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The Work and the Glory #6
Praise to the Man
Written with a dramatic intensity and an eye for historical detail that thousands of readers have come to appreciate in previous volumes, Praise to the Man — volume 6 in the series The Work and the Glory — follows the story of the restored Church and of the ficitonal Steed family from the summer of 1841 to the summer of 1844. Several momentous events take place during this period in Church history: Nauvoo becomes a well-established city; the Relief Society is founded; the endowment is administered for the first time in this dispensation; Joseph Smith becomes a candidate for president of the United States; he delivers his monumental King Follett Discourse. Meanwhile, however, dark forces outside as well as inside the Church are at work to destroy Joseph and the Restoration cause. Before the story ends, the powers of evil will have swept across the Church, taking out some in very high places, making numerous others waver, and taking Joseph and his brother Hyrum to their date with destiny in a town called Carthage. Woven throughout these events are the lives of the Steeds. As Joshua sees the Mormons gaining more influence with his wife and children, his patience finally reaches the breaking point. Will must resolve his feelings for Jenny Pottsworth and his desire to know if the Church is true. New hope is born in Jessica's life when she is offered a new teaching position. Mary Ann and other Steed women participate in the beginnings of the Relief Society. But before long, whisperings reach the ears of some of the Steeds about curious teachings and practices going on in Nauvoo — specifically it is rumored that God may have restored the ancient practice of plural marriage. How will they respond when they find out that at least some of the rumors are true? The issue becomes a trial of faith that shakes the Steed family to its very roots. At the center of this volume are the final days of the life and mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Though heart-wrenching in its depiction of the Prophet's last hours on earth, this book inspires admiration and affection for “the man who communed with Jehovah” and will fill readers with anticipation for that glorious time when, in the words of the hymn, “millions shall know 'Brother Joseph' again.”
752 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
66 people are currently reading
1400 people want to read
About the author
Gerald N. Lund
87 books745 followersGerald N. Lund received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He served for thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, and he served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008. He is a prolific and bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction and is best known for his historical novels, including The Work and the Glory series, Fire of the Covenant, The Kingdom and the Crown series, and The Undaunted. He and his late wife, Lynn, are the parents of seven children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
November 5, 2008
This was really good!! It was one of those books that after every few chapters I wanted to turn to the scriptures and think and study about something that was said or taught. I learned more about truly giving yourself to God, sacrifice, plural marriage, the trials of emma smith, The work rolling forth that no unhallowed hand can stop, and so much more. This was the book that Joseph Smith was killed in along with his brother hyrum. And it made me want to be better and live my life more fully with an eye single to the glory of God. It was one of those books that left with you not sad that it was done, but refreshed and ready to be a better person. It was uplifting and edifying. I really liked it and will definately read it again one day.
June 26, 2012
The United States of America is the country founded by seekers of freedom from oppressive governments. But did you know the Mormon Church, born on April 6th, 1830 in New York State, was forced with violence from New York, to Ohio, to Missouri, to Illinois, and ultimately west across the plains and over the Rocky Mountains—because of their beliefs? The governor of Missouri actually issued an official declaration that all Mormons were to be driven from the state or exterminated. It has always been ironic to me that the first Mormons actually had to leave the United States—the country founded on freedom—and travel 1300 miles before they were able find a place where they could peacefully worship.
This is the story found in the 9 volume series The Work and the Glory, by Gerald Lund.
5600 pages—exactly—in 32 days. That's what it took for me to read all 9 volumes of The Work and the Glory. Along the way I kept promising a grand review of the entire series once I finished book 9. Now that I've closed the cover on the last page of the last book, I feel a bit lost for words. I want to share what I learned, how I felt, what I liked, what annoyed me, what brought on the happy tears, and what caused the sad tears. I'm quite certain no one wants to read a review as long as the series itself, but I'm afraid that's what it's going to take.
So how do I do this? What do I say? How do I squeeze all these thoughts and feelings into a book review? I dunno. Let’s find out. . . .
