Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt

by Parley P. Pratt, Maurine Jensen Proctor, Scot Facer Proctor

Completely revised and enhanced edition of a classic LDS biography. Parley P. Pratt was one of the early leaders in the Church and his story is interwoven with that of the early Church.

Maurine and Scot, a husband and wife team, have been depicting scenes from Church history for several years. Maurine received her master's degree in teaching from Harvard University and Scot received his master's degree in instructional technology from Utah State University.

Genres: Biography, Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, History, Biography Memoir

643 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1834

About the author

Parley Parker Pratt, Sr. was an early leader of the Latter Day Saint movement whose writings became a significant early nineteenth-century exposition of the Latter Day Saint faith.

Reviews

[Tamra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love history, and I love journals and stuff, so I loved this book. Parley is a character, and his writing is fun. What's not to like?

Specifically there are some fun things about this book:

1 Parley likes to say grand comments about how members of the Church are happier than any one else could possibly be. How their sufferings were worse than anyone elses. He also makes bold statements that nowadays would be considered DEEPLY offensive to half the world. We just don't speak like that any more.
- My personal favorite bold statement: He says he is called of God, just like David of old, and that his mission on earth is more important than David's was. I was shocked that he would have said that, even if I am inclined to agree (which I'm not making an official statement on, one way or the other).

2 The history is fascinating. It's not all "historically accurate", but what history is, completely? It's fascinating to learn about what happened through his eyes, and to see how he interpreted it all.

3 One of my favorite sections was a part that I'm sure is the least historically accurate of all. He tells some at LEAST 3rd hand accounts of the fates of a few men who took part in the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and the persecutions of Mormons in Missouri. Tells about them rotting alive and being eaten by maggots and other such vomit-inducing things. Ew. Ew. Ew. With a historian's mind I thought, "These probably can't be substantiated, and that means, from a historical perspective, they are fake." But the telling was fantastic, and at the very least it shows how Parley felt about fate and the power of God.

4 He has an entire chapter where he defends polygamy. He says he finds it hard to believe that intelligent people can't see the difference between polygamy and adultry. I'm not going to go into polygamy one way or the other, but I just thought it was interesting that he was having a hard time seeing why others would have a hard time with it. I thought 2 things: 1 - Really, Parley? That distinction is a hard one. Can't you at least see why it would be hard to understand? and 2 - Didn't you personally have a hard time with it when it first was brought into being doctrine? If you didn't personally, then many many others did. Have you forgotten? ... Interesting, interesting stuff.

5 He was chastized by the Brethren a few times and says that he's so grateful to have been chastized, because it made him more aware of areas where he needed to improve, and the chastizement made him a better person thereafter. Wow!

6 This quote: "The world may judge unjustly. I care not a straw for their judgment. I have one only that I serve, and him only do I fear. The hypocrite who censures me may yet be placed under similar circumstances, and then judge ye how he would act." (p. 329)

7 We tend to think these days that boat travel is so romantic (a cruise!), but Parley hated it. EVERY time he traveled on a boat he called it a long and tedious journey.

... A few chapters from the end it switches from being written smoothly, like you'd expect of an autobiography, to being simply journal entries. I guess others have had a hard time with that, but I love history and journal entries, so I thought it was just as fascinating, even if it wasn't as smooth.

And you can take or leave the notes, really. They add to the history of Mormonism in general, but not neccessarily to Parley's personal history. I quite liked the Appendixes, though, and referred to them often, especially the ones that listed his wives and children. Parley makes little mention of his family (which is a little weird to me, since it's an autobiography), so it's good to keep track of how things happened with his family in relation to what was happening with his missions and stuff. For instance, he had 3 kids born in Utah while he was in Chile for 19 months.

Parley was a fireball. His committment to the Mormon church, and his zeal for life and righteousness are contagious. Love the man. Great book. Totally fun. I would love to have met Parley in person.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first bit of this journal of my third great grandfather. He was passionate and poetic in describing his conversion to the Mormon faith. I even read about some of his missions, and was amazed. Then I got bored and moved on. (Sorry Great Grandfather!)

