Joseph Smith for President

Overall, this book portrays Smith’s opponents as being mostly in the wrong and his supporters as being mostly in the right. Perspectives critical of Smith are presented, but the edge is usually removed by counter arguments and justifications for his actions. To the listener familiar with exmormon talking points, this book feels unfairly biased in favor of Smith. On the other hand, to the believing mormon who only knows as much as is discussed in sunday school, this book probably does not feel favourable enough. To them, the black is probably not black enough nor the white white enough. I was captivated by the detailed descriptions - this book naturally goes further into the specifics of the events surrounding Smith’s presidential campaign than any other and it does not linger too much on the events most people are familiar with. It provides enough information to give the uninitiated a foundation though. This book is kind enough to Smith to not be labelled anti-mormon by believers, critical enough of him not to make the ex-mormons puke, and accessible enough to be enjoyed by the uninitiated. Pretty impressive.