Last week we had a campout with our Young Men. One of them is reading all kinds of books about the Restored Gospel. I think it is wonderful. He knows I read and collect books and asked what he should read next.
I get that question every once in a while. So, I thought I would post what I consider to be the essential books every Latter-day Saint should have in their home library. I realize that every list will be different and include other books. Not a problem. This list is based on my experience and learning. It is probably more of a reflection on what I like to read and what has influenced me more than anything else. Also, I have had my library inventory posted for over a year on the blog (actually a link to it). If you are interested in seeing what is in my entire collection click here. But what I am posting below is what I consider to be foundational to a good Latter-day Saint library. It should go without saying that the Standard Works are a given, so I have not included them.
This is a difficult thing to do, because I love all my books. As I put this list together, looking at my bookshelves, I resisted the urge to include every book, keeping in mind this is an essential library, not my library. And so, if you see a book that you think should be included but is not, please know that I most likely considered including it as well. I could also most certainly include a brief explanation as to why each book is included. Perhaps that will be another post. For now, I am just pleased to get this list together. I should also state that these books for the most part are not going to be considered scholarly by some. Such is not my purpose. I have and love those books as well. This list is based on what I would recommend for every member of the Church.
I also should note that these books are not only to be on a bookshelf, but to be read. I often get asked when people come to my house and see my books, "Yeah, but have you read all of them?" The answer is nearly all of them. I would say I have read about 85-90% of my books. There are a few that do not seemed to be designed to be read cover to cover and I use those primarily for reference. However, I have read in all of my books, if that counts for anything.
But enough of that. Without further commentary... my list (in absolutely no particular order):
Doctrinal
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, edited by Joseph Fielding Smith
The Words of Joseph Smith: The Contemporary Accounts of the Nauvoo discourses of the Prophet Joseph, edited by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook
Gospel Doctrine, Joseph F. Smith
Doctrines of Salvation, Joseph Fielding Smith
Answers to Gospel Questions, Joseph Fielding Smith
Jesus the Christ, James E. Talmage
Messiah Series, Bruce R. McConkie
- Promised Messiah
- Mortal Messiah, volume 1
- Mortal Messiah, volume 2
- Mortal Messiah, volume 3
- Mortal Messiah, volume 4
- Millennial Messiah
Mormon Doctrine, Bruce R. McConkie
A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, Bruce R. McConkie
Lectures on Faith, Joseph Smith et al
Messages of the First Presidency, 6 volumes, edited by James R. Clark
Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 volumes, Bruce R. McConkie
Priesthood and Church Government, edited by John A. Widstoe
Masterful Discourses of Orson Pratt, edited by N. B. Lundwall
Writings of Parley P. Pratt, edited by Parley Robison
A Witness and a Warning, Ezra Taft Benson
Christ and the New Covenant, Jeffrey R. Holland
Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, four volumes, Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L Millet
Revelations of the Restoration, Joseph Fielding McConkie
Inevitable Apostasy and Promised Restoration, Tad R. Callister
Lost Language of Symbolism, Alonzo L. Gaskill
Called of God by Prophecy, Dennis B. Horne
Receiving Gifts of the Spirit, Matthew B. Brown
Historical
History of the Church, Joseph Smith and editors
Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, edited by Dean Jessee
Opening the Heavens, edited by John W. Welch
Remembering Joseph, edited by Mark L. McConkie
Eyewitness Accounts of the Restoration, edited by Milton V. Backman
The Joseph Smith Papers, Journals, Vol. 1: 1832-1839, edited by Dean C. Jessee et al
Wilford Woodruff Journals, volumes 1-9
Evening and Morning Star
Messenger and Advocate
Times and Seasons
Mormons at the Missouri, Richard Bennett
Kirtland Council Minute Book, edited by Fred C. Collier
Kirtland Elder's Quorum Record 1836-1841, edited by Lyndon W. Cook and Milton V. Backman, Jr.
Far West Record: Minutes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1830-1844, edited by Donald Q. Cannon and Lyndon W. Cook
The Nauvoo High Council Minute Books of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by Fred C. Collier
Biographical
Presidents of the Church, edited by Leonard J. Arrington
History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, Lucy Mack Smith
Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet, George Q. Cannon
Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt, Parley P. Pratt
Wilford Woodruff, Orson F. Whitney
Life of Joseph F. Smith, Joseph Fielding Smith
Go Forward with Faith, Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley, Sherrie Dew
Marion G. Romney: His Life and Faith, F. Burton Howard
The Bruce R. McConkie Story, Joseph Fielding McConkie
Boyd K. Packer: A Watchman on the Tower, Lucile C. Tate
Yearning for the Living God, F. Enzio Busche
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