The prophecies of Joseph Smith the prophet as told and interpreted by the well know Mormon scholar Truman G. Madsen
read full description
reviews
Jun 15, 2011
Lora Leigh
rated it: 
A really great book that contains oodles of information about the Prophet Joseph Smith. The writing style is easy-going-- not sterile research language-- and all the great little insights and tidbits from the Prophet's life helped me visualize him as a real person. The only flaw I found with the book is that it couldn't possibly hold as much information as I wanted. When I would read about a particular experience or quotation from Joseph Smith, I would wonder, "Well, what happened then?"
More...
May 27, 2011
Todd
rated it:
My testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith was not quite complete until I read and listened to this several years ago. I drove a truck and wore out the tapes. The experiences and life of the prophet are captured in a way only Brother Madsen can do it. Both he and Joseph Smith are legends in church history. I know without reservation that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. Reading the book will only strengthen your resolve to be more Christlike, appreciate what the prophet went through to rest
More...
Sep 20, 2010
Jennefer
rated it:
This book is amazing! I learned so much about the prophet Joseph Smith, facts about his life, his true character and his understanding of his divine calling. My testimony was reconfirmed that he was not only a prophet of God, but truly one of the greatest men to ever walk the earth. For all that he endured for this testimony, my adoration and appreciation is too great to even describe. There is no one who has studied the life of Joseph Smith more in depth then Truman Madsen and you can feel his
More...
Aug 04, 2009
Jake
rated it: 
These lectures ought to be titled: Joseph Smith the Hero. By the time Madsen is done painting his portrait, the Mormon Prophet seems more a Greek statue than a human.
When I was a green LDS missionary in rural Maine, my trainer introduced me to this collection of lectures. We listened to them as part of our morning study. My mission boundaries included the birthplace of Joseph Smith, and the town where he had a famous leg operation as a boy. So I was primed to relish these lectures.
More...
When I was a green LDS missionary in rural Maine, my trainer introduced me to this collection of lectures. We listened to them as part of our morning study. My mission boundaries included the birthplace of Joseph Smith, and the town where he had a famous leg operation as a boy. So I was primed to relish these lectures.
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 23, 2012
Rich
rated it: 
As I believing member of the mormon church I loved this book, but after reading Richard Lyman's Rough Stone Rolling, it's obvious that Truman Madsen decided not to delve in to the less faith promoting details of Joseph's life. The book does a great job of promoting the image Joseph Smith that the LDS church teaches, but is leaves out major themes and incidents from Joseph's life that. I'd recommend Rough Stone Rolling for anyone interested in a more historically accurate look at Joseph Smith's
More...
Apr 23, 2011
Vaughn
rated it:
I listened to the original audio form of these lectures, which were later adapted into the book. They are simply masterful. They cover not only the life and character of the Prophet Joseph Smith (founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) but also give vision of the true miracle of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result, I am more amazed & impressed at the depth, humility, and greatness of this man than I have ever been before. I truly believe that in the ann
More...
Mar 19, 2011
Emily
rated it:
I read this on the heels of a C.S. Lewis book that was difficult to follow, so I was especially grateful for a brilliant author with immense understanding that could write such an easy to follow, insightful book. I learned so much about Joseph Smith that was completely new to me. It not only strengthened my testimony of him as a prophet, but on many gospel principles that were incorporated into the book. It is so well done that I did not want to put it down. Enjoyable and enlightening.
Jan 05, 2011
Peg
rated it:
Words cannot express how much I have loved reading this book. I have collected many books on the life and teachings of Joseph Smith; this is one of my favorites. Thanks to my son Mark, his wife Joani, and their two beautiful daughters for giving this to me as a Christmas gift a few weeks ago. I had never read or heard any of the tapes by Truman Madsen. I will be reading more of his books in the future.
Jul 31, 2009
Brad
rated it: 
This is a bit different from other biographies of Joseph Smith I have read. Madsen goes a little deeper and points out qualities that other authors seem to miss. I first came across this as a missionary by someone who had the lectures on tape. I really enjoyed it then and took a lot away from reading the book 6 years later. Very good read.
Sep 30, 2010
Becky
rated it:
I actually listened to the tapes. I'm in the car a lot these days - so I figured I may as well do something constructive. I listened to them twice. It's hard to take everything in at once. I'm sure I'll listen to them again sometime. You learn something (actually several things) every time you listen. Highly recommended.
Oct 09, 2009
Eric
rated it:
I listened to these lectures 20 years ago and enjoyed hearing them again. I was surprised to hear so many stories that have been in my head for 20 years, not realizing that they had all come from Truman Madsen. I can't imagine anybody hearing these lectures and not be completely convinced of Joseph Smith's calling of God.
