Winner of Mormon History Association Best Biography Biography.As one of the LDS Church's most widely recognized scholars, Hugh Nibley is both an ic...
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reviews
Aug 28, 2010
Tyler
rated it: 
Petersen has done a tremendously well-researched book into the legend and enigma that was Hugh Nibley. I grew up hearing his name in Church meetings and gospel doctrine classes, knowing little about him beyond the fact that he'd published works on the Book of Mormon. As a missionary, "contraband" articles from Nibley's Collected Works were a "peculiar treasure" for me. Nibley's work in studying the Book of Abraham in particular, launched my interest and scholarly study into t
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Jan 22, 2010
Andre
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Having living in the same Ward (only two doors away) with Dr. Nibley for many years, I thought I knew a great deal about him. This book truly opened my eyes. The author is one of Dr. Nibley's son-in-laws (he is married to Zina Nibley).
I have a couple of Hugh Nibley (absent minded professor) stories that happened to me personally.
One year while I was at BYU, Hugh and I would come down the Third East stairs at about the same time. As he was always reading a book I often w More...
I have a couple of Hugh Nibley (absent minded professor) stories that happened to me personally.
One year while I was at BYU, Hugh and I would come down the Third East stairs at about the same time. As he was always reading a book I often w More...
Aug 04, 2009
Callie
rated it: 
I only read the chapters that interested me.
Some quotes:
p.45
this was said of Nibley by Louis C Midgely in 1969:
"he has evoked the Book of Mormon against the efforts of Sectarian Mormons to align certain American middleclass values with the gospel, as well as the recent attempts of some Mormons to sanctify a radical [rightwing:] political ideology by attributing it to God."
p. 46
"In 1990 when Eugene England called Hugh our "finest lay proph More...
Some quotes:
p.45
this was said of Nibley by Louis C Midgely in 1969:
"he has evoked the Book of Mormon against the efforts of Sectarian Mormons to align certain American middleclass values with the gospel, as well as the recent attempts of some Mormons to sanctify a radical [rightwing:] political ideology by attributing it to God."
p. 46
"In 1990 when Eugene England called Hugh our "finest lay proph More...
Mar 26, 2009
Terry
rated it:
I am such a Hugh Nibley fan, I was thrilled when this biography was finally published. What a life of dedicated principle. A master teacher and scholar of dozens of languages and cultures.
Nov 05, 2010
Damon
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Simply amazing book on the life of Hugh Nibley. I wish everyone could read this book and take notes on how dedicated he was to the Lord and the Lord's purposes.
Nov 06, 2011
Tim
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This was an engaging introduction to both Hugh Nibley's life and his major intellectual/spiritual/philosophical concerns
Oct 20, 2007
Hyrum
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I was sorely disappointed in this book. I am a big Nibley fan, and so expected to learn more about him. Instead I found a book that began well, but ended up being a hero worship bio which made Nibley sound like he should've been the prophet. While I will grant his undisputable academic capabilities, I am not prepared to grant him the praise the author so richly bestows. Perhaps having a relative write your bio isn't always a good thing.
Sep 21, 2011
Ben
rated it:
Hugh Nibley was a fascinating treasure who lived, by his own admission, a rather boring and extremely one-dimensional life. His writings are always interesting but this biography was not. Also, it was poorly written. I think someone ought to write a book on Hugh that takes more of a detailed survey of his published works with biographical details mixed in.
Aug 14, 2008
Rae
rated it:
What an amazing man Hugh Nibley was! This biography simply made me love him all the more. I had no notion of his early life, his family, his war experiences. or his varied interests (other than the gospel and the environment). The book is by his son-in-law but there is little aggrandizement of Hugh's character or life here. Recommended.
Sep 27, 2009
Zina
rated it:
Not only is Dr. Hugh Nibley a one-of-a-kind genius and devoted disciple of our Savior, his wit and a taste of his life comes readily forward in this book. His son-in-law has done a wonderful work in bringing us into the personal life of Brother Nibley. A delightful/thoughtful read.
Jun 04, 2008
Heather
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I really liked this book. It was well written and I learned a lot, not only about Hugh Nibley, but about the things he studied.
I would like to read more of the things he's written.
I would like to read more of the things he's written.
Dec 19, 2008
Joseph
rated it:
He's a quirky superlativist, but definitely had a unique mind. Worth reading, along with his Approaching Zion. He didn't seem to get caught up in the Mormon culture as much as others.
May 09, 2009
Karen
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A well researched, beautifully written story of the life of an amazing man.
Feb 07, 2008
Holly
rated it:
A wonderful book! This book made me want to become more educated and valiant.
Feb 07, 2012
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