Scene at Sale, Morocco
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Scene at Sale, Morocco

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Scene at Sale, MoroccoDiscover the Vibrant Essence of "Scene at Sale, Morocco" by Edwin Lord Weeks Historical Context of Moroccan Art in the 19th Century The Influence of Western Artists in North Africa In the 19th century, Morocco became a captivating destination for Western artists. The allure of its vibrant markets, intricate architecture, and rich cultural tapestry drew many painters, including Edwin Lord Weeks. Artists sought to capture the essence of Moroccan life,

Discover the Vibrant Essence of "Scene at Sale, Morocco" by Edwin Lord Weeks

Historical Context of Moroccan Art in the 19th Century

The Influence of Western Artists in North Africa

In the 19th century, Morocco became a captivating destination for Western artists. The allure of its vibrant markets, intricate architecture, and rich cultural tapestry drew many painters, including Edwin Lord Weeks. Artists sought to capture the essence of Moroccan life, blending their own styles with local traditions. This period marked a significant exchange of artistic ideas, as Western techniques met the unique aesthetics of Moroccan art.

Moroccan Culture and Its Reflection in Art

Moroccan culture is a mosaic of Berber, Arab, and French influences. This diversity is vividly reflected in the art of the time. The intricate tile work, bold colors, and detailed patterns found in Moroccan architecture inspired many artists. Weeks' painting encapsulates this cultural richness, showcasing the daily life and social interactions within the bustling streets of Sale.

Edwin Lord Weeks: A Pioneer of Orientalism

Biographical Insights into Weeks' Artistic Journey

Edwin Lord Weeks was born in 1849 in Boston, Massachusetts. He became a prominent figure in the Orientalist movement, known for his stunning depictions of North African landscapes and cultures. Weeks studied at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he honed his skills in oil painting. His travels across Morocco, India, and Egypt deeply influenced his artistic vision, allowing him to create works that resonate with authenticity.

Weeks' Travels and Their Impact on His Work

Weeks embarked on several journeys to Morocco, immersing himself in its vibrant culture. His experiences in cities like Sale and Marrakech provided him with a wealth of inspiration. He meticulously observed the local customs, architecture, and landscapes, which he translated into his art. This firsthand knowledge allowed him to portray Moroccan life with remarkable accuracy and depth.

Visual Analysis of "Scene at Sale, Morocco"

Color Palette: The Rich Hues of Moroccan Landscapes

Weeks' "Scene at Sale, Morocco" features a stunning color palette that captures the essence of the Moroccan landscape. The warm earth tones, vibrant blues, and rich reds evoke the sun-drenched streets and bustling markets. These colors not only enhance the visual appeal but also reflect the warmth of Moroccan hospitality.

Composition: Balancing Figures and Architecture

The composition of the painting skillfully balances human figures with architectural elements. The placement of merchants, shoppers, and passersby creates a dynamic scene that draws the viewer's eye. The intricate details of the buildings, adorned with traditional Moroccan motifs, provide a stunning backdrop that complements the lively activity in the foreground.

Light and Shadow: Techniques that Bring the Scene to Life

Weeks expertly employs light and shadow to create depth and dimension in "Scene at Sale, Morocco." The interplay of sunlight filtering through the market stalls adds a sense of realism. This technique not only highlights the textures of the clothing and architecture but also enhances the overall atmosphere of the bustling scene.

The Cultural Significance of the Scene Depicted

Daily Life in Sale: A Glimpse into Moroccan Society

The painting offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Sale, a city known for its rich history and vibrant markets. The depiction of merchants selling spices, textiles, and pottery showcases the importance of trade in Moroccan society. This scene reflects the communal spirit and the lively interactions that characterize Moroccan culture.

Architectural Elements: The Influence of Islamic Design

Weeks' work highlights the stunning architectural elements typical of Islamic design. The intricate arches, decorative tile work, and ornate doorways are prominent features in the painting. These elements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also serve as a testament to Morocco's architectural heritage.

Symbolism and Themes in Weeks' Work

Exploring the Themes of Travel and Discovery

Weeks' "Scene at Sale, Morocco" embodies the themes of travel and discovery. The painting invites viewers to explore the rich cultural landscape of Morocco. It reflects the artist's own journey of exploration, capturing the essence of a world that was both foreign and fascinating to Western audiences.

Symbolic Representations of Trade and Community

The bustling market scene symbolizes the importance of trade and community in Moroccan life. The interactions between buyers and sellers illustrate the social fabric of Sale. This theme resonates with the idea of connection and the shared experiences that define a community.

