-Richard Bushman: Rough Stone Rolling. In my opinion, the best historiographical depiction of the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith ever written.

Richard Anderson: Investigating the Book of Mormon Witnesses. A comprehensive analysis of the lives and testimonies of the witnesses to the golden plates. 

Spencer Fluhman: A Peculiar People. A history of Anti-Mormonism and the story of antagonism towards the restoration explained through an academic lens.

B.H. Roberts: A Comprehensive History of The Church. Although Roberts didn’t have access to some sources which we now have, his reconstruction and explanation of church history is second to none in detail and quality. 

Leonard J Airington: American Moses. Airington’s depiction of Brigham Young is as good as they come. Nothing has helped me understand Brigham quite like his work.

Brian Hales: Joseph Smith’s Polygamy. This multi-volume work was created by perhaps the world’s leading authority in the polygamy of the prophet. Brian Hales is truly legendary.

Don Bradley: The Lost 116 Pages. Don Bradley is one of the best historians we have. Bradley gives a beautiful.

Joseph Spencer: A Brief Theological Introduction to The Book of Mormon (1 Nephi). This whole series is fantastic, but Joseph Spencer really frames 1 Nephi in a way that makes the rest of the Book of Mormon click theologically. Highly recommend.

Terryl Givens: By The Hand of Mormon. This book is an excellent exploration of the historical aspects of the Book of Mormon… hitting on all of the key textual elements which indicate the necessity of its historicity.

Blake Ostler: Exploring Mormon Thought Vol 1-4. It should be no secret that I think Exploring Mormon Thought is the best, most comprehensive, and most compelling presentation of LDS theology ever created. This is an absolute must read if you want to understand how Latter-day Saints handle the largest philosophical and theological questions. This book is accessible and understandable for those who do not have training in philosophy as well as those outside of the LDS tradition. 

Blake Ostler: Fire on the Horizon. This is more of a reflective and poetic work from Ostler, but it presents LDS theology of atonement and Christology beautifully and compellingly nonetheless. 

Terryl Givens: The God Who Weeps. Givens compellingly presents the God of Mormonism as one which transcends the traditional conceptions of Christianity, and offers a paradigm shifting theology which centers around a God that suffers in our suffering.

Terryl Givens: Wrestling the Angel. Givens really goes deep into the foundations of Mormon Theology by giving his take on the fundamental questions of the universe, the soul, and God.

Adam Miller: Original Grace. Miller uses his background in philosophy to expound upon and explore the LDS conceptions of salvation, grace, the fall, and redemption.

Jeffery R Holland: Christ and The New Covenant. Elder Holland hit so heavy with this one. One of the most goated and prophetic treatments of LDS Christology ever written.

B.H. Roberts: The Seventy’s Course in Theology. Roberts is unbelievably goated. This is one of the only systematic works of philosophical theology from a LDS leader ever, and it does not disappoint. Roberts doesn’t miss.