Messages of the First Presidency, Volume V, compiled by Dr. James R. Clark of Brigham young University, covers the period 1916- 1934. It contains official statements of the First Presidency with accompanying explanatory historical notes, for the administrations of Joseph F. Smith (last three years) and Heber J. Grant (first sixteen years) as presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
President Smith died shortly after the end of World War I and President Grant lived just long enough to seethe conclusion of World War II in Europe. The Messages in this volume thus cover the majority of the inter-war years and take in the period of recovery from World War I and its aftermath the "Great Depression."
One of the highlights of the present volume is the great vision given to President Joseph F. Smith a month before his death the Vision of the Redemption of the Dead. The continuing problem of unauthorized "plural marriages" receives attention in several strongly worded declarations. Also included are statements giving the Church position on Sabbath day, gambling, card playing, Prohibition, Adam's status in the Garden of Eden, as well as many other valuable and authoritative instructions.
As with previous volumes in the series, the Messages for 1916- 1934 portray the image of a dynamic Church whose inspired leadership meets the challenges of changing conditions and relationships.