Author: Stephen C. Harper
 
This book serves as a valuable guide for anyone seeking a better understanding of the Word of Wisdom, how it came to be, how it has been understood and applied historically, and what it means to Latter-day Saints today. Employing a thorough, concise, and engaging style, this volume provides readers with the best analysis of the Word of Wisdom currently available.
This book authoritatively defines the Word of Wisdom as much more than a simple health code while answering questions about the circumstances that led to its revelation and providing explanations on how it answered both current questions in Joseph Smith's day, and critically important issues in ours. The author tackles the question of Joseph Smith's own adherence to the Word of Wisdom and vividly traces both the consistent and the changing ways it has been taught and applied throughout LDS history.