Volume two of Brother Joseph: Seer of a New Dispensation continues the amazing saga of the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Drawn from hundreds of authoritative sources, it delivers a fascinating and sweeping view of the last half of Joseph’s eventful and inspiring life. Through the highs and the lows of his many experiences in Kirtland, Zion’s Camp, Far West, Liberty jail and Nauvoo, Joseph was forged into a humble servant of God who led the people by example and whom the Saints admired and deeply loved. The Saints knew that their cherished Brother Joseph was a man who was full of light, who imparted profound doctrines that enriched their lives—teachings that caused them to ponder in sincere reflection. They treasured the opportunity to associate with Joseph and to learn from him. Written in a very readable style by using Joseph’s own recorded history and the observations of those knew him, this volume offers a clear and vivid portrait of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It illustrates the breadth and depth of the dynamic life of this exceptional servant of God. In this book is an inspiring and impressive biography of a singular man and prophet of God.

Born to a life of poverty and obscurity, Joseph Smith rose from humble beginnings to become a mighty prophet of God. But this did not happen in an instant. Through faithful diligence in the midst of intense persecution, he grew year after year in spiritual stature and strength as he inaugurated a “marvelous work and a wonder” which still continues to fill the world with light and truth. Volume one of Brother Joseph: Seer of a New Dispensation begins the amazing story of the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Drawn from hundreds of authoritative sources, it delivers a fascinating and sweeping view of the first half of Joseph’s eventful and inspiring life. Growing into manhood while suffering many trials and relentless persecution, Joseph was forged into a humble servant of God who led the people by example and whom the Saints admired and deeply loved. As the Lord taught and strengthened Joseph, he imparted profound doctrines that enriched the lives of the Saints—teachings that caused them to ponder in sincere reflection. They treasured the opportunity to associate with their beloved Brother Joseph and to learn from him. Written in a very readable style by using Joseph’s own recorded history and the observations of those knew him, this volume offers a clear and vivid portrait of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It illustrates the breadth and depth of the dynamic life of this exceptional servant of God. In this book is an inspiring and impressive biography of a singular man and prophet of God.

Few American religious figures have stirred more passion among adherents and antagonists than Joseph Smith. Born in 1805 and silenced thirty-nine years later by assassins’ bullets, he dictated more than one-hundred revelations, published books of new scripture, built a temple, organized several new cities, and became the proclaimed prophet to tens of thousands during his abbreviated life. Among his many novel teachings and practices, none is more controversial than plural marriage, a restoration of the Old Testament practice that he accepted as part of his divinely appointed mission. Joseph Smith taught his polygamy doctrines only in secret and dictated a revelation in July 1843 authorizing its practice (now LDS D&C 132) that was never published during his lifetime. Although rumors and exposés multiplied, it was not until 1852 that Mormons in Brigham Young’s Utah took a public stand. By then, thousands of Mormons were engaged in the practice that was seen as essential to salvation. Victorian America saw plural marriage as immoral and Joseph Smith as acting on libido. However, the private writings of Nauvoo participants and other polygamy insiders tell another, more complex and nuanced story. Many of these accounts have never been published. Others have been printed sporadically in unrelated publications. Drawing on every known historical account, whether by supporters or opponents, Volumes 1 and 2 take a fresh look at the chronology and development of Mormon polygamy, including the difficult conundrums of the Fannie Alger relationship, polyandry, the “angel with a sword” accounts, Emma Smith’s poignant response, and the possibility of Joseph Smith offspring by his plural wives. Among the most intriguing are the newly available Andrew Jenson papers containing not only the often-quoted statements by surviving plural wives but also Jenson’s own private research, conducted in the late nineteenth century. Telling the story of Joseph Smith’s polygamy from the records of those who knew him best, augmented by those who observed him from a distance, may have produced the most useful view of all.

Can you name the 117 angels that appeared to Joseph Smith? You’ll be able to after reading this book! With interesting facts, inspiring stories, and even his patriarchal blessing, 500 Little-Known Facts about Joseph Smith is a perfect book to have on hand for your family, for teaching lessons and giving talks, or for personal study.