Early Mormonism and the Magic Worldview, by D. Michael Quinn
Explore the behavior of money-digging, the use of scrying, magical talismans and folk-magic which surrounded Joseph Smith Jr. and his family, and how these difficult (for some) to reconcile practices relate to the development of the Latter-day Saint movement.
Rough Stone Rolling, by Richard Lyman Bushman
Richard Bushman has created the definitive modern biographical work on the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. With access to new manuscript documents being used in the Joseph Smith Papers Project, Bushman has brought to light many aspects of the character of Joseph Smith that have never before been published.
Conflict in the Quorum, by Gary James Bergera
This book explores the doctrinal conflicts which arose between Brigham Young and Orson Pratt concerning Brigham's Adam-God teachings among other things. If you're curious as to why and how Orson Pratt's view, as an Apostle, eventually ousted Brigham Young's declarations of prophecy as President of the Church, even with the other Apostles standing on Brigham's side, this book explores council minutes and heated discussions of the entire issue.
Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship, by David John Buerger
The gradual development of the LDS Temple Ordinances, particularly the ritual ceremonies of the Endowment, are explored in vivid detail, including minutes of meetings between the Temple Presidents and the President of the Church. (While some may consider that this book goes into too much detail, I would simply recommend that you receive the Endowment before reading this, if you're the type who doesn't like to read "spoilers" before watching a movie or reading a book.)
