40 Ways to Look at Brigham Young: A New Approach to a Remarkable Man

by Chad M. Orton and William W. Slaughter, William W. Slaughter

If Brigham Young is not the most maligned individual on the list of the 100 Most Influentail Americans, he is certainly the most misunderstood. Although 130 years have passed since his death, much of the confusion that surrounded him in life remains. While he continues to be praised by millions as a prophet of God and admired for his contributions in settling the American West, he is also frequently vilified. Now you can examine the fundamental aspects of this complex man from the forty different angles. These brief glimpses combine to create a unique biography, showcassing Brigham's remarkable life and accomplishments and helping to separate fact from fantasy.

Genres: Biography, Lds, Nonfiction, Religion

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2008

Reviews

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me Brigham Young has always been one of those mysterious, larger than life kind of people. As a Mormon, I revere him as a prophet and as probably many people do, have associated him with his many to-the-point and bold statements, (not to mention polygamy). When I learned about this book I was intrigued and immediately was interested in reading it. One thing that I really like about this is that it is not a traditional biography. As the title suggests, there are 40 chapters, each one focusing on a different aspect of a Young’s life and personality. The authors have done their research: they’ve included lots of information from his detractors as well as information in support of him. Overall, this book has made me very impressed with Brigham Young and has given me an appreciation of the great task he had not only to migrate to Utah, but to continue to grow the church and keep things running. He was a complex individual and I have a much greater understanding of him and the early church in Utah. Cause of this book. I would definitely recommend it!

[David Bierman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great introduction to Brigham Young and some of the things he accomplished while alive. It is easy to read and not too long. Now and while he was alive, several negative things have been written about Young. However, if you look at all the good he did while he was alive it is clear to see he was a prophet of God.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book with information I had never heard about BY. Very readable and I did like the format of the book. BY was an environmentalist, smart, liked inventions, and loved the temple. He was the man for his times. Interesting read.

[Beth Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this book because I had an upcoming lesson to teach about Brigham Young leading the church after Joseph Smith was killed. The book didn't look too heavy and I thought the additional information I gained would help fill out the lesson material; I was right. I gained much more insight into the man then I previously had, and especially enjoyed reading about his childhood and the many ways the Lord prepared Brigham to be able to do lots of things.

I would have given the book 4 stars if not for the last 100 pages or so. They really drug for me and I felt like the author was repeating things that I had already heard in earlier chapters. Although the context was different, the idea about Brigham was essentially the same. They weren't a complete waste of time however; chapters about the Mountain Meadows Massacre and rescue of the stranded Willie and Martin handcart companies were in this part and I really enjoyed reading those chapters.

I'm especially glad I read the book as it gave me lots of insight and appreciation for a man that I knew lots about, but only the big grand general things. I really feel like I know a lot more about the man, his paradigm and his motivations which really fills things out for me. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in Brigham Young.

[Jacob Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a biography. It is a collection of chapters that each explore a different aspect of Brigham Young’s life and character. Because of that, it is easily digestible. Even though it lacks the benefits of a biography that forces the reader to consider the whole man all at once, it is an easy way to learn more about the legendary prophet-leader. The book is well-researched and well-written. It starts with a few chronological sections about his life, then gets to the topical sections. Of course, there are the parts you expect, like “Brigham as American Moses” and “Brigham as Polygamist.” There are also less well-known aspects, like “Brigham at Play” and “Brigham as Renaissance Man.” Oh, and “America’s Bogeyman” and a chapter about the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Overall, an enjoyable and educational book, even though it does not take the place of a good biography.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great way to read about Brigham Young. He was truly a remarkable man, and this book does a wonderful job of looking at him in (literally) forty different ways. Rather than take a chronological approach to telling his life's story, this book takes a thematic approach, such as: Brigham as missionary, Brigham as family man, Brigham as innovator, etc. The chapters are short, tightly written, and well-documented. Through this book, I gained new appreciation and even affection for Brother Brigham.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book but it wasn't the straight forward biography that I was expecting. It covered 40 different ways to view the life of Brigham Young, everything from Apostle to American Moses to polygamist to craftsman. Because of the nature of the way it was written, it jumped back and forth through time frequently which was a little confusing at times. Confusion aside, I learned SO much about Brigham Young! With every chapter I read I felt like I understood him so much more. This book was definitely written from an LDS perspective. I'd recommend it.

[John Hamilton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contained many interesting facts about this very complex and strong-willed man. I learned quite a bit. However, I don't think Brother Brigham would be at all pleased with the author's comparisons of him with FDR. Brigham would have thought of Roosevelt as just barely short of the devil himself. Other than that agenda driven attempt to revise history, there were many fascinating facts in the book and the author should be credited for being very candid and not glossing over some of Brigham Young's controversial aspects.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think there was need for another biography on Brigham Young but this book is terrific and one I'll keep for reference. More than a biography it is a description of Brigham Young's character, as as it mainly quotes Brigham Young it is pretty much an autobiography! It is accurately portrayed, including faults, criticisms by others and even a full isting of all his wives and children. It clearly paints the man, his personality and character.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED this! I think everyone should read this book. It gives such a great perspective on Brigham Young. He was so maligned and even within the church, he is so misunderstood. This just really gives you an objective picture and you walk away with enormous respect for the Lion of the Lord. Awesome book!

[Zina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a disappointing book to read, not that there wasn't interesting information, it was just not well written. I had just finished Boyd Peterson's book about his father-in-law, Hugh Nibley, which was so exciting, that this book was a let-down. I'm certain sure Brigham was also an "exciting" person!

[Patra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun and enjoyable read. If you would like to learn more about Brigham Young and want to keep it simple, this is a great option. You will learn things about Brigham Young that you never knew and it won't take you forever to read the book. One of my favorite parts is when the authors recount when Mark Twain met Brigham Young.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book was a gift, so I felt obligated to read it. Simply written with a lot of references, it attempts to describe "Brother Brigham" in 40 different roles and contexts. It's mostly descriptive rather than analytical, and I did learn a few things that I didn't already know.

[Camela]

This is a book my brother loaned to me. The introduction was too long. I don't need that much information about why you wrote the book. I'm looking forward to the chapters, though, because it's not the traditional chronological biography.

[Susan Strayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a church book reader but I enjoyed this book, especially since I just moved back to Utah. Brigham was obviously multifaceted and I appreciated learning more about his interesting place in history.

[Marvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strengthen my positive view of a very interesting man. I and many others have been blessed for having follow the example of this great man in the History Of America. Although many didn't agree with Mr. Young he left no doubt how he stood on issues. I have always admired his honesty.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I needed to prepare for an upcoming lesson on Brigham Young. The chapters are concise and easy to read a couple of them a day. I learned many new things about Brigham Young and I enjoyed the way the book was written with different concepts in each chapter.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the different way of approaching his life by characteristics rather than from birth to death.

[LINDA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Love it! You've got to read it!

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too whitewashed for me. I didn't like it and didn't finish it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've wanted to read a good biography on Brigham Young & this one came through. Very interesting. He definitely was a remarkable man.

[Robb Menlove · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of America's greatest figures! This is a delightful look at the "American Bogey Man," a giant among men.