Setting the Record Straight: Joseph Smith the Mormon Prophet

by Susan Easton Black

Provides a refreshing way to learn of the life and teachings of the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The question-and-answer approach of this book presents quick access to biographical information and important gospel truths.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Lds Non Fiction

115 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

Susan Easton Black is a retired professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. She is also an author of several books related to Joseph Smith, Jr. and the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Make sure you flip through this book to see the format before you choose it because it may not be what you are expecting. The majority of the book is set up in a question-and-answer format. If you are going to pick this up and just read a few pages at a time or use it as a reference book, this may be just the thing for you. If you are looking for a more narrative format this can be a jarring approach. I found the Historical Context information interesting and preferred the Concepts of the Religious Teachings of Joseph Smith chapter to the Life of Joseph Smith chapter.

I also don't know why in the Comments by Contemporaries everything said by a particular person, like Brigham Young, were not just all presented together.

Well researched and sources are well documented.

[Juergen John Roscher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, short summary of the Prophet Joseph; especially for those who don't have a much knowledge of the man.

This book has an outline of his life's events and gives historical context to what was happening during that time. It then uses a question and answer format to teach the reader about his life, teachings and why many believe he was a prophet of God.

My favorite part was quotes from individuals who actually knew the prophet. There are some stories told by individuals that show the greatness of the man.

This book is great for individuals who want to get good basic information about the LDS Prophet Joseph Smith.

[Michelle Van Dyke]

I’ve heard Susan B Easton speak in casual and formal events and she’s a really good speaker, entertaining and knowledgeable. This is a small book and I was hoping it would help me understand the prophet Joseph smith better. Maybe it did a little. The thing is, it’s mostly quotes from Joseph smith and that is an accurate way to get to truth but Joseph lived so long ago that it’s hard for me to understand the language of his time. I would have liked for Susan to expand or explain what he was saying.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's chock-full of quotes and dates, but short on actual content. The questions she "asks" and answers are softball at best and awkward and bordering on sophistry at worst. I don't understand how this one fits into this series because it's not asking any difficult questions or setting anything straight. It's a fairly simple approach to a complex subject, formatted and presented badly.

[Dail Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about Joseph Smith

[Kendal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introductory book, set up as a Q&A format. Not quite a first exposure book, but a great secondary book.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the author, Susan Easton Black a lot. So, I thought I would like this book. Because of the author, I rated it a 3 star rather than a 2 star. The information was elementary. For someone who has studyed the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this information is not new. For someone just learning about Joseph Smith, it would be good, short, clear information. I like the question and answer format. It is apppealing. It is small, less than 100 pages, so it is easy to read. The book was very well documented, and the quotes all referenced. I found several quotes, that I just loved. I had probably read them before, but right now, at this moment, just what I needed.

[Jared Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the format of this book. Black lets us know a ton about Smith's life. However, I wish more had been said about some of the attacks brought against the prophet in our day. Make no mistake; she did not only address the positive things. I just wish there was more setting the record straight and less biographical. Regardless, good read to become familiar with Joseph Smith.

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the author Susan Easton Black. This is an easy reading, review of Joseph's life and mission. Doesn't get into any of the "controversial" parts of his life (eg. polygamy, accusations, etc). If you've read alot about Joseph Smith, you wont find to many new details about him.

[Andie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really helped me to learn about Joseph Smith, teaching me things that I never knew before. It taught about who Joseph Smith was and his experiences and how he became the Prophet of the "Mormon" Church, or the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints.

[Fred & Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had some information I have not seen anywhere else.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative , interesting, and easy to read format. Well researched in Susan Easton Black style.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this fact-based text. I have a greater appreciation for the prophet Joseph and what a loving, caring person he was.