Comparative Analysis with Other Orientalist Paintings

Contrasting Styles: Weeks vs. Other Notable Orientalists

When compared to other Orientalist painters like Jean-Léon Gér√¥me and Lawrence Alma-Tadema, Weeks' style stands out for its vibrant color and dynamic composition. While Gér√¥me often focused on historical themes, Weeks captured the everyday life of Moroccan society. This unique approach allows his work to resonate with viewers on a personal level.

Common Motifs in Orientalist Art: A Broader Perspective

Orientalist art often features motifs such as exotic landscapes, intricate textiles, and depictions of local customs. Weeks' painting aligns with these themes while also emphasizing the vibrancy of Moroccan culture. His ability to blend these motifs with a sense of realism sets his work apart in the Orientalist genre.

Artistic Techniques and Mediums Used by Weeks

Oil Painting Techniques: Brushwork and Texture

Weeks employed traditional oil painting techniques to create texture and depth in his work. His brushwork varies from fine details in the figures to broader strokes in the background, enhancing the overall composition. This technique allows the viewer to appreciate the intricacies of both the people and the environment.

Influence of Impressionism on Weeks' Style

Weeks' style shows the influence of Impressionism, particularly in his use of light and color. He captures the fleeting moments of daily life, much like Impressionist artists. This approach adds a sense of immediacy and vibrancy to "Scene at Sale, Morocco," making it a captivating piece of art.

Preservation and Legacy of "Scene at Sale, Morocco"

Current Location and Exhibition History

"Scene at Sale, Morocco" is part of a private collection and has been exhibited in various prestigious galleries. Its journey through exhibitions has allowed art lovers to appreciate Weeks' unique perspective on Moroccan culture. The painting continues to inspire and educate audiences about the beauty of North African art.

Impact on Modern Art and Continued Relevance

The legacy of Weeks' work extends into modern art, influencing contemporary artists who explore themes of travel and cultural exchange. His ability to capture the essence of a place and its people remains relevant today. "Scene at Sale, Morocco" serves as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that defines our world.

FAQs about "Scene at Sale, Morocco" by Edwin Lord Weeks

What inspired Edwin Lord Weeks to paint "Scene at Sale, Morocco"?

Weeks was inspired by his travels in Morocco, where he immersed himself in the local culture and daily life. The vibrant markets and rich traditions motivated him to capture the essence of Sale.

What are the main themes explored in this painting?

The main themes include daily life, trade, community, and the beauty of Moroccan culture. Weeks highlights the interactions between people and their environment.

How does "Scene at Sale, Morocco" reflect Moroccan culture?

The painting reflects Moroccan culture through its depiction of market life, architectural elements, and the vibrant colors that characterize the region. It showcases the communal spirit and rich traditions of Sale.

What techniques did Weeks use to create depth in the painting?

Weeks used light and shadow techniques to create depth. His brushwork adds texture, while the careful placement of figures and architecture enhances the three-dimensional feel of the scene.

Where can I view the original painting today?

The original painting is part of a private collection and may be exhibited in various art galleries. Check local exhibitions for opportunities to view this remarkable work.

What should I know about reproducing "Scene at Sale, Morocco"?

When reproducing "Scene at Sale, Morocco," it's essential to focus on capturing the vibrant colors and intricate details. High-quality painting reproductions are superior to prints, as they reflect the texture and depth of the original artwork.

How can I ensure the reproduction captures the essence of the original?

To ensure the reproduction captures the essence of the original, choose a skilled artist who specializes in oil painting reproductions. Look for attention to detail and a commitment to preserving the vibrant colors and textures that define Weeks' work.

