1897 MORMON KINGDOM - BEAVER ISLAND. Moses of the Mormons. Strang's City of Refuge and Island Kingdom.

Published in 1897 by Henry Eduard Legler, A Moses of the Mormons: Strang's City of Refuge and Island Kingdom is a seminal historical work documenting the rise and fall of James Strang, a primary claimant to Joseph Smith’s prophetic mantle.

The book is, in fact, one of the earliest comprehensive accounts of the Strangite movement. It details how Strang led thousands of followers to establish a "City of Refuge" in Voree, Wisconsin, and later a theocratic monarchy on Beaver Island, Michigan, where he was crowned king. Significantly, it captures a critical moment in Mormon history following Joseph Smith’s 1844 assassination. For a brief period, Strang was a formidable rival to Brigham Young, and Legler’s work illustrates the intensity of the struggle for leadership.

The publication is noted for featuring what was then considered the only known photograph of James Strang, providing a rare visual record of the "Mormon King".

Beyond religious history, it serves as a "culturally important" record of the Great Lakes region, describing the socio-political conflicts between Strang's subjects and local "gentile" neighbors that eventually led to Strang's assassination and the community's forced expulsion.

A Moses of the Mormons: Strang's City of Refuge and Island Kingdom. Parman Club. 1897. 67pp.

A fair copy only in ex library sleeve, taped into sleeve, ex library labels. Cello tape page repairs. Two first leaves detached. Nearly disbound, but complete.