In this interdisciplinary work, William L. Davis examines Joseph Smith's 1829 creation of the Book of Mormon, the foundational text of the Latter Day Saint movement. Positioning the text in the history of early American oratorical techniques, sermon culture, educational practices, and the passion for self-improvement, Davis elucidates both the fascinating cultural context for the creation of the Book of Mormon and the central role of oral culture in early nineteenth-century America. Drawing on performance studies, religious studies, literary culture, and the history of early American education, Davis analyzes Smith's process of oral composition. How did he produce a history spanning a period of 1,000 years, filled with hundreds of distinct characters and episodes, all cohesively tied together in an overarching narrative? Eyewitnesses claimed that Smith never looked at notes, manuscripts, or books—he simply spoke the words of this American religious epic into existence. Judging the truth of this process is not Davis's interest. Rather, he reveals a kaleidoscope of practices and styles that converged around Smith's creation, with an emphasis on the evangelical preaching styles popularized by the renowned George Whitefield and John Wesley.

The gripping narration of a life fore-ordained for greatness coupled with breathtaking photographs make Joseph Smith, Praise to the Man and extraordinary book. Enjoy a visual look into the Prophet's humble beginnings. Bask in the serenity of the sacred in New York, learn of revelations in Ohio, and witness the heartache of Missori. See the grandeur of restored Nauvoo and sense the pathos of Carthage.

This book discusses the origins of Joseph Smith's three seer stones--the brown stone, the white stone, and the green stone, --as well as exploring how Joseph used them throughout his life in a way that goes beyond translating the Book of Mormon. It also traces the provenance of the three seer stones once they leave his possession. The authors also examine how the Book of Mormon itself provides a storyline about the history of seer stones, which also helped Joseph Smith learn about his own prophetic gifts. Finally, this book explores how Joseph Smith took his own experiences with seer stones and created a theology of seer stones that became closely linked with his unique doctrines of exaltation.