Joseph F. Smith: Portrait of a Prophet

by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, R. Q. Shupe

This book provides an engaging look at the life and ministry of the sixth President of the Church. Joseph F Smith's father was Hyrum Smith.

Richard Holzapfel is an award winning author and popular speaker. He is an associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Religion

375 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

Dr. Richard Holzapfel is a Professor of Church History in the Religious Education Department at BYU. He attended BYU, Hebrew Union College, and the University of California, Irvine (B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.) emphasizing in Middle Eastern Studies, Jewish History, Ancient History. Dr. Holzapfel began teaching at Brigham Young University in 1993, and has taught in the Church History, Ancient Scripture, and History departments. He is currently the Managing Director of Religious Studies Center Publications and the Editor-in-Chief of the center’s periodical The Religious Educator. In addition, he serves as an Editorial Board Member for BYU Studies. Dr. Holzapfel has received various awards and honors for his teaching, including Continuing Education Faculty Teaching Award in 2006. In 2008 he was named the BYU Honors Professor of the Year. Along with his teaching and university appointments, Dr. Holzapfel remains one of the most rigorous and widely published writers on campus.

Reviews

[Kim Matheson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly accessible as far as early Mormon history goes. It's easy to lose track of wives and children amidst the mix of popular names and the complex intermarriages. The book is far from comprehensive, but does provide an impressive series of pictures to help illuminate the life of Joseph F. Smith. Provides a great framework into which one can submit historical details.

[Rex Cluff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful glimpse into the life of Joseph Fielding Smith, son of Hyrum Smith and father of Joseph Fielding Smith, father and son both becoming Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hyrum was also co-President with this brother Joseph Smith, Jr. as well as being Patriarch for the Church. Joseph F., as he was known, was a remarkable person and man. His childhood was full of hardships and was blessed with the inner fortitude to overcome them and instead of becoming hardened and bitter by his troubles, was instead soft and grateful and was loved by all who knew him. My uncle, William Wallace Cluff, had the privilege of serving with him and Lorenzo Snow in Hawaii, along with Alma Smith and others. Joseph F. was only 15 at the time, the youngest of the set of missionaries that were sent to Hawaii at that time. Joseph went on to serve as a young bishop, Stake leader and called into general service at an early age. He was the loving husband and father for four wives and about 30 children. Many died early, I believe 8 died before he did. He knew grief and succored others in their grief. He knew persecution and gave strength to others facing the same. He demonstrated a Christ like demeanor in all aspects of his life and the Church mourned his loss. The Church moved from public criticism to common praise during his administration. Pres. Snow began the tithing reform to get the Church out of debt and success was accomplished during Pres. Smith's administration. He paved the way for the Presidents of the 20th century to continue to move the church forward into a global institution. I recommend this little book to any and all who desire to become acquainted with this prophet.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. Enjoyed the many pics. Loved the quotes in the end from the various leaders after he died. Amazing man!