My Servant Brigham: Portrait of a Prophet

by Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, R. Q. Shupe

Divided into two sections, the book focuses first on Brigham Young's his public image, leadership style and personality; Part 2 presents important events and accomplishments of his life in chronological order.

Genres: Biography, Lds, History, Adult, Nonfiction

164 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Dr. Richard Holzapfel is a Professor of Church History in the Religious Education Department at BYU. He attended BYU, Hebrew Union College, and the University of California, Irvine (B.A., M.A., and Ph.D.) emphasizing in Middle Eastern Studies, Jewish History, Ancient History. Dr. Holzapfel began teaching at Brigham Young University in 1993, and has taught in the Church History, Ancient Scripture, and History departments. He is currently the Managing Director of Religious Studies Center Publications and the Editor-in-Chief of the center’s periodical The Religious Educator. In addition, he serves as an Editorial Board Member for BYU Studies. Dr. Holzapfel has received various awards and honors for his teaching, including Continuing Education Faculty Teaching Award in 2006. In 2008 he was named the BYU Honors Professor of the Year. Along with his teaching and university appointments, Dr. Holzapfel remains one of the most rigorous and widely published writers on campus.

Reviews

[Sandra Strange · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short biography of Brigham Young presents a short account of his background, accomplishments, challenges and personality. The account is well sourced and includes cogent quotations from people who experienced the times with him. It begins with published contemporary attacks and defenses of him and their sources (mainly either negative or made up totally) and Young's attitude of living by inspiration and determination, despite the attacks. The account is well illustrated and well written.

[Aly McElhaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s definitely controversial opinions when it comes to Brigham Young, and though there’s some truth to that, it’s sad to witness. This man was clearly called upon by the Lord to lead the church and this book really opens the door in allowing you to see the kind of man that he was.

I really appreciated the truth and insights into his life! Helps you understand him better and more fully appreciate the sacrifices he made and his faithfulness.