No Man Knows My History (Arkosh History)

by Fawn M. Brodie

As an intellectual companion she did not exist for him, nor did any woman. One of Joseph’s rare references to Emma in his journal is as revealing of this as it is of the prophet’s vanity. When she was serving dinner to him and Parley Pratt one day, he complained jocularly that she always loaded the table with too much good food. When Pratt suggested that he eat by himself like Napoleon, seated at a table with just the victuals he needed, Emma spoke up quickly: “But Mr. Smith is a bigger man than Bonaparte; he can never eat without his friends.” Joseph looked up at her in pleased surprise. “That,” he said, “is the wisest thing I ever heard you say.”