Sources

Browse and manage your historical sources

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The Word of Wisdom: A Principle with a Promise

Paul H. Peterson

Historical analysis tracing the evolution of the Word of Wisdom from a non-binding recommendation in 1833 to a strict requirement for temple attendance by the early 20th century under Heber J. Grant.

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No Man Knows My History

Fawn M. Brodie

Groundbreaking critical biography of Joseph Smith, one of the first to apply modern historical methods. Argues Smith was a conscious fraud who evolved from treasure-seeker to prophet. Led to Brodie's excommunication.

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Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Official church essay acknowledging Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage with 30-40 wives, including some already married to other men (polyandry) and a 14-year-old (Helen Mar Kimball).

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The Mountain Meadows Massacre

Juanita Brooks

Pioneering historical study by an LDS author documenting the 1857 massacre of the Fancher-Baker wagon train by local militia members. First major work to confront the event honestly within the LDS community.

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By the Hand of Mormon

Terryl L. Givens

Academic study examining the Book of Mormon's reception history and cultural impact. Analyzes both historical claims and the book's role as a cultural artifact, treating the text seriously as a subject of scholarly inquiry.

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Translation and Historicity of the Book of Abraham

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Official church essay acknowledging that the surviving Joseph Smith Papyri do not match the text of the Book of Abraham and discussing various theories of translation, including the catalyst theory.

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The Kinderhook Plates: A Study of 19th-Century Ingenuity

Stanley B. Kimball

Ensign article reporting the scientific analysis confirming the Kinderhook Plates were a 19th-century fabrication. Includes metallurgical testing results and historical context of the hoax.

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An Address to All Believers in Christ

David Whitmer

Whitmer's late-life publication reaffirming his witness of the Book of Mormon while criticizing Joseph Smith's later leadership, polygamy, and doctrinal changes. He never denied his testimony of seeing the plates.

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Book of Mormon Testimony of the Three Witnesses

Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, Martin Harris

Formal published testimony that three men saw the gold plates shown by an angel and heard the voice of God declaring the translation correct. Printed in every edition of the Book of Mormon.

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Rough Stone Rolling

Richard Lyman Bushman

Comprehensive scholarly biography of Joseph Smith by a believing LDS historian. Addresses the multiple First Vision accounts, translation methods, and polygamy with academic rigor while maintaining a faith perspective.

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An Insider's View of Mormon Origins

Grant Palmer

A critical examination by a former CES instructor arguing that key founding narratives, including the First Vision and Book of Mormon translation, evolved over time and may reflect 19th-century influences rather than historical events.

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1842 Wentworth Letter First Vision Account

Joseph Smith

Account written for Chicago Democrat editor John Wentworth. A concise retelling that mentions two personages and emphasizes the apostasy of existing churches.

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1838 Official First Vision Account

Joseph Smith

The canonized version published in the Pearl of Great Price (JS-History). Describes two personages — the Father and the Son — and the instruction not to join any church.

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1835 First Vision Account

Joseph Smith

Account given to Robert Matthews (Joshua the Jewish Minister) and recorded in Joseph Smith's journal. Mentions two personages and many angels.

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1832 First Vision Account

Joseph Smith

The earliest known account of the First Vision, written in Joseph Smith's own hand as part of a brief autobiography. Emphasizes a personal quest for forgiveness and mentions only one divine personage.