The Work and the Glory is historical fiction. The historical part is thorough, accurate, well researched, and well documented. The books chronicle the incredible, inspiring, often tragic, always miraculous, and (to us Mormons) deeply meaningful first 20 years of existence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Book one begins in 1827, just before Joseph Smith is to retrieve the Golden Plates that will become The Book of Mormon. Book nine ends in 1847, a few months after Brigham Young leads 12,000 Mormon Pioneers from Nauvoo, IL to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.
The fiction part is engaging, well written, and breathes life into the historical events. Through the eyes of the fictional-but-representative-of-the-time Steed Family, we become first hand witnesses to all of the major events surrounding the Restoration (as it’s known within the Church). The Steeds meet Joseph Smith shortly after moving to Palmyra, New York in 1927, and soon they find themselves involved with all the peoples, places, and events those familiar with the history of the LDS Church will quickly recognize. Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdry, the Whitmer’s, Brigham Young, Parly P. Pratt, Herber C. Kimball, Emma Smith, Hyrum Smith. April 6th, 1830, the Grandin Press, the Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, the Kirtland Temple, Haun’s Mill, Liberty Jail, the Nauvoo Temple, Carthage Jail. Mission calls, the law of consecration, plural marriage, the Kirtland Safety Society, extermination order, martyrdom, the trek West, the Donnor Party, the Mormon Battalion. Palmyra, Kirtland, Independence, Far West, Nauvoo, Carthage, Winter Quarters, the Salt Lake Valley. Conversion, apostasy, persecution, miracles, revelations, visitations, resilience, tragedy, joy, and finally, peace and rest. The Steeds are part of it all.
For me, the best part of The Work and the Glory is the way becoming invested in the lives of the Steed Family makes history personal. Now, instead of just knowing the facts surrounding a historical event, I have an idea of what it was like to actually be a part of that event. What did it feel like to hear Joseph’s testimony straight from his own mouth? What was it like to be told to leave your lives in Palmyra and follow the Church to Kirtland? Can I really imagine the terror of the hateful mobs driving us from every place we worked to start a new life? How about the joy of being there when the Kirtland Temple was dedicated? Cutting stone for the Nauvoo Temple? What would I have thought on the great day of healing when Joseph rose from his sick bed of malaria and healed so many others who were sick? What was it like to ride in a wagon across Iowa and Wyoming? How did it feel to watch your children leave bloody footprints in the snow after being forced at gunpoint from Far West? What about when Joseph was killed? What did it feel like to witness Brigham Young suddenly look and sound like Joseph on that day in Nauvoo? And on and on. After all the trials, I feel like I caught a glimpse of their joy and relief to finally reach the Salt Lake Valley, where they would be out of reach of their enemies.
I’m a firm believer that the best books are the ones that make you feel, and there is a lot of feeling to be felt in reading The Work and the Glory.
As literature, the books are engaging and well written—but packed full of Mormon cheesiness. The cheesiness wasn’t too distracting for me, however, thanks to the strength of the characters. I really cared about the Steeds and I loved watching their family grow through both sorrow and joy over the course of 20 years.
It was also fun to read about my own pioneer ancestors as the Steeds even interacted with some of those that I am actually descended from.
Mostly, I feel proud of my heritage. The first members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had the faith and courage to do and endure impossible things. I feel steeled up more than ever before to carry on with the work they started and to live my life with as much faith and courage as I can find in myself. I want them to look down on me from heaven and be proud that I am carrying on their legacy.
See, now I’m caught up in Mormon cheesiness! But, what can I say? It’s how I feel after reading The Work and the Glory.
I recommend these books to everyone, especially lovers of American History and members or friends of the LDS Church. For non-Mormons especially, I think reading a detailed history of the LDS church such as this would go a long way in helping you understand better what makes us tick.
Happy Reading!
Dan 9.
This is the story found in the 9 volume series The Work and the Glory, by Gerald Lund.
