshipped a God who loves a liar and even commands us to lie. Once I figured out that even if that was the God I worshipped, such a God is amoral and not worth worship, Hales’ commentary came across as morally compromised apologetic drivel ( with a lot of sincerely illuminating data charts and footnotes—and we can probably thank Don Bradley for those). I have no doubt Hales’ arguments that Joseph Smith was commanded by God to do this to women are sincere. And to that I say, EW.
November 29, 2013
The most exhaustive work on Nauvoo-era polygamy to date. Unlike some authors who very selectively splice quotes to support their particular narrative (George D. Smith), or others who try to engage in post-facto mind reading and soap opera-esque dramatizations (Compton; Newell & Avery); he provides virtually every primary source that has anything to do with JS's polygamy, along with the full citation and context. These tomes (the two history volumes, I can't speak for the theology volume that I haven't gotten to yet) are incredibly exhaustive, down to measuring and photographing the stairs that Eliza R. Snow was supposedly pushed down.
February 14, 2022
Strangely a quicker read than expected. Mr Hales has his own opinions, but he gives the facts first (and there are a lot of facts here) and is very fair in his assessment. All of the theories about what where the facts point are explained and covered from every angle. A topic as complex and relatively undocumented contemporaneously deserves an open mind an a deep exploration of the potential interpretations, Hales does just that. It filled me with humility and compassion for all who struggle with this complicated topic. Highly recommended.
June 12, 2023
The prophet Joseph Smith denied it, never supported it, has no children other than with Emma. Based on hearsay from women controlled under polygamy leaders. Sad. Wish truth was more important then supporting a narrative
July 9, 2014
I'm just not sure there's going to be another "seminal" work on Joseph Smith's polygamy. I thought that Todd Compton had created that with his In Sacred Loneliness back in 1997, but Brian Hales (with the assistance of Don Bradley), has blown Compton completely out of the water. This book is so thorough that only perhaps an affidavit here, a journal entry there, will be the only things that will ever need to be added. Hales has been so completely thorough in his research that I think we're done here. This is the seminal work on Joseph Smith's polygamy, and barring some hidden treasure trove of documentation coming to light, will be forever.
Interpretations will come and go. Unbelievers will harangue. Believers will defend. Theories will abound. But all of this will happen as interpretations of the data that Hales has collected and presented here. When he said that he wanted to find EVERY piece of documentation on the subject, he wasn't kidding. Three volumes later, here we are.
This is only volume 1, but a few things are immediately apparent to me. 1) The subject of Joseph Smith's polygamy defies simple explanations. 2) Hales makes a very very good case that sexual polyandry was never a thing. (I haven't read all of the responses to him yet, but his analysis of the evidence has definitely swayed me in this direction.) 3) The subject of Joseph Smith's polygamy defies simple explanations. 4) Like baptisms for the dead, this practice was revealed, but without a nifty Handbook of Instructions on how to implement. Hence, 5) The subject of Joseph Smith's polygamy defies simple explanations.
This is a bit dry, because it's a lot of dates and names, but dates and names are quite important on a subject like this, and being so thorough allows Hales to see patterns that others have missed. (Of particular interest to me was the pattern that he married many of his polyandrous wives at once, as if he were trying to conform to the commandment to have many wives without having sexual relations with many women.)
My review of Volume 2.
My review of Volume 3.
Interpretations will come and go. Unbelievers will harangue. Believers will defend. Theories will abound. But all of this will happen as interpretations of the data that Hales has collected and presented here. When he said that he wanted to find EVERY piece of documentation on the subject, he wasn't kidding. Three volumes later, here we are.
This is only volume 1, but a few things are immediately apparent to me. 1) The subject of Joseph Smith's polygamy defies simple explanations. 2) Hales makes a very very good case that sexual polyandry was never a thing. (I haven't read all of the responses to him yet, but his analysis of the evidence has definitely swayed me in this direction.) 3) The subject of Joseph Smith's polygamy defies simple explanations. 4) Like baptisms for the dead, this practice was revealed, but without a nifty Handbook of Instructions on how to implement. Hence, 5) The subject of Joseph Smith's polygamy defies simple explanations.
This is a bit dry, because it's a lot of dates and names, but dates and names are quite important on a subject like this, and being so thorough allows Hales to see patterns that others have missed. (Of particular interest to me was the pattern that he married many of his polyandrous wives at once, as if he were trying to conform to the commandment to have many wives without having sexual relations with many women.)
My review of Volume 2.
My review of Volume 3.
April 14, 2013
Yes, Joseph Smith practiced polygamy and was responsible for its introduction among the Saints. Many members may balk at that assertion and may be surprised to find that it is true thanks to the simplified history that prevails today. Brian Hales has set out the what and the why of the practice of polygamy during the time of Joseph Smith in greater detail than anyone else. While I do not agree with all of his conclusions (like that Joseph Smith considered former marriages annulled by celestial marriages) his history is essential reading on Mormon polygamy and it will be a long time before anyone is able to top it.
July 23, 2014
1200+ pages of fascinating sources and discussion of a very complex web of events. Probably contains just about every known source on Nauvoo polygamy. The discussion and order is inevitably repetitive, but it still had a natural, logical flow. While his positions/ interpretations are a bit of a stretch, there were also some compelling arguments I hadn't considered before. Still, all the sources are there in near-full context for you to draw your own conclusions. Definitely the go-to for all things Nauvoo/Joseph polygamy for years to come.
January 4, 2016
I can't imagine any other resource being more exhaustive than this.
Read
January 11, 2018Lots of research. His bias is blinding and it comes through.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews