Joseph F. Smith: Patriarch, Preacher, Prophet of God

Joseph F. Smith, son of the martyred Hyrum smith, was the sixth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A controversial figure, he was characterized by some as "fiery, fearless, impetuous and uncompromising," but by others as tenderhearted and full of love. What was this interesting man really like?

In Joseph F. Smith: Patriarch and Preacher, Prophet of God, author Francis M. Gibbons provides penetrating insight into the character and accomplishments of President Joseph F. Smith. Drawing upon all facets of Church history and administration, the author chronicles the events of Joseph F. Smith's early life in Nauvoo, his journey across the plains as a boy teamster, his first mission to Hawaii as a boy of fifteen, his other missions to Hawaii and Europe, his family life, his extensive travels, his service in the Church, and his vision of the redemption of the dead, with a clear understanding of the motivations and influences behind them all.

Bishop Charles W. Nibley said of Joseph F. Smith, "He was a born preacher, and yet he did not set himself up to be such. He never thought highly of his own good qualities. Rather, he was simple, plain and unaffected to the last degree; and yet there was dignity with it all which enabled anyone and everyone to say, 'Here was a man among men.' I ask, as preacher, leader, teacher, husband, father, citizen and man, who among our mighty ones can be likened unto him?"