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure if I read this "revised and enhanced" version, I just listened to the one on cd that came out in 2003 by Covenant Audio. But the most important thing is that there is no doubt that Parley P. Pratt gave his all for the Lord and His Restored Church! He was falsely imprisoned, suffered much from persecution and was chased out three times from his home by murderous mobs. He was there with the Prophet Joseph Smith when he rebuked the nasty guards with his famous "Silence, ye fiends of the infernal pit.." pronouncement. He went on countless missions, mostly at inconvenient times but he dedicated all his time and energy to preaching and defending the Gospel. Kudos to his family whom he left again and again in answering the call to preach. And I didn't know that he was tracked down for miles by some enemies and murdered at age 50 while away on another assignment! This was described to me as the real "Work and the Glory" and I would agree.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading autobiographies. This one is great not only to learn about Parley Pratt but also to get a first-hand account of events involving the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is particularly detailed during the period that many of these church members were living and dying in Missouri.

Parley, himself, seems like a guy I really would have liked. He has a very innate spirituality and was also a big fan of logic and debate. It would have been really interesting to watch him as a missionary.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, the firsthand account of Parley P. Pratt's life, focusing primarily on his service in the kingdom. It was especially interesting to read the parts that took place after the saints relocated to Utah as we don't often cover those parts of church history in Sunday School.

[Nate Bringhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every LDS should read this book.

[Del Talley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspirational.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Parley!

This reads like you are close friends of Parley. He became so real to me I could hardly wait to read what he did and thought next. He was amazing!

[David Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW - Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, edited by Maurine Jensen Proctor and Scot Facer Proctor (2004)

Parley P. Pratt’s Autobiography stands as one of the most vivid and faith-filled personal narratives of the early Latter-day Saint movement. Edited by Maurine and Scot Proctor to enhance accessibility and historical context, the volume retains the power and immediacy of Pratt’s original voice. It is both a personal record of faith and a sweeping history of the early Church told through the eyes of one of its most dynamic apostles.

From his humble beginnings in upstate New York, Pratt’s story becomes one of tireless missionary zeal and astonishing endurance. He was among the first converts of the Church in 1830 and quickly became one of its most eloquent advocates. His missions took him across the United States, Canada, England, and Latin America—journeys that shaped not only the growth of the Church but also the contours of early Mormon theology. He helped open the British mission, where thousands joined the faith; he later carried the gospel to Chile, enduring famine, language barriers, and imprisonment.

One of the most remarkable, and tragic, chapters of Pratt’s missionary life was when he was sent by Brigham Young to open the first mission in South America, making him one of the earliest Christian missionaries of any denomination to attempt organized missionary work in Chile. Pratt records that he was called by Brigham Young to open the South American mission. With characteristic obedience and zeal, he left Salt Lake City in 1851 and traveled by way of San Francisco and Panama to Valparaíso, Chile. The journey itself was perilous—he and his companion Rufus Allen faced extreme heat crossing the Isthmus of Panama before the canal existed, and their health was already poor when they arrived in Chile.

Once in Chile, Pratt was confronted with immense obstacles. He spoke no Spanish and found no one who could translate effectively. He tried diligently to learn the language, preaching in limited Spanish and distributing tracts he translated with the help of locals. But the social, political, and religious atmosphere was extremely closed to Protestant missionaries. He lamented that Catholicism so dominated public life that the people feared even speaking with him about religion.

Pratt and Allen suffered severe poverty and hunger during their stay. He wrote about selling personal possessions—including clothing—to buy food and lodging. He became physically ill and spiritually discouraged but refused to abandon the mission until he felt the Spirit release him from the call. He later wrote that he felt “cast down, but not destroyed,” trusting that in time, the seeds he planted in Chile would yet “spring forth and bear fruit in another generation.”

Parley was accompanied by his wife Phoebe Sopher Pratt and their infant son (sometimes referred to as “Omner” or “Parley Jr.” in some records). Once in Chile, the family encountered extreme poverty and isolation. They could not find food that agreed with their health; the language barrier was total; and the hostility toward Protestant preachers was severe. Their infant son fell ill and died—a crushing blow to both parents. Pratt records this loss in deeply emotional, almost poetic language. They had no means to properly bury the child and were forced to place him in a public burial ground for foreigners. Pratt later wrote that he stood “alone beside the grave of my child, far from kindred or friend, in a land of strangers and of another tongue.” Phoebe herself nearly died of grief and sickness shortly afterward. Pratt nursed her through what he described as “the valley of the shadow of death.” Ten years after reading this book my wife and I stood at the burial site of Omer and reflected on the differences of our experience in Chile compared to the Pratt’s.

Despite this devastating experience, Pratt expressed no bitterness—only sorrow and faith. He wrote that he had “offered up [his] all upon the altar,” and that even this trial would one day be sanctified to good. His writings from this time are among the most moving spiritual reflections in early Mormon literature.

