Joseph Smith as a Jacksonian Man of Letters
Subtitle: His Literary Development as Evidenced in His Newspaper Writings
Edition: Electronic version.
Publisher: Brigham Young University
Published: 1976
Place of publication: [Provo]
Language: eng
Notes: Thesis (Electroni).

M.A. Brigham Young University Dept. of Graduate Studies in Religious Instruction

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Table of contents: title: This study examines the newspaper writings of Joseph Smith Jr., the Mormon Prophet, traces his development as an American writer as evidenced in his newspaper publications, and notes the major concepts contained therein which demonstrate that Smith may deservedly be called a "Jacksonian Man of Letters."Emerging from his youth lacking even rudimentary writing ability, Smith began his development with the translation of ancient scriptural records. Literary experiences with other scriptures, historical records, and even grammar classes augmented his development. Smith later turned his attention to frontier newspapers and served briefly as an editor. Jail confinement provided further stimulus to his literary development. Returning to editorship in 1842, he increased his literary productivity and rose to national prominence as a journalist. After resigning this post, Smith penned several creative literary innovations and in 1844, campaigned for the United States presidency with some successful political writings. Smith's untimely death in June, 1844, ended his writing career.