Saint Abe and His Seven Wives: A Tale of Salt Lake City, with a Bibliographical Note

"Saint Abe and His Seven Wives" by Robert Williams Buchanan is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book centers around the unique and tumultuous life of Abe Clewson, a Mormon patriarch in Salt Lake City, who juggles the complexities and challenges of having multiple wives within the framework of his faith. The narrative explores themes of love, temptation, and the personal struggles that arise from a polygamous lifestyle, set against the backdrop of a burgeoning religious community. At the start of the story, the reader is introduced to Joe Wilson, a rugged man who recounts his misadventure with Cissy, a widow he is fond of. As he narrates his past experiences, he reveals a deep-seated rivalry with an Apostle named Hiram Higginson, who is also interested in Cissy. This initial setup not only establishes the humor and melodrama of Wilson's life but also introduces the theme of competition for women within the polygamous context, hinting at the larger societal regulations in the Mormon community. Wilson's experiences set the stage for a vivid exploration of character dynamics, societal pressures, and the personal dilemmas faced by those caught in the web of faith and love.