Pratt returned to San Francisco in 1852, emaciated and weakened. Still, his tone was not one of failure but of faith. He expressed hope that the gospel would yet flourish in South America when the time was right and declared that his mission had been “a foundation laid for a future work.”

Pratt’s accounts of persecution and imprisonment—particularly his arrest in Missouri and confinement in Richmond and Columbia jails—are among the most gripping passages in the book. His faith, undiminished amid suffering, reveals his spiritual resilience and the high moral courage that defined early Mormon leaders. His escape from prison, his perilous travels across the frontier, and his reunion with his family all read with the intensity of a frontier epic.

Equally remarkable is his literary and intellectual legacy. Pratt was one of the first theological writers of the Church, articulating doctrines of eternal progression, the nature of God, and the purpose of mortal life in a way that profoundly influenced later leaders including his younger brother Orson Pratt and his missionary companion Brigham Young. His writings—especially Key to the Science of Theology—helped to give structure and philosophical depth to the Restoration.

Pratt’s life ended violently in 1857 when he was murdered in Arkansas while on a mission. Yet his words endure as a testament to conviction, sacrifice, and divine purpose. The Autobiography reveals not just a missionary but a poet-prophet whose vision of eternal truth shaped generations.

Quotes:

“My soul was full of light, of joy, and of consolation unspeakable. I felt that I had a mission to preach glad tidings to the children of men, and that God would sustain me in the performance of it. I felt that angels rejoiced over me and that I should triumph over all my enemies.”

“I have sought neither gold nor silver nor the honors of men, but the welfare of souls. I have faced hunger, imprisonment, and death; yet I have found joy in every affliction, for I have known that God lives and that truth will ultimately prevail over error, light over darkness, and liberty over bondage.”

“Our infant sickened and died, and there was none to comfort us, none to help. We laid him away among strangers, in a land of strangers, where no kindred dust would mingle with his own. Yet even there, the Spirit whispered peace, and we felt that angels hovered near, though no human voice spoke our tongue.”

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been kind of scared of reading this book for a long time, having the impression that it was going to be really long and hard to get through. After just the first few chapters, I could tell it was going to go quite a bit more quickly than I had expected. Though a bit repetitive in places and kind of long-winded and dull in others, overall it was a really interesting book, well worth reading.
I learned a lot about Parley's life from reading it (go figure!). I hadn't really understood that he was in Missouri during the height of mob violence there. I hadn't really thought about him coming west among the earliest groups. I never guessed that he travelled to South America (got a kick out of his repeated spelling of "Chili" - was that how it used to be spelled or just his best guess?), speaking little to no Spanish. I was really interested in his description of his travels through pioneer-era Utah, and reading the names and descriptions of places that are still around and that I have been through myself. Reading about the hardships of his journeys made me appreciate the comparative ease of travelling on the I-15 corridor, even if traffic can be a real headache sometimes.
In short, I was glad to be able to read about the life of such a foundational figure (and ancestor!) in Church history and see his firsthand accounts about what the church was like in those early days. While it went faster than I had expected, it did feel a bit cumbersome in some places.

[Jared · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been reading this off and on for about a year or so, and actually don't remember the first half of the book very much, except that it was interesting to read about the beginnings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through Pratt's eyes. However, most of the book is simply a statement of facts and was not really that compelling for me to read, especially towards the end. I was really hoping to get much more insight into the kind of person that Pratt was, how he felt about things and his reaction to the major events of the early church. This would be a good reference book, but honestly is not that great as an autobiography.

[Raymon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating read. I only gave it 3 stars because it is literally a journal and large swaths of the book are fairly boring. However, the first hand account of Church history is compelling and inspiring. I love history and this book only added to my understanding of the importance of context.

Disclaimer: I read the first 3/4ths of the book years ago and only recently picked it back up.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've grown up in the Church, you've probably already mostly read this, piecemeal, without realizing it. Parley was a fascinating man, a gifted communicator, and a faithful disciple. Stories I hadn't heard before include his humorous misdirection of a pursuing dog, his daring escape from the Columbia jail, and his ambitious, but ultimately frustrated, attempt to learn Spanish.

As with Tolkien, I admit that I skipped much of his poetry.

