What's new: 'Joseph Smith Papers, Season 2'

The Joseph Smith Papers team has turned two.

The documentary editing project operating under the Church History Department has not only produced two volumes of transcribed documents that emerged from the life of the Mormon Prophet, but also a television documentary series.

And the 42 episodes that make up Season 2 are now available on DVD.

The Joseph Smith Papers is an effort to collect, verify, transcribe and publish all existing documents produced or owned by the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Church Historian Elder Marlin K. Jensen called it "the single most significant historical project of our generation."

The complementary television series, produced by KJZZ Television, is a rich collection of insights into early church history. The 30-minute episodes feature interviews with scholars involved in the project, close-up looks at key documents and on-site footage of church history locations.

The second season still "revolve(s) around the first latter-day prophet," but is more topical than chronological, says Ron Barney, an editor for the Joseph Smith Papers and executive producer of the television series.

Areas of focus include discussion of the Prophet's persona, lesser-known events in Joseph Smith's life, biographical sketches of the Smith family and prominent early church members, and a topical look at the Prophet's revelations and how they were received.

Season 2 also includes a tribute to Larry H. Miller, whose financial assistance made it possible to add scholars and other resources to the project.

The 42 episodes are packaged in a six-DVD set that includes a 20-page summary and topical index. The price is listed at $49.99.