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Craig Matteson
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
This wonderful biography focuses on what the contemporary records actually tell us.
Format: Paperback
I am very grateful to Richard Bushman for this book. Writing about Joseph Smith invites a storm of criticism because skeptics only want him debunked and believers want their faith supported. Each wants their pre-conceived image of who Joseph was to be proven correct. Bushman takes a strong stance that lets the evidence we have speak for itself, preferably as close to Joseph himself and contemporary witnesses as possible, and tell the story of his life to high scholarly standards. For me the book read somewhat sparer than a biography that includes anecdotes as if they are history. Many familiar stories that I learned growing up are simply not here. However, relying as much as possible on contemporary accounts and what Joseph himself wrote or said provides a a biography more consistent in its view of Joseph than the books that either extol him or those that tend to attack him and try to debunk him. For example, the famous Brodie biography seemed to me to want Joseph to be both a genius and a dolt, a highly energetic man yet lazy, a crazed believer and a cynical con man, and on and on with similar contradictions. Bushman achieves a more consistent lens on Joseph, despite the complications of the man and his life. I think this is both a great achievement and a real help in trying to understand Joseph. I mean it as high praise for the book when I say that I think that almost everyone who reads this book thoughtfully will take away a broader and deeper conception of who Joseph Smith was and what he did. Rather than try to recount the book to you I want to share several things that I learned from the book and really value. I could list dozens more, but you can read the book for yourself (which I encourage you to do). Yes, I am a believing member of the LDS Church, but I think the book is intelligent and honest and complete enough to provide interesting and thought provoking material for both the believer and the skeptic and for someone who comes with no knowledge of Joseph at all. Believers will have to consider the complications of the man and his flesh and blood temperament and the misjudgments he made in his life about the people he trusted and some of the actions he took. Skeptics will have to deal with the reality of the man and his achievements. Simply dismissing him as a con man or a crazed visionary will not work because that is not what the actual evidence says. Joseph did not run the Church as the single central figure nor did he turn it into a cult of Joseph Smith. Bushman showed me the power and genius of the organization of the Church and its balancing mechanisms of being flat with a broadly held male priesthood with a hierarchical leadership with doctrine of keys and how the later addition of women in the operation, governing of the Church, and caring of the needs of the Saints strengthened and enriched it. And while Joseph was the President of the Church and its Prophet and Seer he really did let local leadership govern itself according to the principles taught through the revelations. I think Bushman's focus on the development of the organization and its role in preserving the Church and its ongoing growth after Joseph's murder is spot on and helped deepen my appreciation of its dynamism and adaptability. I also like the compromise language Bushman achieved in dealing with the realities of the revelations of Joseph Smith. The author always refers to them as Joseph's revelations. For believers, we accept them as revelations from God through Joseph Smith, but I can see them as "Joseph's" in that they were given through him. And skeptics who reject anything divine about the revelations can accept that, whatever they are, Joseph spoke them. I also liked learning how many of the revelations were given in the presence of others in meetings, how matter of fact they were, how they were immediately copied and circulated, and how difficult it was to get them collected and printed for a variety of reasons until we finally got them published as the Doctrine and Covenants. Another thing I gained a deeper appreciation of was the utter daring and the monumental nature of building the Kirtland Temple so early in the Church's life. Most Mormon congregations (wards) have around 500 members. Kirtland at the time they were building the temple was growing, but only had around 600 members when the project began. I can't fathom taking on such a project with so few people and for a people living in log structures and less it is even more incredible. Yet they built it in that rugged frontier town. I also thought that Bushman handled the sense of the miraculous around the dedication of the temple very sensitively. I also did not realize that when Joseph and Oliver were receiving the visitation of the Savior, Moses, Elijah, and Elias on the altar of the temple that up to 1,000 members were in the temple on the other side of the curtain. When I was growing up I did not understand clearly how early the Saints arrived in Missouri and how much larger the settlement there was than in Kirtland even though the temple in Kirtland was built and the proposed temple for Zion was not. Bushman also does a good job of giving a clear picture of the dynamics of the persecutions in Missouri and how the growing political power and anti-slavery stance of the Mormons antagonized the locals. The so-called Mormon War is also more critical to the rest of Joseph's life than I had realized. The constant hounding from Missouri and Joseph having to fear for his life from then on was something I had not truly appreciated. I also think Bushman handles the issue of plural marriage as well as it can be handled. And I think I gained a deeper understanding of John C. Bennett's role in the persecution of the Mormons in Illinois than I had before. I think the actual martyrdom is given a little too light a treatment