[Jaron Dunford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Random Notes

The ancient Herod, fearing a rival in the person of Jesus, issued his exterminating order for the murder of all the children of Bethlehem from two years old and under, with a view to hinder the fulfilment of a prophecy which he himself believed to be true. The modern Herod (Boggs), fearing a rival kingdom in “the people of the Saints of the Most High,” issued his exterminating order for the murder of the young children of an entire people, and of their mothers as well as fathers, while this Court of Inquisition inquired as diligently into the one prophecy as his predecessor did into the other. 2 These parallel actions go to show a strong belief in the prophecies on the part of the actors in both cases. Both believed, and feared, and trembled; both hardened their hearts against that which their better judgment told them was true. Both were instigated by the devil to cause innocent blood to be shed. And marvellously striking is the parallel in the final result of the actions of each. The one slew many young children, but failed to destroy the infant King of the Jews. The other slew many men, women and children, but failed to destroy the Kingdom of God. The one found a timely refuge in Egypt. The other in Illinois.J esus Christ fulfilled his destiny, and will reign over the Jews, and sit on the throne of his father, David, forever.

Speaking about Joseph Smith
During these interviews he taught me many great and glorious principles concerning God and the heavenly order of eternity. It was at this time that I received from him the first idea of eternal family organization, and the eternal union of the sexes in those inexpressibly endearing relationships which none but the highly intellectual, the refined and pure in heart, know how to prize, and which are at the very foundation of everything worthy to be called happiness.

Till then I had learned to esteem kindred affections and sympathies as appertaining solely to this transitory state, as something from which the heart must be entirely weaned, in order to be fitted for its heavenly state.

It was Joseph Smith who taught me how to prize the endearing relationships of father and mother, husband and wife; of brother and sister, son and daughter.

It was from him that I learned that the wife of my bosom might be secured to me for time and all eternity; and that the refined sympathies and affections which endeared us to each other emanated from the fountain of divine eternal love. It was from him that I learned that we might cultivate these affections, and grow and increase in the same to all eternity; while the result of our endless union would be an offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven, or the sands of the sea shore.

It was from him that I learned the true dignity and destiny of a son of God, clothed with an eternal priesthood, as the patriarch and sovereign of his countless offspring. It was from him that I learned that the highest dignity of womanhood was, to stand as a queen and priestess to her husband, and to reign for ever and ever as the queen mother of her numerous and still increasing offspring. I had loved before, but I knew not why. But now I loved—with a pureness—an intensity of elevated, exalted feeling, which would lift my soul from the transitory things of this groveling sphere and expand it as the ocean. I felt that God was my heavenly Father indeed; that Jesus was my brother, and that the wife of my bosom was an immortal, eternal companion; a kind ministering angel, given to me as a comfort, and a crown of glory for ever and ever. In short, I could now love with the spirit and with the understanding also.

[Tristen Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parley P. Pratt, a name that belongs to such an interesting man. A man who was a leader, teacher, friend, and is known for being one of the original Twelve-Apostles of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. So how do we come to know more about such an interesting person as this? Well as Parley himself would say, "a book! a BOOK!" But not just any book. This is a special book written by Parley himself, this book is his autobiography!
In this amazing story you follow the life of Parley P. Pratt through his very own eyes and words. This very fascinating, informational, playfully written book, is a must read for anyone looking for a good adventurous story, and likes learning of the past. As you read Parley's tale you get to feel as if you are sitting right in front of Parley himself while he tells you of his grand adventures back in the time of the 1800's. Whether he be telling of the time he ran 10 miles to be reunited with his supposedly dead brother, or the time he slept in a small shack that he built for himself to last through the winter, you won't be disappointed, for each story of his is an exciting story that will keep you reading and reading and reading.
Parley's tales take place all over America going from New York and ending up even finding himself in California during the gold rush. He travels to Utah, Ohio, Missouri, and more. Parley traveled to many different settings and most of the time he tells he had to travel on foot, he states. "For the last two or 3 days I had walked mostly, & lifted hard at wagons up the Mountains. I was now wholly exhausted," Parley traveled far, but he kept on going and that is what is very unique about him.
Parley is a very unique guy because he works hard and seems to stay happy throughout it. He doesn't cower when it comes to something he believes in even if in doing so it can cause him pain. Parley was and is a very strong man. He tells us in his autobiography, "Traveled up & down another summit of awful steeps & rocky precipices & cor 10 miles, to a beautiful valley." Parley's unique character got through all the hardships of travel and left them behind to recognize the good things such as this beautiful valley he spoke of.
Finally, I will state that is story is full of emotion. It fills you with happiness, sadness, and the will to do more. This book is an amazing book for everyone, and is recommended to anyone who is willing to follow through to the last page,of 421, with the amazing man known as Parley P. Pratt.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look through the eyes of Parley Pratt himself into his own extraordinary life. Having grown up in the Parley's Stake in SLC I always have felt a certain connection with P. Pratt's life and ultimate work - having grown up in the foothills of the valley that bears his name as well. There are many valuable insights that can be gained from this book, two that I remember primarily were 1) Parley after joining the church wound up having to leave his hard established farms several times, one that specifically I remember he mentioned was one of the best spots and having to leave suddenly to follow the saints again he recalled: on page 92, “I awoke the next morning, and thought of my dream, but I was necessitated, as I thought, to finish my fence and sow my crop before I ceased to labor with my hands. I, therefore continued to make and haul rails from the woods. I perfected my fence and sowed my crop, but I never reaped; I never saw the wheat after it was more than three inches high.” What a lesson - applicable to so many things and areas of life.


