When it comes to the life and mission of Joseph Smith, no apology needs to be made by his followers. There will always be naysayers, yet time judges all men and time will continue to vindicate the greatness of Joseph Smith' s character, teachings, revelations, and work. As significant as his life and accomplishments were in his day, the greatest measure of their importance lies in their endurance. After more than 280 years, the effects of Joseph' s ministry do not merely linger on; they continue to flourish and grow in crescendo. The sources and accounts used in this work are first hand sources from those who knew Joseph Smith best, from contemporaries who spent countless hours with the Prophet in intimate settings, and from those who have spent their lives studying his life and teachings. This book is filled with detailed insights, stories, penetrating analysis, and commentary. The result is a vivid, fresh portrayal of this remarkable man.