Description

"Here is an open, honest, and refreshing history of the foundational years of the Latter-day Saints restoration movement. You may have heard that Joseph Smith was the prophet of Mormonism. But do you know the story behind the gold plates? This book examines the background, evolution, conflicts, and sacrifices made by church members. Primary sources are used to cover over a twenty-five-year period of history. This book covers before the establishment of the church and during Joseph Smith's fourteen-year ministry. If you want to know the history and basis for every church whose teachings go back to the Book of Mormon this is the book. Read from the records of the day." (From back cover.)

Table of Contents

Preface
Common Abbreviations
Libraries

Chapter

1. Relocation to Palmyra and Manchester, New York
2. Palmyra Revival of 1842-1825
3. Secular and Religious Background
4. Manchester Scryer
5. The Treasure
6. Smith Family Activities
7. Life in Harmony, Pennsylvania
8. Publication of the Book of Mormon
9. Literary Dependence in the Book of Mormon: Two Studies
10. Restoring the Church of Christ
11. New Jerusalem in America
12. Revelations through Joseph Smith
13. Missionary Work
14. Bible Revision
15. Priesthood Restoration
16. Papyri and Writings of Abraham
17. House of the Lord: The Kirtland Temple
18. Problems at Kirtland
19. Danites and Dissenters
20. Development in Theology
21. Building Nauvoo
22. Priesthood Ordinances
23. Plural Wives in Nauvoo
24. Sarah Ann Whitney
25. Emily Dow Partridge
26. More on Nauvoo Plural Wives
27. Tragedy: Death of a Prophet

Conclusion — Progress of Mormonism
Select Bibliography
Index