About 10 years of research went into writing the book, "Millions Shall Know Brother Joseph Again," said its author, S. Michael Tracy, even though many who have heard about his findings have been quick to write them off.

A photographic image at the center of his research — purported to be the only known photograph of LDS Church founder Joseph Smith — was the subject of much furor a few weeks ago when a widely circulated anonymous e-mail claimed LDS Church headquarters had verified it as being an authentic image of the prophet Joseph Smith. The e-mail prompted the church to issue an official statement that it had not confirmed that the image was of Joseph Smith, and that the e-mail�s claims were false.

"Unfortunately there's been a lot of misinformation," Tracy said of the e-mail and the conclusions people drew from it.

For a variety of reasons, members and academics alike were skeptical of the e-mail's claims, and that skepticism has turned into cynicism regarding his book that was released this week, Tracy said.

To read more about the book on MormonTimes.com, please click here.