Joseph Smith's First Vision: Confirming Evidences and Contemporary Accoounts
Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980. Second edition, Revised and Enlarged. Hardcover/dust jacket. 209pp. Few pgs underlining, slight ripple.
The circumstances surrounding Joseph Smith's experience in the sacred grove is a subject on which many have desired more information. This book skillfully fulfills that wish.
From intensive local research, Milton Backman has unearthed a mass of fascinating information which he here organizes into an absorbing book. In the context of the 1820 Vision he closely examines the origins and development of Palmyra and vicinity, cogently analyzes the growth of church memberships in the area, and vividly portrays the religious excitement and theological controversy which impelled the young Joseph to make his inquiry in the grove.
All this is done with a wealth of interesting detail - e.g., on frontier life. denominational proselyting methods, persecution of the youthful Joseph, and - much of which is taken from contemporary records both published and unpublished. Photographs specially prepared maps illustrate and amplify the highly readable text. Of particular interest is the inclusion of several little-known recitals of the First Vision, some of which have not previously appeared in any book.
As the author affirms, the known facts support Joseph Smith's story in all its essential features, and thereby help to sustain the conviction of his prophetic calling. The combination of scholarship, interest and inspiration embodied in these pages makes Joseph Smith's First Vision the most outstanding book published on this subject. Condition: Near very good. Item #7821
ISBN: 0884943992
Price: $10.00