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

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

Written by Robert Williams Buchanan

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Latter Day SaintsSalt Lake City (Utah)

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About this book

"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.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Saint Abe and His Seven Wives: A Tale of Salt Lake City, with a Bibliographical Note, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • melodramatic
  • social commentary

Robert Williams Buchanan's "Saint Abe and His Seven Wives" is a late 19th-century novel delving into the complexities of polygamy within Salt Lake City's Mormon community. The narrative primarily follows Abe Clewson, a patriarch grappling with the personal, emotional, and spiritual challenges of his seven wives, while also introducing Joe Wilson, whose humorous and melodramatic account of competing for the widow Cissy against Apostle Hiram Higginson sets a broader stage for the community's societal pressures. The book explores themes of love, temptation, faith, and the inherent struggles arising from a polygamous lifestyle, offering a vivid portrayal of character dynamics against a unique religious and cultural backdrop. It satirizes and scrutinizes the practice, highlighting both the devout adherence and the human frailties within. Ultimately, the novel serves as a commentary on faith, desire, and the intricate web of relationships in a world dictated by unconventional marital norms.

“A man's heart, though it be vast as the desert, can still feel the drought of singular affection, even with seven springs to draw from.”

Key themes

Polygamy and its Societal Impact
This is the central theme of the novel, exploring the practice of polygamy not just as a religious doctrine but as a lived reality with profound social and personal consequences. Buchanan delves into the legal, ethical, and emotional ramifications of having multiple wives, examining how it shapes family structures, community norms, and individual identities within the Mormon context.
Love, Lust, and Marital Complexity
The novel meticulously dissects the nature of love and lust within the confines of polygamous marriage. It explores how romantic love, duty-bound affection, and physical desire intertwine and often conflict when a single individual is bound to multiple partners, highlighting the emotional toll and the unique challenges of intimacy.
Faith vs. Personal Desire
This theme examines the tension between adherence to religious doctrine and the inherent human desires and limitations. Characters like Abe Clewson embody the struggle of reconciling their spiritual conviction to practice polygamy with their personal feelings, temptations, and the practical difficulties of fulfilling such a demanding covenant.

Worth discussing

How does Buchanan use humor and melodrama to address a serious and controversial topic like polygamy?

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