Authors and Compilers:
Mary Batchelor * Marianne Watson * Anne Wilde

About the Book

This book is a unique collection of original essays written by plural wives in their own words.

Some of the plural wives who submitted essays for inclusion in this book are speaking publicly for the first time. In the past many of these women have chosen to remain silent rather than risk revealing their identities. This publication has provided them with a medium wherein they could feel comfortable in sharing their thoughts, ideas, feelings and emotions. Along with their stories, the reader will find important and enlightening background material discussing events and doctrines leading up to contemporary polygamy.

This book meets the authors’ four aims: (1) to present a positive voice for plural marriage, (2) to demonstrate that a significant number of women have freely chosen to accept this lifestyle, (3) to help dispel false stereotypes, and (4) to allow plural wives to speak and be heard.

This book reveals that plural wives are diverse, independent and balanced and have found meaning and fulfillment in their chosen lifestyle. Voices in Harmony will surely take its place among other significant historical and scholarly works.

~ Excerpts from the Preface, by Carolyn Campbell

Endorsements

D. Michael Quinn
Affiliated Scholar in the Center for Feminist Research, University of Southern California. Author of “LDS Church Authority and New Plural Marriages, 1890-1904,” Dialogue 18, Spring 1985 & Mormon Hierarchy, Signature Books.

“This is a book without parallel for those interested in studying modern American family life. Even the most casual reader will be interested in its statistical profiles of 100 women who have lived as wives in polygamous households. These women’s personal essays do not fit the outsider’s stereotypes. From 19-year-olds to women of retirement age, these plural wives are intelligent, articulate, and integrated within modern society. An outsider may regard their faith as odd and their devotion to plural marriage as even stranger, but this book reveals these plural wives as diverse, devout, intelligent, and interesting women.”

Professor Martha Sonntag Bradley University of Utah.
Author, Kidnapped from That Land: The Government raids on the Short Creek Polygamists

“This collection of testimonials from women living plural marriage adds a missing link in our efforts to better understand the principle. With poignancy, a sense of the spirit, and a deep respect for plurality, these women speak to their own experience and tell us how plurality feels to them. As such, it is an important contribution to the growing body of literature about the practice of plural marriage. For them an affirmation of their chosen lifestyle, for us a window into the fascinating private world of plurality.”

Ken Driggs
Attorney at Law
Author of several articles on Mormon History and the law. Ken has also written about Fundamentalist Mormon polygamists. (see www.kendriggs.com)

“Fundamentalist Mormons have rarely been allowed to tell their own story, especially the women who elect to enter plural relationships. This book listens respectfully to these women who write about their lives based upon belief and tradition, and they should be taken seriously. These plural wives explain their unorthodox choices–choices made in religious faith and in a commitment to a Mormon way of life left behind over 100 years ago by the largely successful LDS Church. There simply is nothing else available with gives the reader these insights.”

Professors Irwin Altman & Joseph Ginat Co-authors, Polygamous Families in Contemporary Society. Dr. Altman is a Distinguished Professor of psychology, University of Utah. Dr. Ginat is Professor of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Haifa, Israel.

“An excellent review of theological, historical and legal underpinnings of fundamentalist Mormon polygamy. Of special interest are the 100 essays by women who describe their marriages and relationships with co-wives in contemporary plural families. Specifically designed to counteract public statements by those opposed to plural marriage, the volume in general, and the personal accounts in particular, offer a unique perspective on modern plural family life. The volume is well worth reading; it can contribute to informed, constructive, and rational discussions and policy making regarding this unusual American family lifestyle.”

Professor B. Carmon Hardy History Professor, California State University at Fullerton. Author, Solemn Covenant; The Mormon Polygamous Passage

“Historians always value firsthand accounts. This gathering of personal observations by contemporary polygamous women is, therefore, especially significant. It is a most timely project, important to everyone interested in this fascinating topic.”

How to Order

To order your copy or copies of Voices in Harmony: Contemporary Women Celebrate Plural Marriage, please send your check or money order for $20 per book (plus $3 shipping), payable to PRINCIPLE VOICES at the following address-

Principle Voices
c/o 3332 E. Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121

For any questions, please email Anne at Principlevoices@comcast.net. Voices in Harmony is also available through Amazon at www.amazon.com.