The riveting story of the most infamous American con man that was never heard of: James Strang, self-proclaimed divine king of earth, heaven, and an island in Lake Michigan, until his assassination in 1856.

In 1843, James Strang, a charismatic young lawyer and avowed atheist, converted to a burgeoning religious movement known as Mormonism, persuaded hundreds to follow him to Lake Michigan, and declared himself a divine king. This book presents an account of one of the country's boldest con men and the boisterous era that allowed him to thrive.