Joseph F. Smith: Portrait of a Prophet By Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, R. Q. Shupe Deseret Book, 2000. Hardback: 375 pages. ISBN: 1-57008-683-4 Suggested retail price: $25.95 (US)
Reviewed by: Jeff Needle

In a time when biographies of Church presidents are easily available, one always wonders why another book seems necessary. How much can you say about a person that hasn't already been said? Focusing on this interesting man in various forums in the Church advances the cause for a new book, but doesn't entirely justify it. Mere repetition does not constitute praise.

The authors of Joseph F. Smith, Portrait of a Prophet make their intentions clear at the outset:

This work is primarily an effort to produce a "Joseph F. Smith photographic scrapbook," highlighting some of the wonderful images from an impressive visual record of his life. It is not an effort to supplant the existing historical efforts of previous authors who provide details, insights, and interpretations of his labors and ministry. (from the Introduction)

True to their word, the first 265 pages of this book are richly populated by a genuinely interesting photographic record of Pres. Smith and the people who surrounded him. Also included are photographs of his wives, and reproductions of letters written by, and to, him.

The remaining pages contain a record of the tributes delivered at the spring 1918 General Conference, the first after Smith's death. They contain wonderful reflections of those who knew him best, those who served with and under him.

One of the disappointments in this book is the repetitious nature of the narrative that surrounds the photographs. In my opinion, a little of this stuff goes a long way. An example: an account of Smith's experience with personal loss begins on page 47 with a 22-line recitation of the deaths of his various wives and children. Then there is an extended discussion (pages 48-54) of the death of his daughter Mercy Josephine. Yes, losing a child is a terrible thing, but so much material seemed a bit overdone.

The book is filled with endless cites from his personal letters. Many of these cites really add nothing to the larger story. I found myself becoming impatient with the inevitable repetition when one is quoting extensively from private correspondence.

Now, all this may very well be appropriate for this kind of book. If this approach makes Pres. Smith seem more human, more approachable, then perhaps it is a good approach.

Having said this, we now confront the important question, "Should I run out and purchase this book?" It is, after all, $25.95 plus tax. I'm guessing most of us are faced with the problem of too many books to buy and not enough money to spend. "Joseph F. Smith, Portrait of the Prophet" is not a bad book. It is, in fact, a good book that fills a niche. The authors make no secret of their intention -- a photo-album of the life of Pres. Smith. And this is accomplished very nicely. But it is also filled with endless, often repetitious, citations from his correspondence. I would have liked more historical detail. But then again, this isn't a work of history, it's a family photo album.

Given these limitations, I recommend the book to those who want a single-volume snapshot of a wonderful man who led the Church through difficult times.

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Jeff Needle
jeff.needle@general.com