History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1

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History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1

(3 User reviews) 647

By Leo Ferrari Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Wildlife

Authors: Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844 Published By : Smith, Joseph, Jr., 1805-1844

Book Language: English

Hey, have you ever wondered how a new religious movement starts? I just finished reading the first volume of Joseph Smith's history of the Latter-Day Saints, and it's not what I expected at all. Forget a dry, dusty textbook. This is a personal, raw, and sometimes wild account from the founder himself. It starts with a teenage boy in upstate New York who says he saw God and Jesus in a vision. Can you imagine? From that moment, the book follows the crazy ups and downs as he tries to organize a church based on what he believes are ancient scriptures he translated. The main conflict is everywhere—persecution from neighbors, legal battles, internal power struggles, and the constant challenge of convincing anyone to believe this incredible story. It reads like an origin story for a modern faith, written in real time. Whether you're religious or just fascinated by American history, this is a front-row seat to the birth of a movement that changed millions of lives.

File: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Volume 1

This isn't a novel, but the story it tells is full of drama. History of the Church, Volume 1 covers the years from Joseph Smith's early life up to 1834. It begins with his famous First Vision in 1820, where he describes a personal encounter with God and Jesus Christ. The narrative then follows his efforts to translate the Book of Mormon from what he said were ancient gold plates, the official founding of the Church in 1830 with just six members, and the early struggles to establish communities of believers.

The Story

The plot is the church's survival. Joseph Smith dictates events as they happen: sending out the first missionaries, facing violent mobs in New York and Ohio, and trying to build a literal city of Zion in Missouri. The book is packed with revelations he received, letters to followers, and accounts of confrontations. It's a chaotic journey of a small group constantly on the move, seeking a place where they won't be driven out. The tension never lets up, as each new settlement brings fresh hope and then new enemies.

Why You Should Read It

I found it completely gripping because of the voice. You're getting history straight from the source, flaws and all. Joseph Smith doesn't come off as a distant, perfect prophet here. He's frustrated, determined, and deeply convinced of his mission. Reading his direct account of being tarred and feathered or watching his home get destroyed is more powerful than any third-party description. It humanizes a hugely influential figure and lets you inside the mindset of the early members who gave up everything to follow him. You see their sheer grit.

Final Verdict

This book is a must for anyone curious about the roots of Mormonism or the history of American religions. It's also great for readers who love primary sources and seeing history unfold through a participant's eyes. Be warned, it's a dense read and very much of its time in style. But if you can push through, you'll find an unforgettable story of faith, persecution, and the turbulent start of one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. It's not an easy read, but it's a profoundly interesting one.