Psychobiography? Another way of looking at history...

I read Inside the Mind of Joseph Smith as part of my research for my forthcoming novel A Family of Forgetters.  Inside the Mind of Joseph Smith: Psychobiography and the Book of Mormon by Robert D. Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author offers a fascinating look into the mind of Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through a psychobiographical study. Using science and academic history, Anderson hypothesizes that the Book of Mormon can be understood as Joseph’s autobiography and offers a diagnosis of Smith’s mental state. The perspective he presents is thought-provoking, one based on his study of Joseph’s early years, his family and neighbors, his homes, his health, state of mind and the state of the nation including politics of the day, the revivalist and spiritualist movements, folklore, poverty and economics. Whether he’s right or not, Anderson’s psychobiographical study is what’s interesting, for he attempts to give a whole picture of Joseph through what historical evidence remains and includes mental health in that picture. The book is presented in a way I understood, and is a good read, save for repetition which became laboring – I skimmed bits of it - but understandable for a case study. I recommend.

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Kate E Thompson is a Seattle author, a 2008 Hedgebrook alumna, book artist and graphic designer and has been a freelance journalist, editor, event planner, and bookstore owner. Kate is the author of Bigfoot Hunters Never Lie - Jan 21, 2015, The Asteroid’s Daughter and the Serpent Handler’s Son with Other Curious Stories - Fall 2015, a contributing author of New Halem Tales, and is currently working on her next novel, A Family of Forgetters - Spring 2016. www.kateethompson.com