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They knew the prophet
Book by Andrus, Hyrum Leslie
207 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
18 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 2, 2015
This was an amazing collection. I got to hear so many amazing stories. I listened to the audio version that was very well read. I heard a talk that said to have a good foundation of the gospel you have to learn about the history because that is what so many people now are attacking. This was a beautiful way to learn about so much of Joseph Smiths life. I felt the spirit as I listened and had my testimony renewed of this great man and all he did and suffered threw.
October 12, 2017
It's a compilation of personal accounts from people who knew Joseph Smith and was a very interesting, well done read. I learned a lot from it and felt I came away knowing Joseph Smith better (and with a stronger testimony). I definitely would recommend it.
I felt this quote summed up quite nicely what all the accounts had to say about Joseph Smith: "He boldly and bravely confronted the false traditions, superstitions, religious bigotry, and ignorance of the world--proved himself true to every heaven-revealed principle--true to his brethren and true to God, then sealed his testimony with his blood."
I felt this quote summed up quite nicely what all the accounts had to say about Joseph Smith: "He boldly and bravely confronted the false traditions, superstitions, religious bigotry, and ignorance of the world--proved himself true to every heaven-revealed principle--true to his brethren and true to God, then sealed his testimony with his blood."
August 5, 2025
This was so fun to read. So many new stories I had not heard before. My love for the prophet Joseph grew even more after reading this book. What a gift he was to them and to us. I can’t wait to meet him someday.
August 25, 2025
I loved reading this compilation of accounts from individuals who knew the prophet Joseph Smith--from his childhood all the way through his martyrdom. It was interesting to read firsthand account stories I'd never heard before.
January 26, 2018
Wonderful testimonies and personal experiences with a great man, a prophet of the Lord.
March 12, 2020
A good way to learn about Joseph Smith.
February 7, 2021
Uplifting personal accounts of people who knew Joseph Smith. He truly was a prophet of God.
July 21, 2023
I think I cried like 26 times reading this amazing book. Unputdownable.
January 4, 2024
While this is an interesting collection, not all episodes carry the same weight. As an example, the anecdote attributed to Jesse Wentworth Crosby is at best poor memory.
August 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW - They Knew the Prophet by Hyrum L. Andrus (1979)
Hyrum L. Andrus’s They Knew the Prophet is a compilation of first-hand accounts and testimonies from individuals who personally knew Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. First published in 1974, the book serves both as a historical record and a devotional text, aiming to deepen the reader’s appreciation for Joseph Smith's life, character, and mission.
The book gathers statements from family members, church leaders, early converts, and close friends—those who interacted directly with Joseph Smith. Andrus organizes these recollections thematically, offering insight into Joseph’s personality, spiritual gifts, leadership, and humanity. The testimonies come from well-known figures such as Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, Lucy Mack Smith, and many others. The overarching goal is to present Joseph Smith not merely as a prophet but as a deeply human, relatable, and divinely inspired individual.
Some accounts are especially inspirational. For example:
“I have been with him in the house, in the field, on the prairie, in the camp, in the wilderness, and in council, and in all these situations I have found him the same generous, noble, high-minded friend and benefactor.” John Taylor
“Joseph Smith was the most charitable man I ever saw. He gave to the poor, fed the hungry, clothed the naked… and even in his poverty he never turned away the needy.” Mary Isabella Horne
These kinds of reflections serve not only to humanize Joseph Smith but also to elevate him in the eyes of believing readers who wish to connect with the early spirit of the Restoration.
Despite its inspirational value, They Knew the Prophet falls short in certain areas, particularly in terms of critical historical analysis. Andrus’s editorial framework lacks nuance; the book reads more as a devotional homage than a rigorous historical study. The voices included are overwhelmingly positive, creating an almost hagiographic portrait. While this aligns with the book’s intent to build faith, it does not fully represent the complex and often controversial legacy of Joseph Smith.
They Knew the Prophet is a heartfelt and faith-promoting tribute to Joseph Smith. It succeeds in portraying the admiration and reverence felt by those who followed him and offers a moving testimony of his influence on individuals and on the early Latter-day Saint movement. However, as a historical work, it lacks balance and critical depth. For readers seeking inspiration and devotional uplift, it will be powerful. For those desiring a more complete historical portrait, it should be supplemented with broader, more analytical sources, such as the more modern works on Joseph by Bushman and Turner.
Hyrum L. Andrus’s They Knew the Prophet is a compilation of first-hand accounts and testimonies from individuals who personally knew Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. First published in 1974, the book serves both as a historical record and a devotional text, aiming to deepen the reader’s appreciation for Joseph Smith's life, character, and mission.
The book gathers statements from family members, church leaders, early converts, and close friends—those who interacted directly with Joseph Smith. Andrus organizes these recollections thematically, offering insight into Joseph’s personality, spiritual gifts, leadership, and humanity. The testimonies come from well-known figures such as Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, Lucy Mack Smith, and many others. The overarching goal is to present Joseph Smith not merely as a prophet but as a deeply human, relatable, and divinely inspired individual.
Some accounts are especially inspirational. For example:
“I have been with him in the house, in the field, on the prairie, in the camp, in the wilderness, and in council, and in all these situations I have found him the same generous, noble, high-minded friend and benefactor.” John Taylor
“Joseph Smith was the most charitable man I ever saw. He gave to the poor, fed the hungry, clothed the naked… and even in his poverty he never turned away the needy.” Mary Isabella Horne
These kinds of reflections serve not only to humanize Joseph Smith but also to elevate him in the eyes of believing readers who wish to connect with the early spirit of the Restoration.
