Offering a firsthand account from within a leading Mormon family, this memoir traces the turbulent years when Utah transitioned from a church-dominated territory to an integrated state within the United States.

Frank J. Cannon, both participant and observer, provides an insider's perspective on political negotiations in Washington, internal debates within the Mormon hierarchy, and the wider struggle over polygamy, conformity, and social reform. His reflections are sharply critical of ecclesiastical control and cultural insularity, yet acknowledge the Church's organizational strengths and social contributions.

Rich in political insight and historical detail, this narrative stands as a key source for understanding the interplay of religion, governance, and identity in the shaping of Utah. It remains a significant testimony to the conflicts and compromises that defined a pivotal chapter in American history.