author
Jr. Joseph Smith
1805–1844
A poor farm boy who became one of the most influential and controversial religious leaders in American history, he founded the Latter Day Saint movement and inspired lasting devotion as well as fierce opposition. His short life was filled with visions, new scripture, community-building, and dramatic conflict that ended in violence.
9 Audiobooks
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1
by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jr. Joseph Smith
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 4
by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jr. Joseph Smith
The Wentworth Letter
by Jr. Joseph Smith
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 2
by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jr. Joseph Smith
General Smith's Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States
by Jr. Joseph Smith
The Lectures on Faith
by Jr. Joseph Smith
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 3
by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jr. Joseph Smith
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 6
by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, B. H. (Brigham Henry) Roberts, Jr. Joseph Smith
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Volume 5
by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jr. Joseph Smith
About the author
Born in Sharon, Vermont, on December 23, 1805, Joseph Smith Jr. grew up in a farming family that later settled in western New York. He said a series of spiritual experiences led to his calling as a prophet, and in 1830 he organized the Church of Christ, the movement that became The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Smith is best known for bringing forth the Book of Mormon and for leading a fast-growing religious community through moves from New York to Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois. He also introduced new revelations, oversaw the building of temples, and served as a civic and political leader in Nauvoo, Illinois.
His life remains deeply important to millions of believers and intensely debated by historians because of his religious claims, leadership, and practice of plural marriage. He was killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, on June 27, 1844, at age 38, leaving behind a movement that continued to grow after his death.