The Making Of Matthias (1897)

The Making of Matthias is a historical non-fiction book written by Joseph Smith Fletcher and originally published in 1897. The book is a detailed account of the life and crimes of a notorious 19th-century American cult leader named Matthias. Matthias, also known as Robert Matthews, claimed to be a prophet and the reincarnation of the biblical figure Elijah. He founded a religious commune in New York City in the early 1830s and attracted a small but devoted following. However, Matthias's leadership became increasingly erratic and violent, and he was eventually arrested and charged with murder.Fletcher's book provides a comprehensive examination of Matthias's life and the events that led to his downfall. The author draws on contemporary newspaper accounts, court transcripts, and other primary sources to reconstruct the story of Matthias and his cult. The book also explores the broader social and cultural context of Matthias's rise to power, including the religious revivalism of the Second Great Awakening and the economic and political changes of the early 19th century.Overall, The Making of Matthias is a gripping and informative account of a fascinating and disturbing episode in American history. It offers insights into the dynamics of cults and religious extremism, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement and the legal system in dealing with such groups. The book remains a valuable resource for scholars and general readers interested in the history of American religion, crime, and culture.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.