Wicks, Robert S., authorFoister, Fred R., authorUtah State University Press, publisher2007-01-032007-01-032005http://hdl.handle.net/10217/87886Includes bibliographical references and index.Junius and Joseph examines Joseph Smith's nearly forgotten [1844] presidential bid, the events leading up to his assassination on June 27, 1844, and the tangled aftermath of the tragic incident. It ... establishes that Joseph Smith's murder, rather than being the deadly outcome of a spontaneous mob uprising, was in fact a carefully planned military-style execution. It is now possible to identify many of the key individuals engaged in planning his assassination as well as those who took part in the assault on Carthage jail. And furthermore, this study presents incontrovertible evidence that the effort to remove the Mormon leader from power and influence extended well beyond Hancock County [Illinois] (and included prominent Whig politicians as well as the Democratic governor of the state), thereby transforming his death from an impulsive act by local vigilantes into a political assassination sanctioned by some of the most powerful men in Illinois. The circumstances surrounding Joseph Smith's death also serve to highlight the often unrecognized truth that a full understanding of early Mormon history can be gained only when considered in the context of events taking place in American society as a whole. Beginning with this provocative thesis from the introduction, Wicks and Foister engage in a thorough reexamination of Joseph Smith's 1844 presidential candidacy, its political context and implications, and its probable connection to his murder. While their work asserts controversial conclusions about what and who were behind that murder, its import extends further since it provides unprecedented, detailed portraits of political Mormonism, politics in 1844 Illinois and the Midwest, the web of connections and personalities that linked the two, and the events of June 27. Book Review can be found in: The Western Historical Quarterly Winter 2006, by: Stephen C. Taysom.New World Eden: the promise of America in late Jacksonian politics -- "Clear the way for Henry Clay" -- "To save the district for the Whigs" -- "Nauvoo is no place for rational people" -- The third party -- "Missourians seem determined not to let us alone" -- The candidate -- Thy kingdom come-- in Texas -- Two conventions -- What will be the end of things? -- Retributive justice -- Gentlemen of undoubted veracity -- Carthage -- Distance lent enchantment to the view -- The kingdom delayed -- "Bound by common guilt and danger to commit almost any act to save them from infamy" -- Wolf hunts -- The campaign continues -- "To avenge the blood that stains the walls of Carthage jail" -- How wide the conspiracy?.born digitalbooksengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.All rights reserved. User is responsible for compliance. Please contact University Press of Colorado at https://upcolorado.com/our-books/rights-and-permissions for use information.Presidential candidates -- United States -- BiographyMormons -- United States -- BiographyPresidents -- United States -- Election -- 1844Mormon Church -- Political activity -- United States -- History -- 19th centuryMormon Church -- Political aspects -- United States -- History -- 19th centuryUnited States -- Politics and government -- 1841-1845Illinois -- Politics and government -- To 1865Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844 -- AssassinationTextAccess is limited to the Adams State University, Colorado State University, Colorado State University Pueblo, Community College of Denver, Fort Lewis College, Metropolitan State University Denver, Regis University, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, University of Colorado Denver, University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado, University of Wyoming, Utah State University and Western Colorado University communities only.