Ricochet is the best place on the internet to discuss the issues of the day, either through commenting on posts or writing your own for our active and dynamic community in a fully moderated environment. In addition, the Ricochet Audio Network offers over 50 original podcasts with new episodes released every day.
The Polygamist King
My new ebook publishes today: “The Polygamist King: A True Story of Murder, Love, and Exotic Faith in America.”
It’s a work of narrative history, telling the story of James Strang, a religious rebel who tried to build a personal theocracy on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. My main hope is to recount a good story from our past, though the tale also may hold lessons involving religious pluralism, shifting definitions of marriage, and the limits of tolerance. Best of all, it’s just $2.99–cheaper than a trip to Starbucks!
Published in Literature
A polygamous kingdom on Beaver Island.
OK.
Great Lakes Mormon Lumber Pirates!
Whenever I try to tell people of the history of the Kingdom of Beaver Island, they look at me like I’m crazy.
I get that the rest of the time too, though.
When I was researching my dumb story about Mackinac Island, I got lost on a Wikipedia rabbit trail about all the islands in the area. My parents are Yoopers and I have relatives scattered all over western Michigan, but I had never heard about Beaver Island’s curious history until about a month ago.
Needless to say, I purchased your book as soon as I read your post. Thanks for writing it!
Yes–very interesting story about a strange chapter in history. I can’t get it in hard copy?
Thanks for your interest. It’s a 17,000-word ebook — i.e., too long for a magazine article and too short for a full book. It also allows me to tell a good story at what I think is its proper length. And at just $2.99, it’s a low-risk purchase!
John,
Who’s going to interview you on The Bookmonger?
Downloading now!
Though a monogamist, I just broke a long standing agreement between my wife and me in favor of a title that includes a byword for infidelity. December book purchases are basically verboten as we are expected to pass our wants on to Santa. But $2.99? You have to download it. That’s the price of a decent hot dog. Looking forward to it.
Excellent John, I really enjoy this type of odd Americana. I Picked it up and will read it soon. Looking forward to it! Love the podcast by the way. You’ve introduced so many great writers to me, thanks!
It was all worked out with a friend and fellow journalist — and then she had to go and give birth a couple of weeks early! So it’s still on the to-do list, but I hope we’ll have one ready before Christmas. Coming soon: Stanley Fish and Michael Novak.
Very cool! I will download and read, since I have a fondness for kooks and failed utopian communities.
I live next to one: Ralston Castle in Hopewell NJ (and yup, there’s a connection to Ralston-Purina). It was up for sale years back and hubs and I checked it out. Gorgeous old house but no corners or right angles — even in the hallways. Edgerly, the cult-leader/builder thought that moving in right angles sapped your energy.
http://www.app.com/story/news/local/new-jersey/weird-nj/2015/09/05/weird-nj-scientifically-proven-garden-eden/71776628/