Joseph Smith Rough Stone Rolling

Joseph Smith Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman, published by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group on March 13, 2007, is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This reprint edition spans 784 pages and presents an in-depth exploration of Smith’s journey, including his publication of the Book of Mormon at the age of twenty-three, his establishment of a church, and the communities he founded before his untimely death at thirty-eight.

In this work, Bushman, a respected cultural historian and practicing Mormon, moves past the common perceptions of Smith to provide a nuanced portrayal of his character and the dynamics of his relationships. The narrative examines how Smith received revelations and assesses his significant contributions to Christian theology, situating him within the broader context of 19th-century American history. Readers will find a detailed account that not only chronicles the events of Smith’s life but also reflects on his impact on religion and culture in the United States.