5600 pages—exactly—in 32 days. That's what it took for me to read all 9 volumes of The Work and the Glory. Along the way I kept promising a grand review of the entire series once I finished book 9. Now that I've closed the cover on the last page of the last book, I feel a bit lost for words. I want to share what I learned, how I felt, what I liked, what annoyed me, what brought on the happy tears, and what caused the sad tears. I'm quite certain no one wants to read a review as long as the series itself, but I'm afraid that's what it's going to take.
So how do I do this? What do I say? How do I squeeze all these thoughts and feelings into a book review? I dunno. Let’s find out. . . .
The Work and the Glory is historical fiction. The historical part is thorough, accurate, well researched, and well documented. The books chronicle the incredible, inspiring, often tragic, always miraculous, and (to us Mormons) deeply meaningful first 20 years of existence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Book one begins in 1827, just before Joseph Smith is to retrieve the Golden Plates that will become The Book of Mormon. Book nine ends in 1847, a few months after Brigham Young leads 12,000 Mormon Pioneers from Nauvoo, IL to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.
The fiction part is engaging, well written, and breathes life into the historical events. Through the eyes of the fictional-but-representative-of-the-time Steed Family, we become first hand witnesses to all of the major events surrounding the Restoration (as it’s known within the Church). The Steeds meet Joseph Smith shortly after moving to Palmyra, New York in 1927, and soon they find themselves involved with all the peoples, places, and events those familiar with the history of the LDS Church will quickly recognize. Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdry, the Whitmer’s, Brigham Young, Parly P. Pratt, Herber C. Kimball, Emma Smith, Hyrum Smith. April 6th, 1830, the Grandin Press, the Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, the Kirtland Temple, Haun’s Mill, Liberty Jail, the Nauvoo Temple, Carthage Jail. Mission calls, the law of consecration, plural marriage, the Kirtland Safety Society, extermination order, martyrdom, the trek West, the Donnor Party, the Mormon Battalion. Palmyra, Kirtland, Independence, Far West, Nauvoo, Carthage, Winter Quarters, the Salt Lake Valley. Conversion, apostasy, persecution, miracles, revelations, visitations, resilience, tragedy, joy, and finally, peace and rest. The Steeds are part of it all.
For me, the best part of The Work and the Glory is the way becoming invested in the lives of the Steed Family makes history personal. Now, instead of just knowing the facts surrounding a historical event, I have an idea of what it was like to actually be a part of that event. What did it feel like to hear Joseph’s testimony straight from his own mouth? What was it like to be told to leave your lives in Palmyra and follow the Church to Kirtland? Can I really imagine the terror of the hateful mobs driving us from every place we worked to start a new life? How about the joy of being there when the Kirtland Temple was dedicated? Cutting stone for the Nauvoo Temple? What would I have thought on the great day of healing when Joseph rose from his sick bed of malaria and healed so many others who were sick? What was it like to ride in a wagon across Iowa and Wyoming? How did it feel to watch your children leave bloody footprints in the snow after being forced at gunpoint from Far West? What about when Joseph was killed? What did it feel like to witness Brigham Young suddenly look and sound like Joseph on that day in Nauvoo? And on and on. After all the trials, I feel like I caught a glimpse of their joy and relief to finally reach the Salt Lake Valley, where they would be out of reach of their enemies.
I’m a firm believer that the best books are the ones that make you feel, and there is a lot of feeling to be felt in reading The Work and the Glory.
As literature, the books are engaging and well written—but packed full of Mormon cheesiness. The cheesiness wasn’t too distracting for me, however, thanks to the strength of the characters. I really cared about the Steeds and I loved watching their family grow through both sorrow and joy over the course of 20 years.
It was also fun to read about my own pioneer ancestors as the Steeds even interacted with some of those that I am actually descended from.
Mostly, I feel proud of my heritage. The first members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had the faith and courage to do and endure impossible things. I feel steeled up more than ever before to carry on with the work they started and to live my life with as much faith and courage as I can find in myself. I want them to look down on me from heaven and be proud that I am carrying on their legacy.
See, now I’m caught up in Mormon cheesiness! But, what can I say? It’s how I feel after reading The Work and the Glory.
