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Bibliography

Authors' Notes on Materials and Preparation of the Book

Thousands of hours have been devoted to the preparation of this biography, in gathering material, writing the book, and proofreading it. The authors were fortunate in having been able to work as a team, the one primarily responsible for the researching and compiling of material and the other for the writing, but each sharing in all aspects of its preparation, from the beginning of the planning for it to the final checking of page proofs. For them it has been a labor of love, sharing as they do the highest esteem for President Joseph Fielding Smith.

Although the actual writing of the book was not begun until a year prior to its publication in October 1972, the gathering of material for it was begun several years earlier, with the thought that the book would be published shortly after his death. This was the time schedule developed by the authors and William James Mortimer, manager of Deseret Book Company. In discussions regarding it President Smith indicated that he did not wish a biography published until after his death.

The authors and publisher decided against the use of footnotes in the book, for these tend to distract the reader and thus are more of a nuisance than a benefit to most readers. Recognizing that some readers would like information on source material, however, and also to give due acknowledgment for material used, the following bibliographic notes are included:

Much of the information in the book is from firsthand knowledge and acquaintance of the authors, one of whom is the eldest son of President Smith and the other a friend. The authors were fortunate also in having the use of President Smith's personal daily journals, letters and other documents. A large portion of the quoted material in the book is from these primary sources, which afford a far more intimate view of the man than could be had through any other material. Some quotes have been drawn from President Smith's own books, particularly from his biography of his father, the Life of Joseph F. Smith. President Smith's other children, three of his sisters and other relatives and friends shared with the authors letters they had received from him or/and memories of their associations with him. There was quite a complete file of his several dozen letters to his sons while they were on their missions or in the armed forces. In 1963 his son Douglas tape-recorded an interview with him and this was a helpful reference. Counselors, assistants, secretaries and other close associates of President Smith also provided material. Through the years several articles on him had been published in the church periodicals, particularly The Improvement Era and its successor The Ensign. The standard works of the Church and the Documentary History of the Church afforded some useful references. In President Smith's files were some pertinent clippings from early 1900 editions of The Deseret News, The Salt Lake Tribune and other Salt Lake City and Ogden newspapers. Several unpublished documents in the Church Historian's Office were also useful.