David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism
by Gregory A Prince
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Read in March, 2008
recommended to Sam by:
A random LDS history blog I ran intorecommends it for: those interested in LDS history
I pride myself on being stingy with the 5 star rating. But this book definitely earned it.
It's brilliant! If you're into LDS history this is a must-read. David O. McKay's leadership can easily be regarded as "A New Era" for Mormonism. McKay's two immediate predecessors as church president wore beards and came from polygamous families. McKay brought the church out of obscurity and out of North America. The church tripled in size during McKay's time as prophet but it wasn't wi...more
It's brilliant! If you're into LDS history this is a must-read. David O. McKay's leadership can easily be regarded as "A New Era" for Mormonism. McKay's two immediate predecessors as church president wore beards and came from polygamous families. McKay brought the church out of obscurity and out of North America. The church tripled in size during McKay's time as prophet but it wasn't wi...more
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Read in June, 2007
recommends it for:
the Moderate Mormon
I would say this is a must read for all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but some may have a hard time with it. The book does not present the the caricature version of a prophet that you may have been taught in Primary. For President McKay's testimony and teachings, see the priesthood-Relief Society manual. This book is less a biography of the man and more a history of the Church in the middle of the 20th century.
The book sheds light on topics as titillating as ...more
The book sheds light on topics as titillating as ...more
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Read in January, 2006
recommends it for:
readers of LDS-themed biographies,
Greg Prince's biography of President David O. McKay is a fantastic and comprehensive overview of President McKay's years as prophet (1951-1970).
The author was granted unprecedented access to the journals Claire Middlemiss, President McKay's long serving secretary. Based on these journals, we get a inside look at the decisions and events of that era, from the mundane to the momentous. Almost every page reveals some interesting bit of trivia (the Church considered building a Temple Boat to...more
The author was granted unprecedented access to the journals Claire Middlemiss, President McKay's long serving secretary. Based on these journals, we get a inside look at the decisions and events of that era, from the mundane to the momentous. Almost every page reveals some interesting bit of trivia (the Church considered building a Temple Boat to...more
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I was drawn to this book because the authors culled much of their information from the records and diaries of Claire Middlemiss, who was President McKay's secretary for 35 years. (I actually own a paperweight that belonged to her...but that's a story in itself.)
The book presents an open and honest portrait of the McKay administration. Some of the material may seem controversial because the authors draw from minutes of meetings that are normally not made public. Ultimately, though, this book...more
The book presents an open and honest portrait of the McKay administration. Some of the material may seem controversial because the authors draw from minutes of meetings that are normally not made public. Ultimately, though, this book...more
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I only read the intro, the first chapter, the blacks and the priesthood chapter and most of the education chapter. I was looking for specific answers to some questions I was asked. I really enjoyed the biographical aspect of the book; I laughed several times. Might be a tough read for someone who bases their testimony on people rather than the gospel. I think we forget that it's the gospel that's perfect, not the members... including the leaders. Just confirms all the more the need for Chri...more
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Read in January, 2007
Interesting view of the human and administrative side of running the church. Source material is Claire Middlemusse's (sp) copies of David O Mckay's journals.
The books begins with a larger than life view of President McKay but then moves to a more negative overall tone that just looks at journal entries and events surrounding them. Large sections on Blacks and the Priesthood, Church Education--especially Ernest L. Wilkinson, Church building program, Missionary program, Bruce R. McConkie and ...more
The books begins with a larger than life view of President McKay but then moves to a more negative overall tone that just looks at journal entries and events surrounding them. Large sections on Blacks and the Priesthood, Church Education--especially Ernest L. Wilkinson, Church building program, Missionary program, Bruce R. McConkie and ...more
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this is probably the best and most objective book i have read on the topic of Mormonism. It is compiled from the personal notes of david o. mckay's secretary as well as interviews conducted with those close to the situations discussed. The book is not really about david o. mckay, it is more about the church during the time of Mckay's presidency.
This book provides an fascinating inside look at the workings of the functioning of the quorum of the twelve. It reveals the great lack of unity among ...more
This book provides an fascinating inside look at the workings of the functioning of the quorum of the twelve. It reveals the great lack of unity among ...more
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Read in June, 2007
recommends it for:
Curious Mormons
As a lifelong Mormon who grew up in Utah and whose parents both taught at BYU during the Wilkinson years, I found this book fascinating. Although I was only nine when McKay died, I clearly remember my parents reactions to many of the events mentioned in the book, especially Benson and the John Birchers. (I thought we were the only Democrats in Utah!) This book filled in a lot of holes for me. It also has led to several interesting discussions with my Dad.
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Drawing from unbelievable access to President McKay's personal papers, correspondence, and journals, the authors combine history and biography as they delve into the life of the man who led the Mormon Church out of its early 20th-century obscurity, even as he struggled with social issues and the sometimes conflicting personalities of his colleagues.
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Read in December, 2007
Fascinating, insider's perspective of remarkable life and man, and inner workings of Church leadership during McKay's tenure as General Authority. I was happy to be reminded that LDS Church leaders are simply good people with diverse opinions doing the best they can to lead the Church. I highly recommend.
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Read in April, 2007
recommends it for:
everyone
An honest, eye-opening look at church history. For anyone with the church history bug, this doesn't exactly read like a church manual, and there might be some details that surprise you, but I really enjoyed the honest, sugar-free glimpse it gave me of David O. Mckay.
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Read in August, 2006
recommends it for:
Mormon history buffs
If nothing else, take a few minutes to read Prince's preface. He describes his methodology for writing history. If I were ever ambitious enough to write history, that's the way I'd do it!
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A great look at how the leadership in the LDS church functioned at this time. Probably most interesting to those who remember David O'Mckay and the other leaders mentioned in the book.
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in April, 2007
In depth look at the important decisions David O McKay dealth with during his service in the LDS Church. Again an interesting look at how messy leadership really is.
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Read in January, 2007
An honest and very insightful look at one of the great leaders of the 20th Century and of LDS Church leadership during on of the most turbulent times in US history.
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Lots of interesting details...Lots and Lots of not interesting details.
I really like that it is organize by topic, not chronology.
I really like that it is organize by topic, not chronology.
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Read in January, 2005
A very interesting history of the Church from the notes of David o. McKay's secretary. Some of it may be a bit distrubing.
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Read in January, 2007
The chapter on Blacks and the Priesthood was one of the most fascinating treatments of the subject I've ever read.
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Read in January, 2008
Incredible amounts of information on the life of David O'McKay. Of course, he himself is an incredible man.
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I am thoroughly enjoying this- but I'm definitely a slow-poke with this one...
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