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The History of Joseph Smith By His Mother

    Written by Lucy Mack Smith and first published in 1853, The History of Joseph Smith By His Mother, is one of the earliest records about Joseph Smith’s life. As his mother, Lucy offers a personal view of his upbringing, the Smith family’s struggles, and the events leading up to the founding of the Church.

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    I recommend the edition that is labeled as the complete and unabridged 1853 first edition. Later versions were edited and don’t include everything she originally wrote.

    It’s not a polished history. It reads more like a collection of memories. That makes it valuable in that Joseph's story is told a bit different than how the church often tells it. Lucy talks about Joseph’s childhood illnesses, the family's money troubles, and their spiritual beliefs. Including vivid accounts of visions held by both herself and her husband. 

    She also gives early descriptions of events like the First Vision, Joseph Smith's visits with the angel Moroni, and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.


    What stands out is that Lucy doesn’t try to explain everything. She reports what she saw and heard. Some parts raise more questions than answers. That’s what makes this book useful for people who are trying to understand the origins of Mormonism without relying only on official Church narratives.

    After Joseph Smith’s death, Brigham Young expressed strong opposition to the book. He reportedly viewed it as unauthorized and worried it could cause confusion or dissent. Lucy had stayed in Nauvoo with her son William Smith, who was trying to position himself as a church leader. Brigham Young saw the book as part of that effort. He dismissed it as unreliable, even calling it a “tissue of lies” and instructed that copies be destroyed or suppressed.





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