I recommend these books to everyone, especially lovers of American History and members or friends of the LDS Church. For non-Mormons especially, I think reading a detailed history of the LDS church such as this would go a long way in helping you understand better what makes us tick.
Happy Reading!
Dan 9.
January 17, 2022
I loved this one. I loved it. Fast paced excited but sad.
May 11, 2009
I don't know why it says this is an audio cassette. I couldn't find one that wasn't.
Book six starts in July of 1841 and goes until late June of 1844.
The Saints are living in Nauvoo, working on the temple. The scandals of John C Bennett begin to come to light. Bennett was a significant figure in Nauvoo, helping the city to get its own charter (basically an army). Shortly before the principle of plural marriage was revealed, Bennett began teaching (saying he was authorized by Joseph Smith to do so, which was obviously untrue) the concept of "spiritual wifery", meaning a man and a woman were promised to be married in the hereafter but still allowed to act as husband and wife in this world. Bennett tried very hard to cover his tracks, but eventually all was found and he was excommunicated. He went on to tour the country spreading seeds of hate and lies of the Mormons. When an unsuccessful murder attempt was made on Governor Boggs (extremintaion order), Bennett accused Joseph Smith of being behind it, which eventually led to his arrest.
Plural marriage is introduced in this time period. I loved reading about here, because it does a really good job explaining some of the reasons the Lord required this of his people. Obviously it is a very difficult concept to accept, but I could really feel the spirit of the people asked to live it and even understand how it was a good thing. One of the reasons is, like Abraham of old, to test the people in their commitment to the gospel. The Lord has said that he would have a pure people and they would be tried like in the refiners fire. What will our trials be? The early Saints faced so much so they would be a pure people. Surely the Lord must always have a pure people. What will be our refiners fire? It just made me think.
Towards the end of the book, things escalate in Nauvoo. It's like Far West all over again. Joseph Smith, along with Hyrum Smith, John Taylor, and Willard Richards are taken to Carthage Jail, where Joseph and Hyrum are martyred. Reading it this time really struck me. I've been to Carthage. I have stood in the room and seen the bullet holes in the doors and looked out the window where the first propeht of this dispensation was killed. How grateful I am for this gospel!! How blessed we are as members of the church to have this legacy left for us!! It's incomprehensable what they went through to give us what it is so easy to take for granted today.
There were a couple other very significant events in this time period. When the Saints first arrived in Nauvoo it was covered in swampland. They worked hard to clear it to make farms and homes for themselves. During that first summer, malary essentially took over the whole city, including the prophet and his family. In July there was "a great day of healing", where Joseph Smith along with other priesthood holders went from house to house healing everyone. The most significant healing was that of Elijah Fordham (my ancestor!!!), whom everyone thought was dead. Joseph took his hand and commanded him to rise. Brother Fordham opened his eyes and sat up. He asked for some bread and milk, and then immediately went with the prophet to heal others.
Although the temple wasn't finished yet, there had been a few endowments and sealings performed, as well as baptisms for the dead. What marvelous blessings!!
732 pages; 2009 total: 10,300 (over 10,000!! Yay for me!!)
Book six starts in July of 1841 and goes until late June of 1844.
The Saints are living in Nauvoo, working on the temple. The scandals of John C Bennett begin to come to light. Bennett was a significant figure in Nauvoo, helping the city to get its own charter (basically an army). Shortly before the principle of plural marriage was revealed, Bennett began teaching (saying he was authorized by Joseph Smith to do so, which was obviously untrue) the concept of "spiritual wifery", meaning a man and a woman were promised to be married in the hereafter but still allowed to act as husband and wife in this world. Bennett tried very hard to cover his tracks, but eventually all was found and he was excommunicated. He went on to tour the country spreading seeds of hate and lies of the Mormons. When an unsuccessful murder attempt was made on Governor Boggs (extremintaion order), Bennett accused Joseph Smith of being behind it, which eventually led to his arrest.
