The Story

This book is like sitting down with a great-grandfather who has incredible stories to tell. Edward Stevenson was a convert who became a close friend and bodyguard to Joseph Smith. He doesn't give us a dry timeline of events. Instead, he hands us a stack of vivid snapshots from his memory: what Joseph looked like when he was excited, the tension in the room during persecutions, and the sheer, exhausting work of protecting the golden plates. The central thread is the miraculous translation of the Book of Mormon, but Stevenson shows us the messy, real-life drama that surrounded it.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this because it makes history feel immediate. Stevenson's Joseph Smith isn't a stained-glass figure; he's a passionate, sometimes weary, deeply believing leader. You get the sense of the confusion, the fear, and the absolute conviction of those early days. It’s not a polished narrative—it’s a heartfelt, sometimes rambling, recollection. That roughness is what makes it feel authentic. It reminds you that huge spiritual events happen to real people in real places, complete with bad weather and stubborn neighbors.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone fascinated by 19th-century American religious history, especially members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints looking for a primary source that feels personal. It’s also great for readers who enjoy memoirs and getting a 'you are there' perspective on historical events. If you prefer strictly analytical history, this might feel unstructured. But if you want to feel the heartbeat of a movement from someone who felt it himself, this is a unique and compelling read.