Books by John (University of Bradford UK) Russell

Published in 1853, the first American novel about the Mormons is also one of the best. John Russell, an Illinois journalist and educator, witnessed the persecution in Missouri and Illinois and generally sympathized with the Saints. The Mormoness tells the story of Mary Maverick, the heroine of the novel, who joined the Mormon Church when her husband was converted in Illinois. Though not initially a believer, Mary embraces her identity as "the Mormoness" when her husband and son are killed in a Haun's Mill-like massacre-and at the end of the novel, she must find a way to forgive the killer. Virtually unavailable until now, Michael Austin and Ardis E. Parshall's fresh transcription, introduction, notes, and appendices enable readers to rediscover a compassionate and insightful outsider's view of early Mormonism.

John Russell grew up in northwestern Pennsylvania (Conneautville) and is a graduate of Cincinnati Christian University. He served the same church (Lakeside Christian Church, Ft. Mitchell, KY) for 40 years (1970-2010) leading it from a young start-up to a healthy congregation in excess of 1,800 attendees weekly. He was heavily supported by his wife Susan and two children: Jay (Leigh Anne) Russell and Stacy (Kevin) Bergfeld. This is his second book ("Love God; Love One Another," College Press) and he has been a frequent contributor to periodicals as well as active in numerous civic and para-church ministries throughout his ministry. John brings a fresh perspective to seeing life enabled by the Spirit to becoming full and exciting as intended by God.