Devoted followers called him a prophet. His enemies called him a public menace—and worse. Historians acknowledge he left an indelible mark on American culture and religion. Believer or nonbeliever, one thing is certain:

Joseph Smith was murdered in cold blood.

Jenkins reveals an invaluable light on one of America’s most influential citizens and the blemishes left by some of his contemporaries, lamentable national scars that our culture must never forget.