Yet, Bushman also portrays a strong, charismatic, spiritual man who was devoted to family, someone with the determination and the ability to design and build functional cities and a church resistant to pressures and persecutions, an unlearned man who became fascinated with learning and could exude uncommon energy and personality in his sermons and writings, a man who could and would bear unbelievable physical suffering caused by genuine and frightening enemies, a man with exceptional leadership abilities.

And he places Smith firmly in the context of his day — we see him reacting to the problems of the Aage of Jackson, such American social problems as slavery.

Utilizing a narrative gift rare among historians, Bushman gives us an exciting, full-bodied and entirely human look at a dynamic and affectionate religious leader. In spite of his determination to cut out "flowery phrases," the author is notable for his ability turn a phrase and make history dynamic and interesting. His sources are notably complete and his arguments are persuasive.

Yet Bushman does not try to answer every question or solve every problem. He merely presents all the salient aspects of Smith's life and considers all sides of all issues even when he cannot be make an airtight conclusion. The result is a mesmerizing account of a very complicated man, one done with scholarly wisdom and faith.

It is unlikely that another book about Joseph Smith will supercede this one for many years to come.

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E-mail: dennis@desnews.com