On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews Steven Pynakker welcomes on Roger Launius who wrote the very important and definitive biography "Joseph Smith III: Pragmatic Prophet". Dr Launius, member of the Community of Christ, wrote his dissertation on Joseph Smith III and it was later published by University of Illinois Press. The book won the prestigious Evans Award for biography. This was a fascinating conversation and we cover topics like the early days of the formation of the RLDS , Emma Smith's denial of polygamy practiced by Joseph Smith, David Hyrum's mental breakdown, Race and the Priesthood, and the legacy Joseph left. We then change it up a bit and discuss his time as the chief historian of NASA where he took on Roswell and Fake Moon landing conspiracy theories. The conversation then turns to baseball and the biography he wrote "Charlie Finley: The Outrageous Story of Baseball's Super Showman". Did you know Finley was instrumental in the American League adopting the designated hitter rule? And that he tried to create the position of the designated runner and introduce orange baseballs to the game? I want to thank Roger for coming on and I look forward to having future conversations with him.

Joseph Smith III: Pragmatic Prophet

Charlie Finley bio