The story of the Mormon exodus from Nauvoo to a new mountain home far away in the west still stirs the imagination of writers, artists, historians, and musicians. Letters, diaries, and other manuscript sources continue to be discovered that recount this thrilling chapter in Mormon history. An entire believing people came to trust that they would find their place to worship without fear of persecution if they followed their God. This book is divided into three sections of the Mormon pioneers experiences. Even readers who have followed this history will discover new and inspiring facts about this enduring story.

Far Away in the West: Reflections on the Mo rmon Pioneer Trail

Susan Easton Black

Richard E. Bennett

Craig K. Manscill

Scott C. Esplin

RSC/Deseret Book Company

How does the Lord "bring" up a prophet? If Joseph Smith was to be the Lord's instrument for the Restoration, the message of the gospel needed to be reflected in the life of the messenger. But what began in 1820 in a grove of trees in upstate New York didn t result in the formation of the Church for another decade. Important events transpired during this period, but do we understand why it took ten years? In this fascinating and groundbreaking book, Richard Bennett teaches how the Lord carefully instructed the budding prophet in the saving principles and ordinances of the gospel during that decade. - This ten-year "incubation" period allowed the Lord to teach Joseph Smith fundamental principles he would later be called on to teach. - The Lord used visions, heavenly messengers, and common, everyday experiences to teach the future prophet. - This era in Church history provides for us a divine pattern of instruction in essential, life-changing principles.

School of the Prophet: How the Lord Taught Joseph the Gospel

Religion & Spirituality

Christian Books & Bibles

Deseret Book

In their poverty, the early Kirtland Saints were commanded to build a temple, “a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (D&amp;C 88:119) so that the Lord could endow His people “with power from on high.” (D&amp;C 95:8). After abandoning Kirtland and that holy house, they built again in Nauvoo, only to watch the temple burn as they left it behind. Upon arriving in the Great Basin, they quickly laid plans for more temples in Salt Lake City, St. George, Manti, and Logan. Time after time, they faced opposition and sacrifice, yet they continued to build, dedicate, learn, and worship. Why did these temples remain so important to the Saints and to the Lord in spite of roadblocks? In Temples Rising, respected LDS historian Richard Bennett explores the line-upon-line development of temple worship, built under extremely difficult circumstances and at great personal sacrifice, including the sacrifice of plural marriage, in order to save temples. Written for the general membership of the Church, this engaging account of historical events shares the story of how temple worship unfolded in a gradual process of revelation and restoration.

Temples Rising: A Heritage of Sacrifice

How did the young newlywed couple experience the Mormon Pioneer Trek West? Read the first combined husband-and-wife account of the pioneer trek in Journey West. The six unpublished journals rank among the great Mormon exodus journals. They were written by Horace K. Whitney, son of Newel K. and Elizabeth Whitney, with reminiscences and insights from Helen Mar Kimball, daughter of Heber C. and Vilate Kimball. One of Helen's greatest contributions was to share a woman's perspective and complement her husband's perspectives in so many faith-building ways. The book has been richly illustrated and annotated and includes a glossary of people to provide historical context. This is a remarkable story, with few parallels in the history of the Church. It's a story of triumph over trials.

The Journey West: The Pioneer Journals of Horace K. Whitney with Insights from Helen Mar Kimball Whitney

RSC/BYU/Deseret Book Company

What was the world like in 1820? Written to commemorate the bicentennial of the First Vision, this new book introduces the vision and the Restoration of the gospel within a global setting. Seeking to capture the qualities and essential meanings of the age, Richard Bennett explores what he calls the "four dominant constellations in the skies of early nineteenth century history"—namely, revolution and reform, Romanticism, emancipation and independence, and religious revivalism. 
From Napoleon to Beethoven to Bolivar, 1820: Dawning of the Restoration is a biographical examination of "the year of our Lord 1820" as it broke upon a weary world that was cautiously seeking new hopes, new dreams, and bold new visions—including Joseph Smith's.

1820: Dawning of the Restoration

RSC/BYU/Deseret Book