The Assassination of Joseph Smith: Innocent Blood on the Banner of Liberty

by Ryan C. Jenkins

The Assassination of Joseph Smith is the story of the first president-prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This story begins with Joseph Smith on the plains of northern Missouri in late October 1838. He is thirty-two-years-old and has less than six years to live. This story is written in present-tense form to help the reader feel more engaged with the events and the people who surrounded this distinctive Nineteenth Century figure. There are no fictional characters placed into the story.

The man you will read about in this book is heralded as a prophet by some and held in contempt by others. His name is had for both good and evil. Loyal members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, varied historians, and his most vehement critics, then and now, can at least agree on one thing: Joseph Smith was murdered in cold blood.

Genres: History

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2015

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, for those who get offended or religious views you should probably stop reading right now. I loved this book. I believe I love all books about Joseph Smith. He is such a great man, and suffered through so many hardships during his life just to bring the gospel to the earth today.

I loved this fact filled tail of the last six years of Joseph Smith's life. I have read so many things on him, but every time I learn something new. This book was so heart wrenching at times. The facts about what was happening at this time in history are horrifying. I will never understand prejudice. Why can't people feel free to do the desires of their heart without being persecuted. It's just so sad.

I love how strong Joseph Smith's faith is during his whole life. He is such an inspiration to me. I can only hope that I have the faith that Joseph Smith has. I don't know if I would have been able to stand strong through all his brutal persecutions. Not only did he stay strong but he gained more strength and faith from them.

I love how the author has pictures of some of the people he talks about in the book. It makes it so real to me. I love how he wrote this fact filled book and made it so interesting.

If you like books on Joseph Smith, then this is a great book to pick up. His life, and teachings are so precious to me. I wish he did not have to suffer as he did, but am so thankful he did, so that I could have the gospel in my life today.

[Natalie Steed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and the many insights I gained from it. Author did an excellent job of bringing you in to each moment. I learned many historical things that I was unaware of before. Reading this brought great strength to my testimony of Joesph Smith and all he went through to bring such blessings to the world.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the content a lot. A little suspicious that there are no footnotes, through. That allows someone to play fast and loose with the facts. Especially someone who isn’t a historian. That, and like everything else from this publisher, horrendous editing. Erupt spelled “Irrupt.” Pontius “Pilot.” Just a mess.

[Nancy L. Larberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story of Joseph Smith.

This is a well written book with facts about the “Mormon Prophet” Joseph Smith, and others of the same faith and all they went through at the hands of those who opposed their Faith.

[Gaylon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph Smith, the prophet

This only made me love and admire the prophet Joseph Smith all the more. A man of great faith in JesusChrist and great courage to the end. He died for the cause of Christ