In this podcast, Art Remillard talks with Patrick Mason about his new book, The Mormon Menace: Violence and Anti-Mormonism in the Postbellum South. Mason is the Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University. During this conversation, Mason explains what initially drew him to this unique project, which represents a significant contribution to both southern religious history and Mormon history. He offers insights into how he conceptualized violence to frame his narrative, and how anti-Mormonism differed from the prejudices faced by Jews and Catholics. Mason also looks ahead, discussing future projects and sharing his thoughts on what Mitt Romney’s candidacy might mean for Mormons in the South and nationally.

[Mason’s book was reviewed in volume 13 of the JSR.]