This book is a transcription of several of the dairies and journals of the Zion’s Poetess, Eliza R. Snow. She was a plural wife of Joseph Smith, and later headed up the Female Relief Society once Brigham Young and the Saints reached the Great Basin, in Utah. This transcription follow the pattern laid down by “Personal Writings of Joseph Smith,” “Papers of Joseph Smith,” and “Words of Joseph Smith.” Eliza had such a broad and eternal mind, so it is fitting that we have a book devoted to her writings.

I found Eliza’s trail diary to be the best book. The trail diary covers Eliza’s 111-day pioneer journey across the plains. It records some of the experiences she had along the way, not only being a ministering angel to the sick sisters, but several profound spiritual experiences she had.

This book is a must for anyone into the original documents. The only problem I have is the price. I thought that University Presses were supposed to provide cheap books! Sheesh!

Eliza Roxcy Snow Smith was a Wonder Woman. She is one of the greatest women, no only in Momondom, but in American history, and even the world. He greatness is due to her unusual talents. She is an incredible poet, but an incredible woman to boot. She was, in a sense, the female prophet, much like ward-level Relief Society presidents are sometimes called the “Lady Bishops.”

A friend of mine once said that you could prove the existence of an Easter bunny by using the Bible. Pick & choose your facts, interpret them by running them through your curling iron, and there you have it: Mormon women have become the trodden-down in the male-dominated world of the Latter-day Saints. It's history tailor-made by self-styled liberal Mormon women who try to flatter themselves by posing as the enlightened elite.

If you are uncomfortable with the unorthodox, this is not the book for you. But if you would be interested in an exploration of some of the theological issues and history facing women in the LDS Church, this is certainly a book to savor.