The other was the expectation that Parley had of finding his fortune in life. As I recall especially after arriving the SLC valley and working on completing his toll road years later up Big Kanyon (Parley's Canyon) and having the belief that he would eventually have more money than he could count and that this blessing would was essentially divinely ordained - ("page 169, “Having thus proved the merits of brother Kimball as a prophet, I look for the time when I shall possess great riches, and even handle money till the counting thereof will be a burthen. I look for this with all the certainty with which any person can anticipate anything in the future.” yet he never achieved this expectation. A useful and interesing example of understanding what our own expectations are versus the sometimes harsh realities of life - one can't blame the dedicated and hard working Parley for wanting, hoping, expecting some relief to his financial toil - but it wasn't in the cards for him no matter how much he wanted it to be. The life of a disciple is not an easy one as he learned - as so maybe many of our lives.

[thethousanderclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adam C. Zern opines . . .

"I love history. I especially love American history and the history surrounding the reformation. One area of history in which I have felt eager to learn more about but haven't done so is the history of the establishment and progress of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I, of course, knew all of the basics, the key players, the major events, but my specific knowledge was lacking. I wanted to learn more about individual personalities and events that can only be learned from a record like Parley P. Pratt's autobiography.

It's a hefty book, but it's relatively accessible. Parley's personal story is truly fascinating. His life was so intertwined with the rise and progress of the LDS Church as one of the original Apostles that to learn about Parley is to learn about the LDS Church in some ways. Some of my favorite parts of Parley's history were his interactions with antagonistic clergymen, his passionate sermons and testimonies of the gospel, and the tremendous detail he provides regarding the severe persecutions the Latter-day Saints experienced in Missouri.

Historical writings, such as Parley's autobiography, always give me pause when I think about all that is being left out of the history. Parley writes extensively about the Latter-day Saints' experiences in Missouri but seems to shorten up his narrative quite a bit when discussing the persecutions in Illinois. Also, I was very surprised that Parley left out so much about his family life, including his marrying of multiple wives. If it wasn't for the footnotes found in the Revised and Enhanced edition of his autobiography, I would have known very little about what I thought would be large aspects of Parley's life.

I really enjoyed the Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt. It has given me an even greater desire to learn the history, especially its nuances, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Parley's autobiography is a worthy addition to my Thousander list."

http://thethousanderclub.blogspot.com/

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be one of my favorite Church history books. Parley Pratt is one of the most likable figures from the early days of the Church, and he also happens to be a pretty good writer.

The book is hopelessly biased and very selective. Pratt glosses over his own falling out with the Prophet, making it sound like they had only a brief gentlemanly disagreement. I think he only mentions it in one sentence. Come to find out, he was completely against Joseph for a considerable period. The selection bias is present throughout the work.

Still, the book shows the Restored Gospel at its best. If you want an objective perspective, an autobiography is rarely the answer. Turn here to get to know Pratt at his best. You will be inspired by his miraculous conversion and remarkable missionary zeal.

The only real negative about the book is that Pratt never finished it. After he was murdered, (I don't say "martyred" as most Mormons do; you'll see why if you read what actually happened) his son finished the memoir. It is painfully obvious where Parley leaves off and the son steps in, because the younger Pratt simply doesn't have his father's knack for storytelling. It's worth reading the account of Pratt's sudden death, but my five star rating is based entirely on Parley's own portion of the book.

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

All that can be said about this book is 'Amazing!' The main thing I got from a reivew of this disciple's life is that from a very early age he had a desire to live so as to be able to heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
At the age of 21 he left his newly wedded wife on an Erie canal boat, in obedience to a prompting, promising to join her in Albany, New York. He walked into the country where he introduced himself, intending to preach that evening, when a baptist deacon named Hamblin told of a very strange book, translated by the power of God.
Parley journeyed the next day to the house where the copy of the Book of Mormon lay. In his own words, he said;
"I opened it with eagarness, and read its title page. I then read the testimony of several witnesses in relation to the manner of its being found and translated. After this I commenced its contents by course. I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when the night came for I preferred reading to sleep.
"As I read, the spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I knew and comprehended that the book was true, as plainly as a man comprenends and knows that he exists."
He then spent the rest of his life declaring the truth of the restoration until his martyrdom at the age of 50 at the hands of evil men in Arkansas in 1857.
This is a long but very satisfying read, very inspirational.