Plural marriage is introduced in this time period. I loved reading about here, because it does a really good job explaining some of the reasons the Lord required this of his people. Obviously it is a very difficult concept to accept, but I could really feel the spirit of the people asked to live it and even understand how it was a good thing. One of the reasons is, like Abraham of old, to test the people in their commitment to the gospel. The Lord has said that he would have a pure people and they would be tried like in the refiners fire. What will our trials be? The early Saints faced so much so they would be a pure people. Surely the Lord must always have a pure people. What will be our refiners fire? It just made me think.
Towards the end of the book, things escalate in Nauvoo. It's like Far West all over again. Joseph Smith, along with Hyrum Smith, John Taylor, and Willard Richards are taken to Carthage Jail, where Joseph and Hyrum are martyred. Reading it this time really struck me. I've been to Carthage. I have stood in the room and seen the bullet holes in the doors and looked out the window where the first propeht of this dispensation was killed. How grateful I am for this gospel!! How blessed we are as members of the church to have this legacy left for us!! It's incomprehensable what they went through to give us what it is so easy to take for granted today.
There were a couple other very significant events in this time period. When the Saints first arrived in Nauvoo it was covered in swampland. They worked hard to clear it to make farms and homes for themselves. During that first summer, malary essentially took over the whole city, including the prophet and his family. In July there was "a great day of healing", where Joseph Smith along with other priesthood holders went from house to house healing everyone. The most significant healing was that of Elijah Fordham (my ancestor!!!), whom everyone thought was dead. Joseph took his hand and commanded him to rise. Brother Fordham opened his eyes and sat up. He asked for some bread and milk, and then immediately went with the prophet to heal others.
Although the temple wasn't finished yet, there had been a few endowments and sealings performed, as well as baptisms for the dead. What marvelous blessings!!
732 pages; 2009 total: 10,300 (over 10,000!! Yay for me!!)
April 18, 2009
This book had a more profound effect on me than any other work of fiction. I liked and appreciated this novel for many reasons.
The main reason was the authors coverage of polygamy, and especially that of Joseph Smith. He didn't shy away from it, and instead wrote of the challenges, doubts, apostacy and other issues that resulted from this revelation. He also covered the blessings and conversions.
Although I really enjoy reading about the fictional Steed family, I love the history. I have learned so much about early LDS church history from reading this series. Mr. Lund has obviously conducted extensive research in making this series as historically accurate as possible.
A wonderful book I'm glad I read.
The main reason was the authors coverage of polygamy, and especially that of Joseph Smith. He didn't shy away from it, and instead wrote of the challenges, doubts, apostacy and other issues that resulted from this revelation. He also covered the blessings and conversions.
Although I really enjoy reading about the fictional Steed family, I love the history. I have learned so much about early LDS church history from reading this series. Mr. Lund has obviously conducted extensive research in making this series as historically accurate as possible.
A wonderful book I'm glad I read.
July 7, 2008
This was a fantastic book and really brought the Prophet Joesph to life and made him out to become a real person. I still don't understand all the hatred towards the Church at that time. I guess that is how Satan works. It also hepled me understand pologamy more. At the beginnig of the book I had a real hard time with pologamy. This book has fantastic historical events and they author does a wonderful job of cross referencing at the end of each chapter.
January 22, 2021
This book is just a punch in the gut to read. You know heartache is poised to strike. You know family and friends are going to turn on each other as rumors fly and lies are spread. You know Joseph Smith and his brother are going to be murdered. And there is not one darn thing you can do to stop it from happening.
From a historical point of view, this book is accurate. Small and larger events and characters are well presented. However, from a literary point of view, this book desperately needed a bit more relief from the 600+ page tragedy that is being told- whether in the form of a little bit more comedy or a little more show of romantic sweetness. Mr. Lund tried his best, no doubt, but it just wasn't enough sugar to make this medicine go down for me.
From a historical point of view, this book is accurate. Small and larger events and characters are well presented. However, from a literary point of view, this book desperately needed a bit more relief from the 600+ page tragedy that is being told- whether in the form of a little bit more comedy or a little more show of romantic sweetness. Mr. Lund tried his best, no doubt, but it just wasn't enough sugar to make this medicine go down for me.
