Mormonism Unveiled: The Life and Confession of John D. Lee, Including the Life of Brigham Young (Hardcover)

Mormonism Unveiled is John Doyle Lee's confessional exposé of malpractices in the Mormon Church, including his own role as an assassin responsible for several murders. In chronicling his years as a member of the church, Lee discusses how he came to meet and associate with Joseph Smith: the founder and prophet of Mormonism. The processes by which the charismatic Smith drew in followers is catalogued. Personal habits, including the notorious practice of polygamy where he would take multiple wives, are mentioned. Lee himself partook enthusiastically in polygamy, taking a total of 19 wives and siring some 56 children. After Joseph Smith's death at the hands of an angry mob in 1844, Brigham Young assumed control of the Mormon Church. It was under Young that several of the most controversial schemes associated with Mormonism entailed. For his part John D. Lee became an enforcer, carrying out orders from Brigham Young in appropriating belongings of fellow Mormons, such as cattle from impoverished ranchers.