Joseph Smith: Prophet-Statesman. Readings in American Political Thought. Edited, with an Introduction by G. Homer Durham. Published 1944 by Bookcraft Co. Stated first edition. Hardcover, no dj, frontispiece portrait, additional interior illustrations, index, 225 pp., 8vo. Joseph Smith, b. Sharon, Vt., Dec. 23, 1805, d. 1844, was the founder, prophet, and first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When he was 10 years old, his family moved to Palmyra, N.Y., and four years later Smith experienced a vision of God and Jesus Christ, who instructed him not to join existing churches. A few years later a heavenly messenger directed Smith to some gold plates, which he translated and published (1830) as the Book of Mormon. In it he tells the religious history of an ancient people who lived on the North American continent and whom he describes as descendants of the ancient Hebrews. In 1830, Smith organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Condition: Ex-Libris exterior and interior markings. Book is complete, and intact with sturdy binding. Interior pages are in very good condition. Cover is in very good condition.