Title: The Shooting Salvationist: J. Frank Norris and the Murder Trial That Captivated America Author: David R. Stokes Genre: True Crime / History / Biography Publication available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k2LNPg

Step into the tumultuous Roaring Twenties with The Shooting Salvationist, David R. Stokes' gripping account of a true story that was once page-one news across America. This book chronicles the life and trial of J. Frank Norris, a fiery fundamentalist pastor known for his controversial sermons and sensational style. Norris was a man of immense ambition and charisma, building one of America's first megachurches in Fort Worth, Texas, alongside a weekly newspaper, the Searchlight, and a radio network.

Stokes reveals how Norris navigated the cultural clash between traditionalism and modernity, using his media empire for self-promotion and calculated fights against perceived enemies, including civic leaders and those connected to the liquor industry. His attacks and controversial behavior led to multiple criminal indictments over the years. The narrative culminates in the dramatic events of July 17, 1926, when Norris shot and killed lumberman Dexter Elliott Chipps in his church office, leading to a sensational murder trial that drew national media attention.

Discover the compelling story of the courtroom spectacle in Austin, Texas, where Norris's defense team argued self-preservation against the state's charge of cold-blooded murder. Featuring verbatim dialogue from trial transcripts and historical documents, the book delves into the strategies, public reactions, and the complex character of Norris, a man whose personal values and tendencies often overshadowed his gifts. The Shooting Salvationist is a sobering reminder of the perils inherent in any cult of personality and a vivid portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history and religious fundamentalism.

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