In this time of celebration of the 200th birthday of Joseph Smith, Jr., much has been written on the Prophet's life, ministry and martyrdom. Much of it has been complimentary. Some has been fueled by anti-Mormon sentiments.

Many observers have noted, correctly I think, that Joseph cannot be fully understood outside his historical milieu. But much can be said about the other members of his family as integral parts of the Joseph Smith story. This volume from Eborn Books explores these connections.

Beginning with the life of Joseph Smith, Sr., Bridgstock studies the lives of Lucy Mack Smith, Alvin, Hyrum, Sophronia, Joseph Jr., Emma Hale Smith, Samuel Harrison, Katherine, William, Don Carlos and Lucy. He ends with a look at Joseph and Hiram's final days.

The author's methodology is a bit different than I had expected. Rather than try to isolate each character to the exclusion of others in the family, Bridgstock places each person in the larger context of the Restored Gospel and his or her relationship to the ministry of Joseph Smith, Jr. At times it's hard to remember who is being treated in a given chapter. I did not, however, find this off-putting. Instead, I found myself reading the story of the beginnings of the Church from a variety of viewpoints, gaining appreciation for the close family ties of the Smith family.

I was happy to see Emma pictured in a sympathetic and non-judgmental way. The author goes out of his way to present her as a noble, good woman. Mormon writers have not always been so kind, although this seems to be changing. Here's an example of Bridgstock's approach:

Throughout her life Emma remained a member of the Church. The leaders in Utah were never reconciled with Emma but neither did they ever remove her name from the records of the Church. Because Emma had had her calling and election made sure in her lifetime, the only thing that could prevent her inheriting the blessings of a celestial inheritance with Joseph would be the deliberate shedding of innocent blood, even though she could be called upon to endure the buffetings of Satan during the remainder of her life. Who can say she didn't? (p. 229)

In fact, each character in the book is treated sympathetically and fairly.

A closing chapter titled "Joseph Smith in the Words of His Peers" offers several brief statements from early and later Mormon leaders, and others, testifying of the impact of Joseph Smith's ministry on them personally.

Readers desiring a compact but interesting study of the Smith family will find this book most helpful. The author has researched his subject well. His writing is crisp and clear, a welcome addition to the Smith family lore.

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Jeff Needle
December 26, 2005