Corianton:A Nephite Story

by Unknown

The summer”s sun was just struggling through the mists that overhung the eastern horizon, and faintly gilding the towers and housetops of Zarahemla, as a party of seven horsemen, evidently weary with the night”s travel, were seen slowly moving along the foot of the hill Manti, in the direction of the above named city. The manner in which the party traveled was evidently by pre-arrangement, and for a purpose. Two rode in advance and two in the rear, while the other three rode abreast, the one in the middle being closely guarded by those who rode beside him. A second look showed that his arms were securely bound behind him, and the guard on each side held the powerful horse he rode by means of a strap of raw-hide fastened to the bridle. The prisoner was the most, in fact the only person of striking appearance in the little cavalcade, the others being rather heavy, dull men of serious countenance; the prisoner, however, had an air of boldness and cool defiance which contrasted sharply with the humble aspect of his guards. He sat his horse with an easy grace which gave less evidence of fatigue from the long ride through the sultry night than that exhibited by his guards; the man, indeed, seemed especially adapted for endurance. The head, too, was massive and the countenance striking; the brilliancy of the bold black eyes challenged contest or flashed back defiance, while the peculiar expression about the mouth, half scornful smile, half sneer, seemed to breathe contempt for all things on which he looked. The party now came in full view of the city. >At last,> with mocked solemnity, exclaimed he that was bound, >the soldiers of Christ and their prisoner behold the holy city, where dwells the great prophet…even God”s High Priest, who smites with the words of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips slays the wicked!> and the speaker laughed scornfully, but his guards made no reply. >Methinks ye soldiers of the king that is to be, give scant homage to a shrine so holy as this…why, think men, this is the abode of God”s vicegerent, the headquarters of heaven on earth so to speak! And yet ye move on in full view of this holy shrine unbowed! Down slaves, and worship the place of my sanctuary…so run the words of holy prophets, is it not so

111 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 29, 1902

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Unknown" when the author or editor (as applicable) is not known and cannot be discovered. If at all possible, list at least one actual author or editor for a book instead of using "Unknown".

Books whose authorship is purposefully withheld should be attributed instead to Anonymous.

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of speculative fiction about Corianton a lesser known figure out of the Book of Mormon, probably shouldn't be read, if you haven't read the Book of Mormon.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This small volume is a fictionalized conception of the events that led to the failure of the Nephite proselyting mission to the Zoramites in the Book of Mormon and the eventual admonishment Alma the Younger, the Nephite prophet, provides to his son, Corianton. This admonishment follows the fall from grace of Corianton and his return home to his father. It is evident from reading this book that Elder Roberts could have been a successful novelist. The book is engaging, and he has some interesting theories on what caused the failure of the mission. On the other hand, it is most likely a risky undertaking to conceptualize circumstances that lead to a scriptural event. In my opinion, the tropical backdrop of the novel, along with the accompanying action, conversations, and details are simply too circumstantial and hypothetical on which to be relied. This, of course, is a novel, but maybe this is the danger in basing a novel on scripture. It shouldn't be relied on, but unfortunately in many cases, the fiction obtains precedent over the original writing from which it was based. This may be why the project, which had been initially serialized, was abandoned.

[Jacob Dayton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maudlin and melodramatic, with stuffy prose.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting little story, readable in about an hour and available from Project Gutenberg. In it, B. H. Roberts rewrites the familiar stories of Korihor and Corianton from the Book of Mormon in a modern narrative form, with some embellishment and creative license. Reading it prompts some interesting questions about the hows and whys of those stories and helps one imagine how things might have taken place. It's also a rather unique work--as far as I know, no other Church authority of Roberts' standing has ever attempted anything like it. It's not hard-hitting theology and the ending felt a bit abrupt, but it's a fun book.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. A good little book about the stories of Korihor and Alma's son Corianton. A dramatization of the events found in the Book of Mormon. The underlying message on true freedom and liberty through the atonement could have been more fully developed but seeing it was written in parts and so early in church history I have no real complaints. Interesting to see BH Robert's interpretation of scripture through it.

Second reading: 3 stars

[Travis Standley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read and consider the emotion, challenge, pain and human struggle behind Alma's weakened missionary son.