[Leta · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day during my scripture study, this title popped into my brain and I felt a strong impression to read it. The impression would not leave me for about two weeks. It was captivating to me from the get go because I was mostly so amazed at how similar Parley's story is to Joseph Smith's. It is faith promoting to say the least. It covers his life in a good detail but mainly his spiritual experiences. He has many visions and was lead in all his doings by God. I loved that. I was especially moved by the account of his time in prison, by his missions, and most especially by his experience living polygamy. I was moved by a section where he defends polygamy to a group of Christians in California. His argument is so clear and concise and moving. I found myself cheering inside for his argument. Weird huh? All in all, Parley was a man of God. I KNOW that the main reason I was lead to this book is because I thought my life was hard, and Heavenly Father is trying to show me how to be a devoted member of Christ's church; to sacrifice, whether that means spending your life in prison, spending almost all of your other time out of prison on missions away from your family, or whether living such an unpopular principle such as polygamy. All I have to do is wake up and take care of my kids and I will do so with a more willing and loving heart now.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange as it may sound, this book was a clandestine read that I picked up somewhere along the way during my Mormon mission. Per the letter of the law, we were only supposed to read scriptures and four church-published books from an approved list. Dying for something new to read, I gobbled this one up and found it quite enjoyable. Pratt was a colorful character who was one of the more bombastic and successful missionaries of the early Mormon church.

While the book was certainly faith promoting for me at the time, I couldn't help but notice the stark contrast from "the way things were" in the Mormonism of the 1830's and 40's (frequent visitations by Jesus and angels, conversions by the hundreds or thousands, speaking in tongues and other spiritual manifestations, bold preaching about the evils of Christiandom, end-times prophecy, etc.) as opposed to the modern-day church in which prophets don't prophesy, Jesus hasn't been seen for a very long time, conversions have slowed to a trickle, and leadership seems hellbent on watering down 19th century doctrines to become closely aligned with Protestant Christianity. I'd wager Parley P. Pratt would be surprised and dismayed to see what the one true church has become 170 years later.

[Chrisan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography is a "must read" for every faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who has a desire to learn how to more powerfully serve. It will give you an understanding of how truly amazing Parley P. Pratt was. He was an incredible writer and missionary. As a powerful defender of the faith, he stands as an epic citadel of our time. Every moment of his life was devoted to service to the true and almighty God. Even though it was somewhat of a weighty tome, I enjoyed plowing through the pages day by day and found that I was strengthened by the example of this mighty man. If one reads page by page from the beginning to the end, there will be much weeping at the end when reading the poetry written by Brother Parley followed by the response poetry written by John Taylor.

Dear Brother Parley, I hope that I can be your kindred spirit and loyal friend in the eternities....even in the smallest measure. You are now truly one of my heroes. May you enjoy your peace in heaven, even though there is no doubt you are still serving God as well as His children from the other side of the veil. Zion will come sooner I am sure because of your continued service in the eternities. May you find much fulfillment in your endless Jubilee.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an interesting look into the life of one of the first apostles of this dispensation, Parley P. Pratt. I enjoyed learning a bit more about the beginnings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as I read. One powerful section of the book that I found particularly interesting described Pratt's calling to be an apostle and the charge given him to go forth and preach the gospel. I also enjoyed reading about the various escapes that Pratt made from enemies of the Church. Pratt had an amazing faith and recounts miracles at times as if they were an expected part of his life.

Since Pratt was killed before he was able to finish his writings, the last portion of the book contains journal entries rather than narrative. I didn't enjoy that portion of the book nearly as much as the rest.