here, but it is well covered material, and as Bushman notes, a great deal of faith promoting stories have accumulated around that event over the years. And I think he was probably wise in not opening up his book to attacks because he debunked someone's favorite story about Joseph's last days. Just laying out what is actually documented from the time is very helpful. Even with all the praise I have given, I could heap a great deal more if I had the space and time. But I do want to share an honest perspective I have of the book. It is superior, truly marvelous, from Joseph's early life through the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. That is the zenith of the book. From that point on, while good, the author himself cites difficulty in getting to Joseph directly after that point because his life and the nature of the work of the Church and the lives of the Saints changed. The rest of the book is not as exquisite. Very good, interesting, and informative, but not quite equal to the previous material. It becomes more of a narrative than it had been probably for the reason Bushman cites. I did find the footnotes and bibliography quite useful. They enriched my reading and sent me on to other reading I found illuminating and will help me in selecting other directions for study for years to come. So, I am especially thankful for the hard work in putting all that material together, as well. This is a monumental work and a treasure. Read it. Evaluate it for yourself no matter your present attitude or judgments of Joseph Smith. You will have a more considered and informed view for having read it. And, I don't know why this is in the paperback section. I bought and read the hardcover of the book. Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Saline, MI
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Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2012
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R. Mckissick
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Candid Honesty from a great American Historian
Format: Hardcover
Reading Puritans to Yankees, a Bancroft Prize history, I moved to this tome. Professor(full) Bushman is a great American historian. This book follows tradition. One look at Prof. Bushman's on-line student sylabuses or awards at Columbia illustrates his leadership ofhistory students. Years I've spent trying to better understand ancient Pauls revelations; in particular the one with Christ on the road. How can one get closer to Christ without understanding revelation? At the third read of Rough Stone, and lots of redlines, I think this book is about revelation. Also what a rare thing revelation has been; heaven is open modernly for revelation. I wish I could understand the Bible without a guide to communicaton form God. Rough Stone has opened a new understanding of revelation. Maybe the most important thing is that God is all powerful and supreem, and will talk to us when He wants and we are able to understand. Bushman's honest facts include the unknown. Cited notes and end references indicate ratio of 20 to 1, focusing on issues not defense. His knowledge quest is aparent, like an intelligent friend who relates and lays out the reasons for his analysis. The evidence historians rely on, shows that Smith himself spoke and acted consistently with God. All true history I have read has good and bad - same here - the voice is one of personal knowledge. Whether or not you accept Bushman's conclusions on various issues, it is clear that Bushman himself has come historically to his conclusions. Very powerfull statement for an eminent historian. Dissecting a paragraph on prayer, washings and annointings leading up to the 1836 Kirtland Temple dedication is illustrative. After a summary, each person involved is organized into groups (priests, bishops presidents etc.). Concise background connects mental states. Bushman conveys the visions and revelations. Each hammered paragraph a razor sharp sword of truth, accompanied by the Spirit of Christ. May I someday write like this. This book does not attempt reader placement in contextual cultural affinity. The 1840's Latter-day Saints were persecuted, we are not. The Holocost Jews, read pogrom, are culturally atuned, and able to sympathize, we are not. Conveying instructions on getting revelation to unsympathetic readers like us was a challenge beyond comprehenson; study brings some understanding. Bushman has become sympathetic. His out-of-book descriptions of Lincoln defending on the Illinois circuit court clearly depict Bushmans cultural affinity. After three reads, I am becomming sympathetic. My wife calls me a bit crazy with the the 10 mile walks to Church, and baking bread from hand ground wheat, and almost loosing my job from sticking up for "no discussions of dating activities by the student interns at work". A good book should motivate action - maybe I should be less motivated (so she says). The highest recommendation, this is what I would give this book. I A guide to me, it sits with Bushmans other books and essays. I seem better able to understand conference talks. I listened to N. Eldon Tanners talk on Christ from the 147th conference (1982). He went over the first vision. But it became clear Tanner was talking from personal revelation, relating the 1832 description of Joseph Smith. Characteristics of revelation I learned reading Bushmans book jumped out at me during Tanners' talk.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2011
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R. C. Harris Jr.
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
"Clearly the definitive biogrophy for generations to come."
Format: Hardcover
