No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith | Fawn M. Brodie

No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith | Fawn M. Brodie | Well, I'm number 160

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No Man Knows My Hi...

	No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith Fawn M. Brodie Vintage, 1995 - 576 pages average customer review:based on 160 reviews view larger image
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The first paperback edition of the classic biography of the founder of the Mormon church, this book attempts to answer the questions that continue to surround Joseph Smith. Was he a genuine prophet, or a gifted fabulist who became enthralled by the products of his imagination and ended up being martyred for them? 24 pages of photos. Map.

Different Recommendations for Different People

Because this book tells a story that many people may find offensive; I think it's best that there's different recommendations for different groups of people.
For currently practicing Mormons who are happy in their religion:
this probably isn't a book you want to read. Ms. Brodie talks about a lot of things that will be upsetting to you and your faith. If you're happy in your religion you might just prefer to stay away from this book.
For non-Mormons:
If you're interested in religion, charasmatic leaders and movements, or just like biographies I think you'll find this book very interesting and readable. Joseph Smith is an interesting historical character who was able to raise up a religion with thousands of followers around him which has grown into millions of adherents today. Much of that religion still gathers strength from Smith's charisma and personality. Understanding him better can help you learn so much more about personality, religion, and psychology. It's worth your time if you have any interest.
For ex-Mormons and Mormons who aren't happy in their religion:
This is the group that I fit into. This book helped me to finally break away from the Mormon church. There were so many things that never made sense, but once you can better understand Joseph Smith and how he founded his religion you can better understand Mormonism today. Knowing the truth about Mormonism makes it so much easier to to leave because when it comes down to it Joseph's stories were lies and he constantly did things to better his own position in life. Joseph Smith was the first major cult leader in America and understanding that can help you get away. So I definitely recommend this book for people who are having a difficult time leaving the church or have had a difficult time staying away.

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Well, I'm number 160

159 Amazon reviewers have come before me to say what they think about this book by Fawn Brodie, No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith.

Before I read this book, I knew nothing about Joseph Smith and only a little more about Fawn Brodie, as I was once a graduate student studying American history.

After reading this book, I am sure of one thing: Joseph Smith was a truly American prophet who created an exceptionally American religion.

Joseph Smith was a con-man, a prophet with an exceptional vision of God and an even more amazing liturgical, ceremonial and organizational implementation, and - let's not forget - a martyr. He also loved life. He loved women. He was not a conventional prophet.

Brody's book will take you through all this. I believe the journey was as long for her as for Smith. Read the Epilogue. This sums up her understanding of the man and his fantasy - how the fantasy evolved and how it was absorbed into his life and became a reality.

An amazing book about an amazing man. What American in 19th-Century started something that had so great an impact on our country and the world, other than perhaps Lincoln?

That's it. I'm not a Mormon, either.

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Maybe the Morman Church Succeeded in spite of Joseph Smith

An outstanding and at times exhaustive history of Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints, the Mormons...Very detailed and excellently researched, but it is obvious--too obvious at times--that the author, Fawn Brodie, has a very low opinion, perhaps even detests, the man she is writing about and the the church he established.
One wonders if she, like Scott McClellan's book on the Bush administration, is not getting her "pound of (vindictive) flesh," though there may be some truth is what is said.

There is a feeling, a strong feeling, that balance and objectivity may be missing from this work, but even so, it is a good, worthwhile read.

This much is certain: The church Joseph Smith established could never have grown and become it the church it is today until he passed from the scene. It then no longer had to defend him and his wilding gyrating ideas and visions.

It makes one wonder if the Mormon Church has become the church it is today--has found its way--in spite of Joesph Smith rather than because of him.

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