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shaunireads1's review against another edition
4.0
From reading biographies of Joseph Smith (No Man Knows My History, Rough Stone Rolling) I learned quite a bit about the doctrine and foundations of the LDS Church. From this biography of Brigham Young, on the other hand, I learned much more about church culture and structure. That stems from the fact that Brigham Young was much more of a pragmatist than a theologian.
I was impressed with Arrington's objectivity in this book, especially considering that he served as the official historian for the LDS church. He painted a clear picture of Brigham Young, flaws, strengths, and all. Brigham was a strong and respected leader, that's for sure! He was single-handedly responsible for many unique aspects of Mormon culture that we often take for granted(strict movie/theater standards, modest dress, Word of Wisdom enforcement, etc.). I only wish Arrington had devoted more of the book to Brigham's polygamous relationships and the Mountain Meadows massacre, but I understand that each of those topics warrant a book of their own.
Coming from an LDS background, there wasn't much in the book that was terribly surprising or shocking. There were a few things, though. For example, this was my first exposure to the early Mormon's relations with the Native Americans in Utah. Also, I must say that I was somewhat disgusted at the history of ZCMI, and was outraged when I read about the excommunications of William Godbe and E.L.T Harrison, the editors of the Utah Magazine (which would later become the Salt Lake Tribune). Their defenses sounded so similar to Kate Kelly's and just hit a little too close to home. At the same time, after reading about the siege of Johnson's army and government censure for polygamy, I think I understand better now why the LDS church insists so strongly on unity and conformity among its members. We can thank Brigham Young for that!
This book was a little bit long and dry at times, but I still recommend it to anyone interested in Mormon and/or Utah history.
I was impressed with Arrington's objectivity in this book, especially considering that he served as the official historian for the LDS church. He painted a clear picture of Brigham Young, flaws, strengths, and all. Brigham was a strong and respected leader, that's for sure! He was single-handedly responsible for many unique aspects of Mormon culture that we often take for granted(strict movie/theater standards, modest dress, Word of Wisdom enforcement, etc.). I only wish Arrington had devoted more of the book to Brigham's polygamous relationships and the Mountain Meadows massacre, but I understand that each of those topics warrant a book of their own.
Coming from an LDS background, there wasn't much in the book that was terribly surprising or shocking. There were a few things, though. For example, this was my first exposure to the early Mormon's relations with the Native Americans in Utah. Also, I must say that I was somewhat disgusted at the history of ZCMI, and was outraged when I read about the excommunications of William Godbe and E.L.T Harrison, the editors of the Utah Magazine (which would later become the Salt Lake Tribune). Their defenses sounded so similar to Kate Kelly's and just hit a little too close to home. At the same time, after reading about the siege of Johnson's army and government censure for polygamy, I think I understand better now why the LDS church insists so strongly on unity and conformity among its members. We can thank Brigham Young for that!
This book was a little bit long and dry at times, but I still recommend it to anyone interested in Mormon and/or Utah history.
jvanwagoner's review against another edition
informative
5.0
I have read much about LDS church history, Brigham Young, and many of his writings, but I have never read a full-length biography of his life. However, almost all sources highly recommended this work, so I grabbed a copy.
This book met my expectations. It covered a lot of material that I knew about but also things about Young's life concerning which I knew little. The book was well-written and kept my interest. Arrington does an excellent job assimilating his vast information into this biography. I have read some of his other works and have always been impressed with his presentation.
I like how Brigham was presented as a human being. He had his weaknesses and strengths, and they were offered in a manner that LDS would not be offended and non-LDS could see the real man.
I was also fascinated by one of the appendices that covered the settlement of Brigham Young's estate after his death. I hadn't realized how his assets were intertwined with the church's assets to avoid the punitive property ownership laws imposed against the church due to polygamy. It created a mess to clean up and separate the family and church property.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn more about Brigham Young's life. What he accomplished in settling the West was phenomenal. His influence impacted not only the LDS church but also the entire West.
I originally wrote this review on 4/27/2010.
This book met my expectations. It covered a lot of material that I knew about but also things about Young's life concerning which I knew little. The book was well-written and kept my interest. Arrington does an excellent job assimilating his vast information into this biography. I have read some of his other works and have always been impressed with his presentation.
I like how Brigham was presented as a human being. He had his weaknesses and strengths, and they were offered in a manner that LDS would not be offended and non-LDS could see the real man.
I was also fascinated by one of the appendices that covered the settlement of Brigham Young's estate after his death. I hadn't realized how his assets were intertwined with the church's assets to avoid the punitive property ownership laws imposed against the church due to polygamy. It created a mess to clean up and separate the family and church property.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn more about Brigham Young's life. What he accomplished in settling the West was phenomenal. His influence impacted not only the LDS church but also the entire West.
I originally wrote this review on 4/27/2010.
csd17's review against another edition
4.0
Thorough, lots of primary sources, but I like more personal touches like the small memoirs from his daughter Clarissa.
brycee8f83's review
3.0
(B-school) I enjoyed learning about the transition in church leadership from Joseph, a very spiritual and emotional leader, to Brigham, a very practical and driven leader. It's amazing what Brigham was able to accomplish amidst so much change and uncertainty.
The book itself was pretty boring - the pace was too slow at times and got into more detail in areas I wasn't interested. I wouldn't say the book is biased towards Brigham Young but it definitely isn't unbiased - even when presenting negative aspects of his life Arrington still goes to bat for Brigham and I felt there were many areas that were glossed over or left out.
Overall a lot to learn from Brigham as a practical, no nonsense, get it done kind of leader, but not my favorite book.
The book itself was pretty boring - the pace was too slow at times and got into more detail in areas I wasn't interested. I wouldn't say the book is biased towards Brigham Young but it definitely isn't unbiased - even when presenting negative aspects of his life Arrington still goes to bat for Brigham and I felt there were many areas that were glossed over or left out.
Overall a lot to learn from Brigham as a practical, no nonsense, get it done kind of leader, but not my favorite book.
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