I have read many books about Joseph Smith the prophet, but none have been so informative and balanced as this one. Some of what makes this so brilliant is the autor's choice to include as much information as possible - regardless of it's implications. Richard L. Bushman does not shy away from the controversial, presenting Joseph as somebody who I can finally relate to as a human being, rather than some kind of perfect "way up there" godlike being that Primary and Sunday School (intentionally or not) portray him. It was a relief for me to read of Joseph's mistakes in addition to his many amazing accomoplishments as a prophet, mayor, general, presidential candidate and much more. I love how honest Brother Bushman is in the book's preface: "A believing historian like myself cannot [...] pretend nothing personal is at stake. For a character as controversial as Smith, pure objectivity is impossible. What I can do is to look frankly at all the sides of Joseph Smith, facing up to his mistakes and flaws. Covering up errors makes no sense in any case. Most readers do not believe in, nor are they interested in, perfection. We want to meet a real person." Brother Bushman has "undertaken to explore a side of Joseph Smith not adequately examined in other biogrophies: his religious thought." Thus, we are able to peer into the mind and thoughts of the prophet - to a degree never before accomplished. What motivated him to make the choices he made? Why did he sometimes seem to "lie" in regards to poligamy, the danites, his political motivations, etc? Why was he so "secretive" of his past, the BOM translation, his early visions, etc? All of these and other questions are addressed and we are given a deeper understanding by peering into the mind and "religious thought" of the prophet. For those wondering how much of Brother Bushman's previous work 'Joseph Smith and the beginnings of Mormonism' is contained in this work, he answers that in the preface: "Large portions of chapters 1, 2, 3 and 5" are recycled in this book. I can't praise this book enough. I loved it so much that I bought a second copy to loan out to friends from church. (Yes, I am an active LDS.) I also bought a copy for my Dad for Christmas. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in a true and balanced history of Joseph Smith, the prophet. It is true that it shows "negative" sides to the prophet, but these are all very well documented and could not be ignored. I for one appreciate the inclusion of all the facts, not just the ones that place Joseph in a good light. It is as historian Terry L. Givens states on the back cover: "Clearly the definitive biogrophy for generations to come. The most balanced, thorough, and insightful treatment to date--truly a masterful work."
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Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2005
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Amazon Customer
Draper, US
★★★★★ 4
Good material for seminary class or testimony meeting, questionable history and biography
Format: Hardcover
Bushman' preface tells us that this "biography" is a "believers" perspective on Joseph Smith's life and time. Thus, Bushman's book is valuable as insight into how devout, believing, practicing Mormons view Joseph's life. To me, as a "gentile", the book seems like great material for a seminary class or a testimony meeting. The basic Mormon "testimony" statement goes something like "I have a testimony of the truth of the Book of Mormon and that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God." I also imagine that this book might be good material for missionary training. But I have some problems with the historical scholarship. (See the end of my review.) Regardless of my problems with Bushman's text, Joseph Smith is an interesting and complicated character. He has had a lasting impact, and fathered a religion that has members around the world. His life, as well as the religion and church he founded, is well worth studying. But then the same could be said of Ellen White, L. Ron Hubbard, Mary Baker Eddy, and many others. Bushman does give us a valuable, well written (but at times tedious), insight into a believer's perspective on Joseph. But the value of this book as history and biography is problematic. When the historical evidence suggests conflicting interpretations, or negative interpretations, of Joseph, and exposes some of the "rough edges", Bushman never deviates from his testimony that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. Consequently Bushman always seems to be able to smooth the edges of this "rough stone rolling". In doing so there are some misrepresentations and omissions which diminish the value of this book as a serious study of Joseph's life and times. Bushman has solved the biography problem for believing Mormons who have waited over 60 years for an alternative, and antidote, to Fawn Brodie's "No one Knows my History". But I don't think he has transcended Brodie's work. If you are not a believing Mormon, a better introduction to Joseph Smith would be Robert Remini's short biography (182 pages), "Joseph Smith". Then tackle Bushman's tome (561 pages of text). Problems with Bushmans text: 1. Bushman, as Mormon historians and General Authorities have done for over 100 years, misrepresents and distorts the perspective of Josiah Quincy. A century ago B. H. Roberts claimed that Quincy was "on our side". In the prologue (pp. 1-7), Bushman represents Quincy as a benign "puzzled skeptic". In fact Quincy saw Joseph and his religious movement as an "evil fanaticism" and likens Joseph to Thomas Muntzer (Mulhausen) and Jan van Leydon (Munster). This is clearly stated in the opening paragraph of Quincy's essay, along with comments about "demoralizing doctrines", "still darker revelations", and the assertion that Joseph's religion is "subversive of every duty which we claim from the citizen". ( For the significance of the references to Mulhausen and Munster see Norman Cohn, The Pursuit of the Millennium, pp. 234-280 and Anthony Arthur, The Tailor-King). My concern is not with the merits of Quincy's essay. (You can read Quincy for yourself at [...]) Rather it is that Bushman's representation of Quincy as a benign "puzzled skeptic" is at best inaccurate. Quincy's puzzlement is of a very different nature than Bushman would have us believe. I think Quincy's statements might be closer to what Bushman call the "anti-Mormon argument" (p. 510). But Quincy's personal position on Joseph and his followers would be closer to Thomas Gregg's (p. 532). There are three other misrepresentations of Quincy. Towards the end of the book, Bushman quotes Quincy as saying the Nauvoo temple architecture is "odd and striking"(p. 504). But Quincy also said the temple was "grotesque"! In short he was not favorably impressed. On page 522 Bushman says "Quincy was surprised to hear Joseph invite a Methodist to preach from a Mormon pulpit." In Quincy's text the Methodist minister was clearly surprised at the invitation. But Quincy does not reveal his reaction to this invitation. Given Quincy's descriptions of the banter between Joseph and the minister, I think it would be more appropriate to say Quincy was at best amused. On page 560 Bushman says "Quincy saw in him `that kingly faculty that directs, as by intrinsic light." Bushman puts a period at the end of this quote when there should have been an ellipsis. The sentence concludes "the feeble or confused souls who are looking for guidance." Why did Bushman suggest that the sentence ended at "intrinsic light"? What was Quincy trying to say by this remark? Quincy clearly recognized Joseph as a natural and charismatic leader. While Quincy acknowledged Joseph's leadership strengths, this apparent compliment has to be tempered by the reference to "feeble or confused souls"? Also consider the Mulhausen and Munster references. I don't think that Quincy was in awe of Joseph, or impressed with Joseph in a positive way. Yet in the paragraph that contains this quote, Bushman is expressing his own sense of awe and marvel at Joseph's life and accomplishments. Bushman is entitled to his view of Joseph. But I don't think he is entitled to suggest that Quincy shared his view. 2. Bushman's discussion of the "View of the Hebrews" as a source for Joseph's writing the Book of Mormon (p. 96), fails to cite B. H. Roberts' extended essay documenting similarities between the two books. My concern is not with the merits of Roberts essay. The problem is that Bushman completely ignores Roberts essay in discussing this topic, as well as Roberts essay on archeological evidence for the Book of Mormon. (p. 92) (Roberts essays are published by Signature Books: "Studies of the Book of Mormon", 1985, [...]) I could cite more problems but I would greatly exceed what I think is the appropriate length for an Amazon review.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2006
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Scooter Reviews
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Like a freight train coming through...
Format: Paperback
I skimmed through a friend's paperback version and quickly realized that this book would require much more careful reading and study. I bought the Kindle version and spent 2 months carefully going through it. I honestly do not know how I missed this book when it came out and I'm embarrassed that it took me 7 years to find it. Like most LDS readers and reviewers here, this completely different approach to the Prophet's history throws you off while at the same time sucking you in. What's amazing to me is the way that Bushman tackles head-on the "problems" and "difficulties" with LDS history. As my title suggests, Bushman is like a freight train coming through Church history and it is a very welcome middle ground to both the Church version and the anti-Mormon version. As someone who has studied this stuff extensively, there was so much new for me in the book. For example, although I knew about the Zions Camp March, I never had actually learned that the whole expedition was an attempt to take back Jackson County lands by military means. Also present in the book are things that I've wondered but never been able to ask, such as all the different aspects of Joseph's practice of polygamy- including lying to Emma, sex with multiple wives, and marrying women who were already married. Bushman is unflinching and I feel this approach is vital for the internet age. As the "Joseph Smith Papers" continue to get published giving writers the good sources materials, I expect more of this open kind of historical inquiry to be written. Joseph's bad temper, his trusting of untrustworthy people, and his mismanagement of multiple situations need to be studied alongside his incredible accomplishments and daring. I agree with Bushman, who quotes Yale scholar Harold Bloom, that the King Follet discourse is one of the best sermons ever delivered in America. Bushman has a whole section dedicated to this one discourse, the climax of Joseph's theology and given at a time when so many things were going wrong for Joseph. I also agree with Bushman that it is a mystery why the King Follet discourse has not been canonized by the Church since it is equal to or superior to many of the revelations currently in the Doctrine & Covenants. Fantastic book and I would give it more stars if I could. The only drawback for me was that Bushman starts by describing Joseph's grandparents and parents before he gets to Joseph and this part bored me a little, but is important for putting Joseph in his historical context. Bushman's scholarly credentials are top-notch and LDS readers will be surprised at how the depth of Bushman's understanding of American history gives more meaning to early LDS church history. Although a patriarch and devout LDS member, Bushman is also one of the preeminent scholars of American history and it comes through in the book. I can see this being a huge benefit to non-Mormon readers who want to approach Joseph from a historical perspective than a believers' perspective. If you like this, I highly recommend you also read the author's "On the Road with Joseph Smith" which is a diary of Bushman's experiences with the book before and after it's release. Also, read Terryl Given's books starting with "By the Hand of Mormon".
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Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2012

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