This was my 2nd time reading this book. The first time through I enjoyed it quite a bit and probably would have given it 5 stars. I had a harder time getting into it this time around (I think I started reading it 4 or 5 months ago) so my rating this time around is closer to 3 stars. Average those two = 4/5.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great spiritual read to help tide me over until the November Ensign arrives. I love Parley P. Pratt for his hymns, and was pleased to find his prose just as accessible and uplifting. Most of the best parts of the book were not new to me, having been passed out through the years in Sunday School lesson handouts, but there was enough that was new to keep my interest. The revisions and enhancements were very distracting, as they provided extra glimpses into the history and I never wanted to miss them, but they always diverged from Parley's intended narrative. I had a hard time with the end of the book, too, as the author died before finishing, and his son was left to stitch together letters and journal entries to account for the remaining four years. Up until then, the book read very much like a good historic fiction, except that it was a true story, which made it all the better. It gave me a greater appreciation for the timing and locations of the general events surrounding the Restoration of the gospel and the early history of the restored church, without my having to really study. Overall, a very enjoyable and worthwhile read.

[Mario · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book - I reserve my 5s for books I think everyone should read.

I usually get tired of biographies before finishing them. This is probably the first autobiography I've read. Was never interested in reading them before. In an autobiography I was afraid that I would get too much of how the person saw himself and not enough of how everyone else saw him. That is exactly what I got from this book - and I loved it! I have to admit my own bias though. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I have a particular interest in the histories of the early Mormons and am just finally starting to read about them in detail.

You learn about Parley even by the stories he leaves out. Some I'm sure are left out intentionally while others are left out because he thinks they are not important. You get a good feel for how he saw the world. It was very very human. More though, he lived through a life and a time worth writing about. The offhand way he comments on some of the things people did at the time or their behaviors gave me a greater appreciation for how different our two societies are.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hybrid patchwork: juxtaposes one of the most thrilling passages I’ve read in either fiction or biography (Pratt’s escape from jail and subsequent flight across hostile country) with a stultifying series of diary entries about visits Pratt makes to his neighbors. Pratt shines when he knows he’s writing something for public consumption, so I blame the editor who selected which of his writings to include in his “autobiography” where none was intended.

It’s quite jarring to read a moving passage of the death of Pratt’s wife, and his tender reminiscences over their life together, and then several pages later he casually uses “my wife” to refer to a living person without ever having mentioned his remarriage. Surely the editor could have interpolated a brief summary of what happened in Pratt’s life between the two sections. For a man with 12 wives and 30 children he seems to have left behind very little writing about any of them, with the notable exceptions of his first wife and first child.

Much of this loose assemblage of a book is well worth your time if you’re prepared to skip the parts that aren’t.

[Italy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first part of the book when it talked about the beginnings of the church. Toward the end it just rambled on and here and there I skipped. I also skipped through several pages of Parley's poetry. I know he was poetic and wrote many songs, but some of them I could do without. I suppose that's why a lot of his songs are no longer in the hymnbook. He said 50 of his songs were in the original hymnbook.

I loved hearing about his exploring the canyons--Parley's Canyon. I guess I knew it was named after him, but really--it was named after him!

Parley P. Pratt was a very dedicated, loyal disciple. I was amazed at some of the things he went through. He served a mission in South America and lived there just to learn Spanish. He came home and told the prophet and apostles that they should each learn a language so the Book of Mormon could be translated into that language. He felt very strongly about have the BOM so people could read it--how can you tell about this great book and gospel, but they have nothing they can read.