December 3, 2024
The tales from 1841-44 are poignantly told and I very much love how the fictional family is woven into the narrative. The growth of ever character really comes out in well placed relief I think too. Is it as strong a tale as those of Far West? This may be an unpopular opinion, but I don't think so. Now, does that make this book any less wonderful? Ohhh, absolutely not! This book will just as strongly stand next to the book about Far West in my mind.
September 13, 2021
This might be my favorite book in this series. I loved this period of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s life. Not only that but how all of that interweaves with the Steeds’ story is beautiful. I could not put this book down.
Praise to the Man, indeed.
Praise to the Man, indeed.
April 20, 2017
took the first couple chapters to really get back into it - then it was engaaging but less faith building i felt
August 8, 2018
A great way to learn more about the final months and details leading up to Joseph Smith’s death.
July 12, 2020
Really good one. This is the first in the series that I hadn’t read before, and I was surprised at how deeply Lund considered some controversial issues in church history. Definitely worth the read.
February 28, 2022
bring tissues for when you are up at midnight
September 8, 2025
Tasteful telling of a difficult time in church history, of plural marriage and the death of the prophet Joseph.
October 15, 2018
It took me a while to finish this book, but it was definitely worth it. The first half drags on a little, as it focuses on the fictional family and only hints at a few historical developments. I did come to love Will's character because of everything he went through. And I'm excited to read more, but I'm wondering how Gerald Lund could follow up such an emotional book.
Lund does not shy away from controversy. He focuses on the new and secret practice of plural marriage, including the way that John C. Bennett used it to seduce women and the Law brothers used it as a reason to call Joseph Smith a fallen prophet. It is interesting to see the characters' different reactions and journeys. I think it will help anyone who has gone through those same feelings come to see how others have reacted. I was surprised that there wasn't a resolution to this important strand of the story, but perhaps that will continue in the next book.
This book ends, as you can guess, with the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. After reading LeGrand Baker's "Murder of the Mormon Prophet," I can tell you that Gerald Lund covers all the important points in that history, like all the drama with Govenor Boggs, Governor Ford, and Thomas Sharp of the Warsaw Signal. The second half of this book is hard to put down, even when I knew the whole story.
Lund does not shy away from controversy. He focuses on the new and secret practice of plural marriage, including the way that John C. Bennett used it to seduce women and the Law brothers used it as a reason to call Joseph Smith a fallen prophet. It is interesting to see the characters' different reactions and journeys. I think it will help anyone who has gone through those same feelings come to see how others have reacted. I was surprised that there wasn't a resolution to this important strand of the story, but perhaps that will continue in the next book.
This book ends, as you can guess, with the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. After reading LeGrand Baker's "Murder of the Mormon Prophet," I can tell you that Gerald Lund covers all the important points in that history, like all the drama with Govenor Boggs, Governor Ford, and Thomas Sharp of the Warsaw Signal. The second half of this book is hard to put down, even when I knew the whole story.
August 4, 2017
I knew this would be a hard one to read and to rate. The details about life in Nauvoo were mostly new to me and I've realized I know very little about the time after the Saints left Missouri. I wondered when the topic of plural marriage would come up and it featured prominently in this one. I'm a bit unusual in that I don't understand the problem with polygamy. Who wouldn't want another woman around the house? It always amuses me how rigid people are about that in this day and age when there are so many alternative lifestyles they're perfectly okay with.
The behavior of the fictional characters were actually more logical and easier to understand than the historical figures they interacted with. I still don't understand why Joseph Smith ran for president, but I really can't comprehend why the mob was determined to kill him nor why the governor allowed it. But then again, look how crazed people get about our current president, or our last one. Maybe I'm just not wired for violence because, I don't care how much I disagree with you, I'm not going to want you dead. Unless you hurt my dog, then all bets are off.
