American Massacre: The Tragedy at Mountain Meadows, September 1857

Not a Historian

Upon reading the reviews, I was expecting to read a book written by a historian who happens to be an intellectually honest, practicing member, of the LDS Church. She is none of the above. Ms. Denton is an investigational jounalist with 'Mormon ancestors'. She is not a historian and this can easily be seen in how she presents her information. In comparison to Juanita Brooks' book, written almost 50 years ago, I found very little new compeling information in Ms. Denton's presentation of the Mt. Meadows Massacre. The book was poorly footnoted. Ms. Denton makes almost no attempt at contextualizing her material. There were multiple contradictions that she makes no attempt to explain. Exactly what were the 'newly discovered documents' to support her claims? The book ended up being a polemical tractate instead of a historical writing.

2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

Wow - at last un unbiased book that tells the truth about waht happened in the Mountain Meadows Massacre!

This is a very enlightened book. Written without bias and very thoroughly researched!

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A Good Addition to the Body of Mountain Meadows Scholarship

It is hardly possible for a single book on Mountain Meadows to be definitive, and American Massacre should certainly be studied by all who want to learn more about the tragedy. Perhaps the book's major contribution is its bolstering of our knowledge of three non-Mormon men, Capt. John W. Gunnison, Col. Thomas L. Kane, and Judge John Cradlebaugh, and their connection to the ghastly events at Mountain Meadows. Gunnison's 1852 book, 'The Mormons,' exacerbated the tension between Utah and the rest of the country. Kane's influence in Washington, in Denton's view, deflected both federal investigation of and military retribution for the massive crime. Cradlebaugh, perhaps more than any other investigator, ferreted out much truth about the Mormon perpetrators of the massacre.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

American Master

American Massacre is a masterful piece of expert journalism. Ms. Denton, although a Mormon, does what every pro journalist should do -- she stands back from the story and 'just tells the folks what happened.' And her research for this horrid occasion should be held up by every university School of Journalism in the U.S., that teaches investigative reporting, as a very high example. . .

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Sally Denton's convincing and compelling look at the Mountain Meadows murders

Author Sally Denton takes the Reader through the horror and the cover up of the Mormon's massacre of 140 men, women and children. Compelling and unequaled investigative reporting. Sally Denton is one of America's very best non fiction Authors.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Good Story

Written by an author with ancestors that were Mormons, I felt like I might be buying an apologetic tome of this horrid event. And if that was the case, then so be it. However, Sally Denton pretty much gives it to the Mormons with both barrels.

The book is very well researched with a good portion of it devoted to Mormon history and origins. The massacre is given a small space primarily due to lack of actual knowledge at the site. It does however present a compelling story of the events that transpired after the massacre.

This book was written in 2003. I think the potential reader should be aware that the governing body of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints issued a long-awaited apology in September 2007. While admitting the role of the Mormons in this massacre, it found that all responsibility was with the local leaders of the church. Interestingly, they found that Brigham Young's message "conveying the will and intent...not to interfere with the immigrants arrived too late."

Does this remind anyone of the `infallible' pope? Isn't organized religion just a fun group of people to hang out with?

Overall, it is a fascinating read especially for a person born and raised in Arkansas and now living in Texas.

I hope you find this review (opinion) helpful.

Michael L. Gooch, SPHR

Wonderful

The book is fascinating, clearly written and unbelievable. It is an unknown story that needs telling.

Best yet on the Massacre

Sally Denton has used her skills as an investigative reporter to write the best, comprehensive account of the Mountain Meadows Massacre yet.

She is not hindered by the bias which shows throughout "The Massacre at Mountain Meadows", which was written by members of the same church which perpetrated and covered up the worst massacre of US citizens on US soil.

Her use of 1st person accounts and other historical records is what makes this account so tragically compelling, thorough and believable.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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