[Chris Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highlights:
- There is a theme throughout Parley’s life of having absolute trust in the promises of God. I believe that attribute, more than anything else, defined him and led to him contributing to the building up of the Kingdom of God as much as he did. Parley left his house and farm, which he had built up with his own two hands, in order to spend his days preaching the word of God, because he had absolute trust in the word of God (e.g., “Whosoever shall forsake…houses or lands…for my sake…shall receive an hundred fold in this life, and in the world to come life everlasting”). It was then that he was led to the Book of Mormon.
- It was only in my 3rd or so reading of this book that I took notice of what I perceive to be some of Parley’s character flaws (e.g., some level of intolerance for servants of God who demonstrated a seeming lack of faith). I bring this up because I am inspired to see similarities between Parley and myself - even if those similarities are currently just negative things, I am inspired to find (and create) more, and more positive, similarities in my life.
- Parley’s was a practical faith (as in, his faith brought to pass practical necessities that enabled him to serve the Lord). I loved the story where he volunteered to serve a mission while destitute, and while trying “to do something toward making preparation; I hardly knew which way to go, but I found myself in the house of Brother John Lowry…intending to ask him for money, but…I found him sick and in bed with a heavy fever, and…hardly sensible of my presence…At length another Elder happened in. At that instant faith sprang up in my heart; the spirit whispered to me, ‘Is there anything too hard for the Lord?’ I said to the Elder that came in: ‘Brother, I am glad you have come; these people must be healed, for I want some money of them and must have it.’”
- The attribution of some (what we might now call “normal”) trials to insubordination or unfaithfulness is a common occurrence in early pioneer stories. Parley does that on several occasions. As a Church, we’ve definitely moved away from that; I have a hard time imagining an apostle blaming any natural disaster, outbreak of disease, etc. on the unrighteousness of the saints. Who is right? Or are we both right in our respective times?
- Jesus Christ forgave sins while he was on the earth. When Parley was ordained an apostle (and several other times during his ministry) he had his sins forgiven. It seems to me that we should be consistently seeking a remission of our sins; and that, as often as that occurs, we are literally clean (as clean as we will ever be in this life) even though we are certain to sin again.
- Parley makes brief mention of his apostasy, although I would love to hear more of his thoughts on what happened. I feel like he could provide some great insights into stumbling blocks to be recognized and avoided.
- The writing in this book is oftentimes delightful. Take this passage: “I suppose by this time the reader has either forgotten the circumstances in which he took leave of me, or else is somewhat weary with the winding of the narrative and impatient for it to come to a close. The only apology I have to offer for the many digressions and wanderings through which he has been led is, that I consider it impolite and disrespectful to get myself out of a bad place until I have first seen my friends all safely out. True.I did not strictly observe this rule of good breeding in the escape itself; therefore it becomes me to take the more care to observe it now, when there is no danger, excepting that of being deserted by some of my readers before I am safely out.”
- While spending some time in New York (on his way to serve a mission in England) he makes mention of several gatherings of the saints in that region, including a general conference. I can only imagine the excitement the saints felt at that time and the willingness to drop everything to hear the word of the Lord as frequently at possible. That is in stark contrast to me today (not always expecting to hear God’s word at church or being glad to only have two hours of church per week).
- Parley makes surprisingly little mention of his wife and children in this book. He certainly didn’t spend excessive amounts of time at home with his family, and I suppose that explains it. Not sure how to reconcile that with the thought that “the most important work we will do in this life is that within the walls of our own home.” I suppose he just had a very specific mission to fulfill in this life.
- Parley definitely considers miracles to be one of the signs of the truthfulness of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. There is less of that focus (it seems to me) in the modern church. I can’t imagine this happening today, but it’s a very powerful story: “Brother Joseph, while in the Spirit, rebuked the elders who would continue to lay hands on the sick from day to day without the power to heal them. said he: 'It is time that such things ended. Let the Elders either obtain the power of God to heal the sick or let them cease to minister the forms without the power.'”
- I want to read more of Parley’s books including Key to the Science of Theology, Immortality of the Body, Fountain of Knowledge, Intelligence and Affection.
- Parley attributes his lack of success in Chile largely to challenges with the Spanish language. I would love to talk to him about that, and see how good his Spanish was.
- Reading passages like this make me wonder how Parley would respond to the knowledge of where we are at 150 years later. “The darkness which broods over this country can be felt -it is no place for me. I feel like going to the frontiers and fitting out as soon as grass grows. The whole country is being overwhelmed with the most abominable lying, mockery, and hatred of the saints, and with all manner of corruption. The legions of spirits are let loose and are working wonders. All things are ripening for a universal overthrow of all human power in this land.”

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parley is an amazing man who lived during an amazing time in the Church's history. He was led by the Spirit to get off a boat before his scheduled spot and was guided to the Book of Mormon. He was baptized, sought out the prophet, became an apostle, went on mission after mission both stateside and internationally to Europe and South America, was driven with the Saints from Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri, was imprisoned with Joseph Smith without a trial, lived through Joseph's martyrdom and went with the Saints to Utah. He went through so much! That said, I give the first half of the book 5 stars and read it very quickly but somewhere in the middle, the narrative was lost and it was difficult to move through. Also, the polygamy thing is still hard for me and there is very little mention of his family life, which I would have liked more of. I won't spoil it, but I was very surprised by the situation which led to his death.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, although I got the sense that there was a lot left out. For example, Parley went from being remarried (after his first wife died) to suddenly having multiple wives and many children. The first part of his book reads like a true autobiography, but part way through, we get more and more journal entries and letters, until at the end of the book, every chapter is composed of pages from his journal, letters he wrote home while on his numerous missionary travels, or articles previously published in newspapers. I get the sense that the missing material would have been supplied if he had not been killed so relatively early in his life and so unexpectedly. With just a few more years, he probably could have finished the book, smoothing out the edges and filling in the gaps. Still a great book with lots of inspiring stories. Brother Pratt was an example of a hard worker that truly gave his life to Christ.