Despite its inspirational value, They Knew the Prophet falls short in certain areas, particularly in terms of critical historical analysis. Andrus’s editorial framework lacks nuance; the book reads more as a devotional homage than a rigorous historical study. The voices included are overwhelmingly positive, creating an almost hagiographic portrait. While this aligns with the book’s intent to build faith, it does not fully represent the complex and often controversial legacy of Joseph Smith.
They Knew the Prophet is a heartfelt and faith-promoting tribute to Joseph Smith. It succeeds in portraying the admiration and reverence felt by those who followed him and offers a moving testimony of his influence on individuals and on the early Latter-day Saint movement. However, as a historical work, it lacks balance and critical depth. For readers seeking inspiration and devotional uplift, it will be powerful. For those desiring a more complete historical portrait, it should be supplemented with broader, more analytical sources, such as the more modern works on Joseph by Bushman and Turner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2008
This book isn't a work of "authorship" as much as research. It contains a number of turn-of-the-century (late 1800's and early 1900's) quotes of people who published their experiences with the Latter-day Saint prophet Joseph Smith. It is the most fascinating Church book I have read to date, other than the Latter-day Saint scriptures.
The insights I have gained into the life and character of the Prophet have been so important to me. I actually bought several other copies for friends, as gifts for Christmas.
I already knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, but to acquire such extensive detail into his life, and interactions with other people has been very defining for me. There isn't another book like it. Its OBVIOUSLY a must-read for every Latter-day Saint, and a very interesting one for anyone investigating the faith.
The insights I have gained into the life and character of the Prophet have been so important to me. I actually bought several other copies for friends, as gifts for Christmas.
I already knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, but to acquire such extensive detail into his life, and interactions with other people has been very defining for me. There isn't another book like it. Its OBVIOUSLY a must-read for every Latter-day Saint, and a very interesting one for anyone investigating the faith.
July 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, for many of the accounts shared were ones I was not familiar with. I loved that my great-great-grandfather had one of his remembrances included, though nothing was mentioned in the book that he was Joseph's cousin! Oh well. The narrator was good, but the audio version made it very hard for me to keep track of whose account was being given. Loved that brief bio info. was given for each account author. A great tribute to man who was amazing in so many respects.
August 6, 2008
This is a wonderful book. It is an easy read, but illuminating as well. It consists simply of people sharing their memories of the Prophet, Joseph Smith. I learned so much about Joseph and appreciate him more than I ever have. My friend said after reading this book, "I'm in love with Joseph Smith!"
Me too, me too. In a non-romantic way of course. But, oh, what an amazing man.
Me too, me too. In a non-romantic way of course. But, oh, what an amazing man.
October 30, 2008
Great collection of personal accounts from people that rubbed shoulders with the Prophet (duh, just like the title says)... the accounts are personal and insightful glimpses into the prophet's life and the time he lived in. It makes me wish I could've have been around him too. It's easy to read and you can flip through to read any account that catches your eye.
July 20, 2016
This has many stories I already had heard, and a few I hadn't. It would be interesting to put them in chronological order, breaking up some individual's reminiscences into multiple parts in order to see the same events from different points of view. I also would have liked to have read more from non-Mormon sources.
October 24, 2008
I liked reading this book from personal memories of people who knew the prophet (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and members of other faiths alike). I shows that he was a true man of character and faith.
September 7, 2009
A very interesting view of the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith through his friends and family. I enjoyed reading the personal accounts and narratives of the many hardships the Prophet and his family endured. It gave fresh perspective the this much loved man and Prophet. Great night-time read.
February 26, 2013
My mother-in-law bought this book as a gift for my husband so I naturally took it over and read it! I LoVED this book! What a testimony builder of the prophet Joseph Smith. I highly recommend this book.
July 24, 2013
This was quite interesting. Even though I'd heard many of the stories before, these were fleshed out and included some context. I did think the biographical information on the "witnesses" was too brief.
October 11, 2023
This is a great book! With all the different ideas on “who Joseph REALLY was” this book was perfect, it just gives real, documented quotes from people who ACTUALLY knew him. This was a great read for me!
January 31, 2008
This is a wonderful book that gives you personal insights into the life of the prophet Joseph Smith. The stories are very inspiring and well worth reading.
July 27, 2008
Great book that adds to insights on the prophet Joseph Smith. A must read if LDS
August 16, 2010
Eye-witness accounts compiled of people who actually knew the prophet Joseph Smith.
May 1, 2011
A nice collection of personal stories from people who knew Joseph Smith. Quick read.
June 12, 2011
I reallly enjoyed the personal accounts. I was able to get more of a feeling of what kind of personality Joseph Smith had.
September 24, 2012
Excellent! I got a much fuller picture of the Prophet Joseph Smith from reading these first-hand accounts of people who met him and knew him.
February 9, 2014
Maybe my favorite book I have ever read. Touching witnesses and testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith
March 20, 2015
Fantastic collection of personal accounts - those who knew him best loved him most and those who hated him knew him least.
July 22, 2008
I loved this book. It was inspiring and I learned a lot about Joseph Smith Jr.
October 10, 2013
Joseph Smith is my hero.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews