Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and His Ancestors for Many Generations

By: Lucy Smith

Narrated by: Elizabeth Durfee

Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

This book is a biographical sketch of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was written by his mother, Lucy Mack Smith, and published in 1853.

The book covers Smith's life from his birth to his death in 1844. It includes details about his family, his religious experiences, and his leadership of the Church.

Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), disapproved of Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, as he felt that the account contained errors and inaccuracies concerning church history and doctrine.

In an effort to control the narrative and maintain consistency in the teachings and history of the LDS Church, Young and other church leaders sought to suppress the distribution and reading of Lucy Mack Smith's book. Brigham Young ordered the Saints in England, where the book was published, to gather and destroy the copies of the book. The church leaders believed that Lucy's account, although personal and heartfelt, presented a version of events that differed from the official church narrative.

It should be noted that while Brigham Young took measures to suppress the book, Lucy Mack Smith's memoir has since been recognized as a valuable historical document, providing a personal perspective on the early days of the LDS Church and the life of Joseph Smith.

©2023 Josiah Stonehill (P)2023 Josiah Stonehill