The behavior of the fictional characters were actually more logical and easier to understand than the historical figures they interacted with. I still don't understand why Joseph Smith ran for president, but I really can't comprehend why the mob was determined to kill him nor why the governor allowed it. But then again, look how crazed people get about our current president, or our last one. Maybe I'm just not wired for violence because, I don't care how much I disagree with you, I'm not going to want you dead. Unless you hurt my dog, then all bets are off.
August 9, 2020
This one is emotionally charged with the sensitive subject of polygamy and concludes with the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Liberty Jail. Not too many moments of relaxation and happiness in these 700+ pages. I knew it was coming in this volume and faced it head-on; my inner emotions in turmoil.
Actually, the polygamy subject was detailed many times over. The Steed family members had different viewpoints, questions, and conflicts that were answered by some who didn’t know, and eventually truth told by the Prophet Joseph himself. It was/is a difficult subject. As a Church member, I was anxious to understand polygamy and its beginnings. I understand it better now, but I admit I’m grateful that I didn’t live in that time.
As to the murder of the Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, I simply have no words that express my horror and pain at their savage murders – and that’s exactly what they were.
Once again, I thank author Gerald Lund for the incredible notes, documentations and references listed at the end of each chapter.
The story continues. On to #7…
Actually, the polygamy subject was detailed many times over. The Steed family members had different viewpoints, questions, and conflicts that were answered by some who didn’t know, and eventually truth told by the Prophet Joseph himself. It was/is a difficult subject. As a Church member, I was anxious to understand polygamy and its beginnings. I understand it better now, but I admit I’m grateful that I didn’t live in that time.
As to the murder of the Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, I simply have no words that express my horror and pain at their savage murders – and that’s exactly what they were.
Once again, I thank author Gerald Lund for the incredible notes, documentations and references listed at the end of each chapter.
The story continues. On to #7…
March 14, 2019
I liked this one. I felt the story and the history flowed really well together. I found this one fascinating about the plural marriage and the events leading up to the martyrdom. It was the dissenters of the church that started up the newspaper The Expositor that started the uproar in Nauvoo, the city council smashing the press, and then those from other cities getting upset about it and having Joseph arrested for not allowing freedom of the press. And Governor Ford not really doing anything to protect Joseph while he was in jail and leaving "the wolves" there while he took the impartial guards out of town with him.
And I also didn't know that Joseph was given a pistol, in the bedroom (and not the cell) since he was waiting to answer for his arrest and not convicted yet, and actually shot some of the mob in the attempt to keep the door shut. Lots of things I learned.
And I also didn't know that Joseph was given a pistol, in the bedroom (and not the cell) since he was waiting to answer for his arrest and not convicted yet, and actually shot some of the mob in the attempt to keep the door shut. Lots of things I learned.
December 27, 2021
This book was hard for me to read. Not only because of the plural marriage aspect, but because this is the book where everything leads up to Joseph and Hyrums martyrdom. So it took me a while to finish this book.
All i can say is reading this series has given me such great admiration and respect for Joseph and Hyrum for being true brother to Joseph. I cried rivers of tears having to read their assassination, but they still live on. Through their examples and Josephs teachings. Evil men thought that by killing them, they would stop the work, but no unhallowed hand could stop it. I may be biased as I am Christian and apart of the church Joseph toiled so to bring forth by the hand of God, but i can say we are strong today, and it is only credit to those faithful brothers and sisters who suffered all pain and afflictions so they could live as they believed in. What wondrous faith!
All i can say is reading this series has given me such great admiration and respect for Joseph and Hyrum for being true brother to Joseph. I cried rivers of tears having to read their assassination, but they still live on. Through their examples and Josephs teachings. Evil men thought that by killing them, they would stop the work, but no unhallowed hand could stop it. I may be biased as I am Christian and apart of the church Joseph toiled so to bring forth by the hand of God, but i can say we are strong today, and it is only credit to those faithful brothers and sisters who suffered all pain and afflictions so they could live as they believed in. What wondrous faith!
January 16, 2024
My first introduction to this novel was while working at a bookstore right after it was released. There was a pallet of the tome brought in for sale and it the stack decreased with amazing speed. It was much-anticipated then and still holds its own today.
