The History of Joseph Smith by His Mother

by Lucy Mack Smith

Amidst confusion over several versions of this mother's account of her son, Mormon prophet Joseph Smith, his 5th great grandson for the family foundation reaffirms this version developed in 1996 by Scot & Maurine Proctor, "who restored Lucy's language and feeling through verification with the original notebook."

Genres: Biography, Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, History, Church, Historical

328 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1844

About the author

Lucy Mack Smith was the mother of Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She is most noted for writing an award-winning memoir: Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and His Progenitors for Many Generations. She was an important leader of the movement during the life of Joseph.

Reviews

[Trinna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book written by Joseph's Mother, Lucy. It is a wonderful book depicting the joys and sorrows of the Smith family from her view. I was a bit surprised that the title is named the History of Joseph Smith, as it seems to hold more of a history of the entire Smith family. Joseph was mentioned much less than I thought he would be. That is not bad, just different than I pictured. It was nice reading thru Lucy's eyes and picturing her viewpoint. She was a very loving, faithful devoted mother to her family as well as the saints. Great book.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is so much to learn from Mother Smith’s example.

[Tom Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not entirely historically accurate. Mother Smith's account is limited by two factors. First, as the mother of Joseph and Hyrum, how could anyone expect her to be objective? And how could anyone fairly view that inability to be objective as a moral failing on her part? Second, it is unlikely Mother Smith had first-hand knowledge of many of the historical gaps or inaccuracies in her book. For example, it is unlikely Mother Smith had first hand knowledge of the extent of Joseph Smith's polygamy, John C. Bennett's sexual misconduct or the x's and o's of the controversies surrounding the Nauvoo Expositor.

One could nit pick these limitations, but Mother Smith was not a historian. This books is invaluable because it gives Mother Smith's first-hand account of what she experienced. Her account is moving, especially near the end as she described the martyrdom of her two sons, Hyrum and Joseph. She sacrificed tremendously for the Restored Gospel, and the depth of those sacrifices understandably color how she remembers and recounts the events of the Restoration. This is a book every Mormon should read (along with some real history books to provide context).

[Courtney Hatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s nothing like a mother’s perspective!!

[Chrisanne]

So apparently there is a version of this book with endnotes and commentary. I would have infinitely preferred that edition.

Lucy Smith was a woman of her time--- which is a good thing in many ways(though I was often infuriated at the way she often had to find a man to do things. This is why feminism is a good thing). However, America, in the 1800s, spoke and wrote a different language. And that makes the reading difficult.

She was tough. I dare you to read Hyrum's enclosed report of the Jackson County wrongs without experiencing some sort of horrified disgust for the perpetrators and admiration for those, like her, who made it to Illinois. That abuse explains a lot of our culture's issues(I think). And should make US more charitable and less adopting of contempt. Finding a reason for behavior doesn't mean that we don't need to fix the issue. It's just something some have never addressed. And it needs to be so we can move on and address OUR issues.

She was generous. Her comments about her children and Emma were made before they took care of her for years as a widow.

I found a lot to admire and, as I have said before, it's hard to rate a life. But I really would have preferred that other version. I think my favorite section was the explanatory preface from her grandson, Joseph F. Smith, at the beginning. It was charitable, honest, and accurate.

And it is oddly connected to the trending (hopefully always and not just now) topic of racism and bigotry. Read it and see for yourself.

[Kate]

The Preface to the book is clear that there was circumstances in the life of Lucy Mack Smith that may have rendered portions of the account inaccurate (e.g. her age when it was transcribed), but by and large this book gives satisfactory and intimate view of the Smith family.

Some things I found interesting were:
Lucy Mack Smith did not seem to favor Joseph Smith Jun. in the account. Though he was called as the prophet, she did not make him the 'star' so to speak.

Another think that interested me was the spirituality of the entire family; they all seemed to want their salvation to be secured. It would seem that dreams and foreknowledge of events was common in the immediate family and not exclusive to the prophet.

Perhaps it didn't make it into the record (I know it doesn't in my journal) but it seems like this family was not big on complaining. They accepted what they supposed the will of God and didn't fight against it.

