Arrington, Leonard J. Brigham Young: American Moses.
New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1985.
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In this book, Arrington provides a balanced, fair look
at Brigham Young and his apparent contradictions. The volume covers Young's
life including his childhood, his conversion to the Mormon Church, and
and his time as prophet and president of the new religion. Arrington was
the Church historian, and Mormon scholars hold his writings in great esteem.
This particular work includes a chronology of Brigham Young's life, a
list of family members, references, and an index.
Brodie, Fawn M. No Man Knows My History: the Life
of Joseph Smith the Mormon Prophet, 2nd ed. New York: Alfred A. Knopf,
1971.
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This controversial biography of Joseph Smith is well
known for describing in detail Smith's polygamous marriages. Some scholars
have criticized Brodie for using unreliable anti-Mormon sources. However,
the work is much debated and widely read in the field of Mormon history.
The work contains three appendices, which contain "Documents on the
Early Life of Joseph Smith," "The Spaulding-Rigdon Theory,"
and "The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith." Brodie also includes
a detailed index. Some pictures can be found distributed throughout the
text. 
Bushman, Richard L. Joseph Smith and the Beginnings
of Mormonism. Chicago: University of Illinois Press, 1984.
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Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism
examines Joseph Smith's efforts in founding and organizing the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It discusses events in early church
history, primarily discussing the role of Joseph Smith. In the beginning
chapters, particular emphasis is placed on the Smith family history and
culture. Most helpful in this book are the extensive notes and source
commentary, which describe the multitude of sources used to construct
this book.