As we continue to follow the Steed family through the course of the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the stakes are raising and emotions running high. As always I appreciate the author's notes in defining what is true and what is fiction. He weaves in original source material as best he can to make not only a seamless story, but as accurate a portrayal of real events as possible. Looking forward to the next volume. Thankfully, I don't have to wait for it to be written.
As we continue to follow the Steed family through the course of the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the stakes are raising and emotions running high. As always I appreciate the author's notes in defining what is true and what is fiction. He weaves in original source material as best he can to make not only a seamless story, but as accurate a portrayal of real events as possible. Looking forward to the next volume. Thankfully, I don't have to wait for it to be written.
October 7, 2019
Gerald Lund did a really good job capturing the situation in Nauvoo leading up to the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. It's a tender part of church history that was treated very well. I really enjoyed the author's note at the beginning where he explained he would be talking about the issue of plural marriage and how some people would think he spoke too much about it and others would think he didn't say enough. I think he did it just about right and I love the diversity of reactions he has for it.
December 22, 2022
I started reading this series about two years ago. I really liked the first one but each succeeding book got a little more boring. It just felt like the same story line happening over and over again.
This book was great though. It was about my favorite time in church history - the Nauvoo period. I got a lot out of it and really enjoyed the fictional parts. I didn’t anticipate this going in, but it was a great book.
This book was great though. It was about my favorite time in church history - the Nauvoo period. I got a lot out of it and really enjoyed the fictional parts. I didn’t anticipate this going in, but it was a great book.
September 22, 2025
This is a well-written book that does an excellent job of portraying key moments in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While I can’t say I fully enjoyed the book—some of the meeting scenes felt a bit tedious, and the large cast of characters was occasionally confusing—I still found it worthwhile. Be prepared for an emotional journey, as this story will take you through a wide range of feelings.
May 18, 2018
These books in this series are all wonderful! In this volume the story follows the Steed family in Nauvoo and the last few years of Joseph Smith's life. It helps you understand some of the things they went through.
The best thing about reading these books is that there is no sex, foul language, or blood and gore. You can read them with absolute peace of mind.
The best thing about reading these books is that there is no sex, foul language, or blood and gore. You can read them with absolute peace of mind.
March 16, 2019
Being the longest book in the series, I think, I was still totally engrossed in this book. I do like the chapter notes at the end of each chapter, rather the end of the book. The Standard of Truth quoted several times in this book has been one of my most favorite Church quotes I've committed to memory!
May 9, 2020
This was a difficult book for me to read. (And that’s probably why I got stuck at this spot in the series 20+ years ago when I tried reading it the first time...) From the practice of polygamy to the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, as well as unfair treatment of the Mormon people - it was hard for my heart. Not to mention the sheer length of the book. 700+ pages read in 24 hours wasn’t an easy task!
June 7, 2020
Another "Work and the Glory" that I enjoyed reading. The end notes at each chapter conclusion are appreciated to know the difference between fact and fiction, and the sources from which the fact was pulled from. I read this simultaneously with Saints, Vol 1 which helped immensely with keeping the real life people organized in my mind.
June 7, 2020
Quick read. I'm glad I took the time to read it again. A few things were pointed out about plural marriage that I hadn't considered when I first read this. I was a bit irritated to see one of the fictional characters included in Joseph Smith's experience at Carthage as an eye witness. I thought that was unnecessary, and pulled the reader out of the story. Still well worth reading.
March 3, 2018
My favorite part of this book was reading about the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum. There was a lot of detail from this account of the martyrdom that I had never heard before. Another great book that relates LDS church history in a fun and interesting way.
May 26, 2019
All of these books by Gerald N
Lund are absolutely topnotch! Well researched and highly accurate, which I feel is so important. Thé importance of having an accurate history of a situation that is often warped by well meaning but mistakenly influenced historians.
Lund are absolutely topnotch! Well researched and highly accurate, which I feel is so important. Thé importance of having an accurate history of a situation that is often warped by well meaning but mistakenly influenced historians.
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