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A collection of RadioWest conversations about LDS history, faith, and culture.

American Crucifixion

Mob fires at Joseph Smith, Carthage, Illinois

Tuesday, Doug is joined by journalist Alex Beam, who's in Utah with his new book about the murder of Joseph Smith. Beam says whether you believe his teachings or not, the LDS Church founder is an important historical figure because he was so successful. But the same charisma that drew thousands of people to his faith also made him a target. We'll talk about the dramatic events of his death and tell the very American stories of exploration and invention - and of intolerance and mob violence.

Alex Beam is a columnist for the Boston Globe. His book is called American Crucifixion: The Murder of Joseph Smith and the Fate of the Mormon Church. [Amazon|Indiebound]

On Wednesday, June 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Beam will read and sign his book at The King's English in Salt Lake City.

On Thursday, June 12, he'll be at Dolly's Bookstore in Park City. That event goes from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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Doug Fabrizio has been reporting for KUER News since 1987, and became News Director in 1993. In 2001, he became host and executive producer of KUER's RadioWest, a one hour conversation/call-in show on KUER 90.1 in Salt Lake City. He has gained a reputation for his thoughtful style. He has interviewed everyone from Isabel Allende to the Dalai Lama, and from Madeleine Albright to Desmond Tutu. His interview skills landed him a spot as a guest host of the national NPR program, "Talk of the Nation." He has won numerous awards for his reporting and for his work with RadioWest and KUED's Utah NOW from such organizations as the Society of Professional Journalists, the Utah Broadcasters Association, the Public Radio News Directors Association and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.