Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time, with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"

Classics in Mormon Literature

by Joseph Fielding Smith

A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time With Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity.

Genres: Religion, History, Lds, Nonfiction

595 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1973

About the author

Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. was the tenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1970 until his death. He was the son of Joseph F. Smith, who was the sixth president of the LDS Church. His grandfather was Hyrum Smith, brother of LDS Church founder Joseph Smith, Jr., who was Joseph Fielding's great-uncle.

Reviews

[Douglas Fugate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume provides another viewpoint of various episodes in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A fine addition to The History of the Church by Joseph Smith and the recent 4 volume SAINTS books. I highly recommend this volume for students of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great information

[David Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew nothing about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints other than listening to my father who was deeply steeped in the history of the LDS movement. In 1979 there were not many options for concise one volume histories.

I noticed fairly quickly that the book was overly apologetic in tone and coverage. For example the notorious and worst event in Church history, the Mountain Meadows Massacre was covered in less than one page and reflected no involvement by LDS leaders or followers. Fast forward 50 years and the Church has accepted responsibility, published extensively, and apologized. I often wondered by why Elder Smith was so vague and whitewashed history. Surely he know the truth. As I reflected on the matter, I came to the conclusion that Elder Smith was one generation removed from the persecutions that the early saints experienced. He undoubtedly knew many people that passed through those horrors, including his own father. I now believe that the generational trauma is what colored the view and can at least empathize.

Aside from the above limitations "Essentials in Church History" is a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the history of the Church. Elder Smith draws on his extensive knowledge of Church history and doctrine to provide a thorough overview of the faith's development. The book covers the history of the Church from its founding in the early 19th century through the early 20th century, and includes detailed accounts of key events and figures, such as the First Vision, the translation of the Book of Mormon, the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith (Elder Smith’s grandfather), the exodus to Utah, and the development of the Church's organizational structure.

What sets this book apart from other histories of the Church is Smith's clear and concise writing style, which makes even complex topics accessible to readers without prior knowledge of Church history. He also provides helpful explanations of key doctrinal concepts and teachings. The title is intriguing and a drawback in the sense of the focus on the "essentials" of Church history, means that some important events and figures receive relatively little attention. For example, the role of women in the Church and the development of Church education programs are only briefly discussed.

Overall, "Essentials in Church History" is an excellent introduction to the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is well-written, engaging, and informative, despite its drawbacks. In the years since it was published there are many better options. Particularly, the new multi-volume Saints series.

[Malinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book about the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I really enjoyed it. It was beefy and read more like a textbook but I really am glad I read it as I learned a lot about this church and gospel that I love.

[Richard Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The actual edition that I'm reading carries the history through to the Presidency of Joseph Fielding Smith. It was a present to me as I went into the mission field.

[Jeff Crosby]

Core historical treatment for it’s administrative detail through the 1950s. The book is now outdated.