This psychoanalytic view is certainly a welcome addition to the body of research on Mormonism. Latter Day Saint History This is an intriguing and exciting book... [T]his book is a very useful addition to our understanding of Joseph Smith Jr. It does not answer all of our questions, but it presents a whole new perspective from which to view Joseph Smith Jr. and his life and work. The John Whitmer Historical Association Journal This well researched and engaging biographical case study... contributes to our knowledge of the effects of childhood trauma and will be of interest to practitioners who treat traumatized individuals. Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health

The Sword of Laban examines the Mormon prophet's enigmatic life in light of current understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder and the dissociation that accompanies it. Dr. Morain traces the repetitive patterns of behavior and fantasies of Smith's adult life.