Carthage Conspiracy

The Trial of the Accused Assassins of Joseph Smith
Author: Dallin H. Oaks and Marvin S. Hill
A detailed look at the infamous murder and its aftermath
Paper – $21.95
978-0-252-00762-0
eBook – $14.95
978-0-252-09875-8
Publication Date
Paperback: 01/01/1979
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About the Book

In Carthage Conspiracy, Dallin H. Oaks and Marvin S. Hill examines the mid-1800s conflict between members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and those outside the faith. It also tells the dramatic story of the LDS prophet Joseph Smith, his brother Hyrum, and their alleged assassins in the mob that killed them in Carthage, Illinois. It places the infamous event at the Carthage jail and the subsequent murder-conspiracy trial in the context of Mormon and American legal history while exploring with the question of achieving justice when crimes are politically motivated and popularly supported.

An award-winning classic of Church and legal history, Carthage Conspiracy tells the long-overlooked story of a pivotal event in nineteenth century America.

About the Author

Dallin H Oaks is an American attorney, jurist, author, professor, public speaker, and religious leader. Since 1984, he has been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Marvin S. Hill (1928-2016) was a professor of history at Brigham Young University and the author of Quest for Refuge: The Mormon Flight from American Pluralism.

Reviews

"This book is a 'must.'"--Jerry Jensen, Dialogue: Journal of Mormon Thought

"One of the best books to appear on Mormon history in years. . . . An illuminating study of authority in a democratic society."--Charles S. Peterson, Journal of American History

"Carthage Conspiracy is a superb work of historical analysis and reconstruction."--David Brion Davis, Times Literary Supplement

"No library with any pretension to a collection on Mormonism, Illinois, American legal history, or the history of religion in America should be without this volume."--Choice

"A Refreshing example of candor and clarity."--Salt Lake Tribune

Awards

Winner of the Mormon History Association Award for Best Book of the Year