Natural Born Seer: Joseph Smith - American Prophet - 1805-1830

Salt Lake City, UT: Smith-Pettit Foundation, 2016. First edition. Hardcover. New/New. 589pp. Octavo [24cm]. Black boards, with title stamped in gilt on spine and cover. “I treat the early years of the Mormon prophet as I would approach an archaeological dig. The deepest levels, those deposited first and least contaminated by subsequent accumulates, are of primary interest in my pursuit of the historical Joseph. Mindful of the prophet’s controversial reputation, I try to remain sensitive to the impact that some of the more problematic elements of his behavior may have on believers. But truth is often best evidenced in the detail.”

- Richard S. Van Wagoner.