Feb 13, 2009
Jen
rated it:
This is a great book given to me by a wonderful friend for my birthday. My father is good friends with Truman and so I took interest in reading Truman's writings. I loved reading the lectures on Joseph Smith. It truly brought Joseph to light and provided many quotes by the Prophet that I had not heard before. I enjoyed how he broke down the spiritual gifts the prophet had possessed and also the personality traits of the prophet. The other part that I enjoyed is that the book is full of footnote
More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Jun 08, 2011
Ruth
rated it:
First listened to this as a kid driving across the US with my family. My mom recently gave me the illustrated version for Christmas and it reminded me of how much I enjoyed it when I was younger. Truly a great book about Joseph Smith.
Jan 11, 2010
Scott
rated it:
Madsen writes with tremendous efficiency as he fills the space of this small book with great insights and historical information about the prophet Joseph Smith.
If you only read one book, this would be my first pick.
If you only read one book, this would be my first pick.
Apr 06, 2009
Mark
rated it:
I first heard these tapes by Truman Madsen when I was serving as an LDS missionary. I love the powerful stories and examples from the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. This book contains some of my favorite stories from his life.
Nov 30, 2008
Daren
rated it:
Maybe not as technical or in depth as could be, but Truman Madsen excells because you can sense the love he has for the prophet and feel that he wants to share and instill the same for the prophet in the listener.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 21, 2008
Karen
rated it:
This is a profound book about Joseph Smith. It captures, better than any other book I know, the greatness of Joseph Smith and his largeness of spirit. The reader learns insights into his character traits and personality.
Outside of Mormon circles, there is often confusion about how Mormons view Joseph Smith. It's certain that we do not worship him. Rather, we revere him as the first prophet of the latter days. We revere him for having restored the full gospel with its saving or More...
Outside of Mormon circles, there is often confusion about how Mormons view Joseph Smith. It's certain that we do not worship him. Rather, we revere him as the first prophet of the latter days. We revere him for having restored the full gospel with its saving or More...
Feb 05, 2009
Shalee
rated it:
I just recently finished listening to this on my way to work each morning. Most mornings arriving at work with make up worn from the tears. I love this Prophet. What an amazing man.
Sep 24, 2008
Lotte
rated it:
I read this book recommended by my dad and was pleased with the insights and testimonies presented by Madsen. It is not an exhaustive history of Joseph Smith (nor does Madsen present it as such) but reviews/discusses various roles in which the prophet was called to serve in his lifetime. In the introduction, Madsen states that we still wait for the "definitive" work on Joseph Smith. IMO, Rough Stone Rolling has come as close as anything to meeting that challenge. Madsens's book certai
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Dec 08, 2010
Jen
rated it:
We have the audio CD set of this book and it's really neat. Listened to it on a cross-country drive and it made the miles shrink a little with how much it made you ponder.
Jul 07, 2010
Chris
rated it:
Gives a very intimate and vivid portrayal of the prophet. As a missionary it was great reading and listening to the stories and experiences that shaped this founding prophet.
Feb 13, 2009
Dustin
rated it:
this is a series of lectures presented by Truman G. Madsen. I have listend to them multiple times and learn something new about the prophet each time. highly recommed.
Jun 29, 2010
Janalee
rated it:
I need to read more church books, finished this one. It was pretty good. I gave it only 3 stars because it wasn't a gripping page-turner. But it has its place.
Mar 04, 2009
Paul
rated it:
Written version of the great lectures. When you read them, you don't get the classic Madsen voice, pronunciation, etc.... but you do get the footnotes!
Jun 06, 2011
Win
rated it:
Incredible book! Truman Madsen is an amazing scholar. I was sorry when I finished the book and the beautiful pictures were an added bonus.
Jun 18, 2009
Margo
rated it:
Have loved it so far. I always keep in mind that Truman Madsen was building his family's cabin in Brighton at the time he gave these lectures and would hurriedly get ready and drive to BYU and give the lectures without notes. That's impressive!
Mar 18, 2010
Laura
rated it:
So much food for thought in such a short book. I've found some treasures here and came away hoping I can be more like Joseph Smith.
Oct 24, 2009
Ger
rated it:
A good short overview on the life of the Prophet with a few surprises! It provided good insights into his human side and divine calling.
Aug 26, 2009
Cristine
rated it:
Wonderful! It is so fascinating to see glimpses into the Prophet's life and all the ways that he was prepared to be a prophet of God. He loved the members of the church and ultimately gave his life for them. Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.
