Pillar of Light—the first volume in the series The Work and the Glory—begins the epic story of the Benjamin Steed family. In the 1820s they move from Vermont to Palmyra Township in upstate New York in search of better farmland. There they meet a young man named Joseph Smith and are thrown into the maelstrom of conflict and controversy that swirls around him. Did he really see the Father and the Son in a pillar of light? Has he truly

The fact that the upstart colonists were able to prevails against the military might of Great Britain in the American war for independence is still a matter of wonderment. Under-funded, ill-equipped, inadequately trained, and hampered by loose enlistments, the Continental Army nevertheless prevailed. Their victory was made possible by the heroic efforts of the patriots, many of whom have been rightfully memorialized. But there were others, some

Young Gene Thomas, son of Alex and Anna Thomas, has everything going for him: his natural good looks, his family's prosperity, and his reputation as the best athlete at East High in Salt Lake City. But now that world events are affecting his family, things may not be so rosy after all. Kathy Thomas, daughter of Wally and Lorraine Thomas, has been thinking a lot lately—maybe too much—about politics, nuclear war, and racial injustice.

"The Lord said he would raise up a pure people. For what, Benjamin? Why does the Lord need a pure people?"

Benjamin stared into Joseph's steady gaze for several seconds, then understanding came with absolute clarity. "Because there is yet work to be done," he said in awe.

Joseph laughted softly. "That is exactly what I concluded. There is still much to be done. We have to establish the kingdom of God on the earth so that the kingdom of heaven