Joseph Smith: The First Mormon

Joseph Smith: The First Mormon is a biography that examines the life of the founder of the Mormon religion from his childhood in New England through his religious awakening and establishment of a new faith. The book draws on primary sources and historical records to reconstruct Smith's journey from farm boy to religious leader. The narrative follows Smith's experiences with religious visions, his translation of the Book of Mormon, and his efforts to build a following in New York, Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. Hill documents the growth of Smith's religious movement alongside the persecution and conflicts his followers faced in various communities. This biography presents multiple perspectives on controversial aspects of Smith's life and leadership, including plural marriage, political activities, and clashes with both Mormon dissidents and outside opponents. It aims to provide historical context for the social and religious environment of 19th century America that shaped both Smith and his movement. The book explores themes of religious conviction, the nature of prophetic authority, and the tension between individual revelation and established social orders in American society. Hill's account raises questions about the intersection of spiritual experiences and institution-building in the formation of new religious movements.

Readers note this biography takes a middle-ground approach between faithful Mormon and anti-Mormon perspectives. Many cite Hill's thorough research and extensive use of primary sources. Positive reviews highlight: - Balanced treatment of controversial topics - Clear chronological organization - Inclusion of lesser-known historical details - Accessible writing style for non-academic readers Common criticisms: - Lacks depth on theological developments - Minimal coverage of Smith's family relationships - Too cautious in drawing conclusions - Outdated scholarship (published 1977) Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (444 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (98 ratings) Sample reader comment: "Hill presents facts without pushing an agenda. She lets readers draw their own conclusions about Smith's motivations and experiences." - Goodreads reviewer Critical take: "The author seems afraid to take a strong position on disputed events, often presenting conflicting accounts without analysis." - Amazon reviewer

No Man Knows My History by Fawn McKay Brodie A biography of Joseph Smith that utilizes primary sources and historical documents to trace his life from childhood through the founding of Mormonism.

American Prophet by Leonard J. Arrington A biography drawing from LDS Church archives to examine Joseph Smith's religious leadership and the development of the Mormon movement.

Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman A cultural history that places Joseph Smith within the context of nineteenth-century American religious and social movements.

Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism by Richard L. Bushman A focused examination of Smith's early life and the events leading to the publication of the Book of Mormon.

The Mormon People by Matthew Bowman A comprehensive history that connects Joseph Smith's founding vision to the development of the modern Mormon church.

🔹 Author Donna Hill spent 15 years researching and writing this biography, conducting extensive interviews with Smith family descendants and examining countless primary documents. 🔹 The book was one of the first major biographies of Joseph Smith written by a Mormon author that aimed to take an objective, scholarly approach rather than a purely devotional one. 🔹 Published in 1977, this work broke new ground by addressing controversial topics like Smith's involvement in folk magic and treasure seeking, which many previous Mormon authors had avoided. 🔹 Hill's research revealed that Joseph Smith's maternal ancestors, the Macks, were well-known for their religious enthusiasm and mystical experiences, helping explain some of the influences on his spiritual development. 🔹 The biography caused considerable debate within Mormon circles upon its release, as it presented Smith as a complex historical figure rather than either a pure saint or fraud, challenging both traditional Mormon and anti-Mormon narratives.