[Cindy Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say this is one of my favorite books. The testimony of Joseph Smith from his mother is much more real to me because I am a mother myself. I can't imagine watching my child go through all the things that he did. It seems to me that his family would be the first to abandon him if he were lying. They went through so many trials as well as the prophet just by being related to him. This book strengthened my testimony of Joseph Smith and was very informational about what happened in the LDS church's history during that time. I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to know about Joseph Smith or wants to strengthen their testimony of him.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd read this years ago in college but forgotten most of it. It is a first-hand account of the Smith family and the spiritual journey of Joseph Smith Jr in particular. The persecution the members of the LDS church (the "mormons") was horrendous and heartbreaking. This is a free country, but only so far as we as the freest in the world are willing to control our own hearts and minds and actions. A devastating read on some levels. On other levels, it is a deeply inspiring book of integrity, faith, endurance, and patience. And of the possibilities for eternal familial love in this life and in the next to come.
People pick at this book. It's a first hand account. Of course it doesn't have academic research of a couple centuries to flesh it out. It has something far more significant: the testimony of a mother based upon her authority as a mother.
That still means something, even if we ignore or disparage it.

[Cauleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very interesting. I could feel the strength of this woman as she recounted what her son, Joseph Smith went through in proclaiming his beliefs and what he was called to do as a Prophet of God in these latter days. Actually, the whole family passed through much tribulation to help him fulfill what he had been called of God to do. The persecution heaped upon this family and all who followed this Young Prophet was hard to comprehend especially in a country established on freedom. Her powerful testimony rings through every event she shares.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Made it to page 245 before it was due back to the library. Had some interesting historical details. I liked hearing her perspective.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So heartbreaking at the end. Such a love of a mother and a son.. The trials and joy were both overwhelming.Grateful for this eyewitness historical account!

[Jaylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh new view of events in the early Church. It was interesting to read about Lucy Mack Smith - I think she's somewhat of an unsung hero. What a spitfire!

[Jeanette Lukens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved hearing new stories as well as old stories but from a new perspective in this book.

[Cailean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing testimony-building book, detailing many events in the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. The way his mother writes is compelling and her descriptions and explanations are vivid. She starts off with the history of some of her own family members, which are both heartbreaking and fascinating. Most of the book, however, focuses on Joseph's childhood and events before during and after the Sacred Grove experience. I do wish there were less gaps in time, especially during his life as Prophet, but I recognize this is meant to be supplemental to other books about his life...most importantly his own journals and writings. Many times I was brought to tears by the love within his family and his love for the Lord and devotion. Many times I was shocked and heard to be saying, "Wow!!!" at the miracles described, which in its simple wording sound so commonplace. I highly recommend this book to any Latter-day Saint who wishes to know more about their prophet, and to anyone investigating the LDS Church.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this biographical narrative about the Prophet Joseph Smith shortly after returning home from a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I wanted to know more about him, and starting with the recollections and observations of his mother seemed like a good start. I wasn't wrong.

Clearly, this is not a professional biography, and is potentially subject to all of the biases, inaccuracies, and other problems that go with what is essentially a collection of memories. However, her account is supported by her journal entries, and dates have been checked by the church to ensure they are consistent with other sources that have been verified. In most instances there were, attesting to her accurate record-keeping. Many interesting details and stories are found here that might have been lost otherwise and Mother Smith's love for her son shines through on every page. Definitely a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the early history of the church and its founder.

[Lori Bond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. As an LDS member I am fascinated by the life of our first Prophet. This book really added to my testimony. There were parts that made me feel very upset at the things the Prophet and his family and all the Saints of that Era had to go through. I was in tears for the sorrow I know his mother felt from the loss of so many children and grandchildren and a few of their wives not to mention the loss of her husband. At the very end she gives her testimony. It was so powerful I just don't know how anyone after reading her story could not believe what she said was true. If you are an investigator this book is full of early church history and a great read. If you are already a member this book will strengthen your testimony when you read it. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about our first Prophet, who better to tell his story than his own Mother. She is a remarkable woman.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book while I was in college, but had a desire to go back and read it again now that I'm a mother. Though I'm very familiar with the events of the restoration, there were a number of things that I didn't know and/or had forgotten.

The entire Smith family (and nearly all of the early members of the LDS Church) were such incredible people. The trials they endured were so hard for me to even read about. I can't imagine having actually lived them.

I loved the footnotes added throughout the book; as I finished each chapter, I couldn't wait to read through them and gain additional info. This wasn't what I considered an "easy" read -- it took me about three weeks to finish -- but I really enjoyed it.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all the tragedy, hell, misery, and death that Joseph and his family went through, you'd think he'd recant everything and say "Never mind, I made all of this stuff up; I don't want all of this trouble", if the church wasn't true. They continued on in their testimonies because the truth was restored to the earth. How could they deny it? This is one thing this account from his mother re-affirmed to me...the testimony that Jesus Christ's Church was restored through this great prophet. I read this so quickly because I knew a book from Joseph's mother would have no "spin" or "opinion" weaved through the account. She is directly involved and is no outsider giving perspective that isn't her own experience. Like another reviewer said, "No one knows better than Mom."

[Mariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my most favorite book of all time. Lucy Mack Smith is a natural author. She's so talented, strong, opinionated, sensitive...I really loved this lady after reading this book. There is so much to the life of Joseph Smith that we don't hear in church. We hear mostly the basic, watered down version of stories. This is an accurate account of all the awesome happenings in Joseph's lives...but with 10 times the details. This is the abridged version, which I've heard that some prefer...because the unabridged is a little more difficult to follow. This books sparked a huge interest for me in church history and I've since read and hope to read many other books along these lines.

[Katie Bastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible!! It has brought church history to life for me. It blows my mind how much these people all had to endure. I learned a lot of things I'd never heard before-like the fact that Samuel Smith died a month after Joseph and Hyrum, from a fever that came as a result of over exertion trying to get away from the mob that killed his brothers. So really, that day killed three of the Smith brothers.

I have such a respect for Lucy Mack Smith-she was called a "prophetess" and received some pretty significant revelations of her own. I cannot believe all the trials she suffered. I can't wait to meet her!

[Laurie Dewberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book with my free iPad Deseret Book app, and thought I'd give it a try. Holy cow! I could not put this book down, and read it in two days. I had heard a lot of pieces of this history of course in many lessons over the years, but never like this. I think every member of the LDS church should read this history. I couldn't help but cry my eyes out a couple times as I read because of the sheer emotion and heartache. After reading this, I will certainly add Lucy Mack Smith to my list of heroes. She was absolutely amazing! So many of the early Saints were, but her tenacity, fearlessness, faith, etc. is not matched by many others.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book written by Joseph Smiths’ mother gives a great supplementary view of the life of Joseph Smith. Having read much by and about Joseph Smith most of the book was old news. The things that did stick out were how Joseph Smiths experience affected the lives of his family members. The large amount of persecution that Joseph Smith faced was fully lived and felt by his family members.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book before and loved learning of LDS history as seen through the eyes of one amazing little woman, Lucy Mack Smith. She also gives insight into the Prophet Joseph Smith that isn't found elsewhere.

[Tom Seely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good book about the Prophet Joseph Smith.Who better to write a book about the Prophet then his own Mother.My Testimony has been strengthened to night after finishing this book.I strongly suggest this book.So go read it!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The particular version I read had a ton of errors. This book helped me see another perspective and really increased my testimony of the truthfulness of the restoration of Christ’s church here on earth. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to study this book. I highly recommend it!

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever think your life is hard...read this book.

[Joyce Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring good read. Lucy Mack Smith is an amazing woman. Many hard tribulations. An eye opener.

[Bessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give it 5 stars

what else- very good

[Riley Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My ancestor Martha Jane Coray acted as scribe for this history so I had to read it. Having read a lot of church history, I expected a rehashing of history I already knew, but I loved this more personal perspective. The first 20% tells the history of Lucy's siblings and upbringing as a faithful person who saw God's hand in everyday affairs and health trials. As she gets the Joseph her children we see the persecution from a more personal level. In Josephs history we just learn that the 116 pages were lost or that he faced certain bogus civil cases. Lucy adds much more detail and is especially detailed in criticism for Martin Harris's wife. She explicitly accuses her of a role in losing the 116 pages where Joseph leaves it to insinuation. Instead of brushing over civil trials she talks about the persecution and debt suits that led to the departure from Palmyra. My only disappointment was that the Missouri period doesn't include much from Lucy. She includes a long report from Hyrum. I always imagine the Nauvoo period as an idyllic period but she covers those years in 3 quick chapters. I was depressed how many Smith's died of health consequences after the Missouri expulsion. No wonder it was such a sad period for the Smith Family. I still wish we had more details about that period. Overall a great read!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audio version of this book, which I have never before read. I think it offers an important perspective on the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Written from the perspective of the mother of Joseph Smith, Lucy Mack Smith, I was as impressed by what was shared as I was with what was left unsaid.

I wonder if my faith would have been as firm if I had seen the abuse and death heaped upon my family, and my children murdered as hers were. What heart-wrenching agony of soul she bore, and what great family sacrifice. I was struck by the amount of illness that prevailed at the time and grateful for advances in medicine now.

I had never heard the witness Hyrum gave in court, in defense of his brother Joseph, nor understood much of the timeline of events specifically within the Smith family. I enjoyed hearing the blessings Father Smith gave his sons prior to his passing, and like considering future fulfilment of such blessings.

Would still love to see a physical copy and endnotes with biographical sketches included.