Brother Joseph: Seer of a New Dispensation, Vol. 1 & 2
Written by Richard N. Skousen, based off the lecture notes of W. Cleon Skousen
Synopsis: A two volume history of the life of Joseph Smith and the Restoration of the Gospel. Based off of W. Cleon Skousen's lecture notes and written by his grandson, these books are the closest thing we have to W. Cleon Skousen's treatment of Joseph Smith and the Restoration era.
Strong Points: These volumes are a great read and are full of beautiful illustrations that serve to put the reader in the time and place. The look of the books, inside and out, will not disappoint. Also, the substance of these written works is very good.
Weak Points: I cannot help comparing these volumes to the one volume classic Joseph Smith and the Restoration by Ivan J. Barrett. And when I do that, they just don't quite live up to that precedent of excellence (but most books on the same subject would probably not, either). Interesting in their own right, and containing unique insights and information, these books are by no means bad. But I did not feel the same excitement I did when I read Barrett's work. Also, a thing that bugged me was that the index appeared only at the end of volume two, and volume one had no index of its own.
Interesting: 4.6/5
Must Read: 2.5/5
Overall: 4/5