John G. Turner’s new book is a nimble account that showcases the frenzied core of Smith’s soul.

(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) John Turner, holds a copy of his book, “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet,” photographed in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Joseph claimed that he “translated” the Book of Mormon from secret sources, but Turner again opts for “the simplest conclusion,” that Smith wrote it himself.

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But there remained a bigger fish to pursue, namely Joseph Smith, the “white whale” of Mormon history, the religious icon who gave birth to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In a pre-recorded video, President Russell M. Nelson spoke to new mission leaders on Sunday, June 22, about his experience ...