54 pages • 1 hour read
The Kingdom of Matthias: A Story of Sex and Salvation in 19th Century America
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
240
Book • Nonfiction
New York • 1830s
1994
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Kingdom of Matthias by Paul E. Johnson and Sean Wilentz recounts the rise and fall of Robert Matthews, a self-declared prophet during the Second Great Awakening, who established a cult called the Kingdom with the financial support of followers like Elijah Pierson and Benjamin Folger, eventually leading to a sensational trial for fraud and murder. Themes of mental illness, abuse, and religious fanaticism are present in the book.
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Challenging
Informative
Reviews & Readership
933 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Paul E. Johnson and Sean Wilentz's The Kingdom of Matthias vividly captures a peculiar 19th-century religious cult, highlighting the intersection of charisma, gender, and social upheaval. Praised for its detailed research and engaging narrative, it lacks in-depth analysis of broader historical implications. A compelling read for those interested in American religious history.
Who Should Read The Kingdom Of Matthias?
Readers who enjoy The Kingdom of Matthias by Paul E. Johnson and Sean Wilentz are typically intrigued by early American history, religious cults, and social dynamics of the 19th century. Comparable to those interested in Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer or The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson.
933 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Elijah Pierson
Elijah Pierson
A prosperous merchant from New Jersey who, after his wife's death, became delusional and convinced of Matthews's prophetic claims, ultimately providing significant support to Matthews's Kingdom.
Benjamin Folger
Benjamin Folger
A successful merchant and associate of Pierson's, who supported Matthews financially and moved him to his estate, Mount Zion, where he became involved in the Kingdom's activities.
Ann Folger
Ann Folger
The wife of Benjamin Folger, who, after joining Matthews's Kingdom, was decreed unmarried by Matthews and took on a significant role within the community.
Isabella Van Wagenen
Isabella Van Wagenen
A former slave turned housekeeper for Pierson and Matthews, who remained a loyal disciple to Matthews and later joined the Abolitionist and Suffragette movements as Sojourner Truth.
Margaret Matthews
Margaret Matthews
The wife of Robert Matthews, who suffered abuse during their marriage and ultimately refused reconciliation following the collapse of Matthews's cult.
240
Book • Nonfiction
New York • 1830s
1994
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.