Nibley on the Timely and the Timeless: Classic Essays of Hugh W. Nibley

by Hugh Nibley

Book by Nibley, Hugh

Genres: Religion, Lds, Church, Lds Non Fiction, Mormonism, Nonfiction

323 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Hugh Winder Nibley was one of Mormonism's most celebrated scholars. Nibley is notable for his extensive research and publication on ancient languages and culture, his vigorous defense of doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and for frankly discussing what he saw as the shortcomings of the LDS people and culture.

A prolific author and professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University, he was fluent in over ten languages, including Classical Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Egyptian, Coptic, Arabic, German, French, English, and Spanish languages. He also studied Dutch and Russian during World War II.

In addition to his efforts as a scholar, Nibley was well known for writings and lectures on LDS scripture and doctrinal topics, many of which were published in LDS Church magazines. His book “An Approach to the Book of Mormon” was used as a lesson manual for the LDS Church in 1957.

Reviews

[Benji Smith]

This book was foundational in my pursuit of education and staying in college. While there were many times I considered dropping out or becoming a mechanic, these essays served a collateral purpose of encouraging me to dig deeper, strive harder and reach for higher aspirations. Nibley's style takes adjusting to, but the fact that he brings disparate sources together and presents fresh views on the issues related to ancient scripture as well as ancient history is enough to inspire.

[Spencer]

I have read a great number of Nibley's works. Often, I find myself struggling to keep up with him as his vocabulary and writing style far overpower my own. But this book contains many of his masterpieces - certainly worth the read for anyone who wants to put the effort into it.

Another great section of the book is a well written and informative forward by Truman Madsen. It gives precious insights in to the life of Nibley - a man misunderstood by many.

[Carolyn]

I've sat in lectures by Hugh Nibley, and he literally talks 90 miles an hour. To say this man is a genius, is an undertatement. This book was a collection of different articles and lectures that he has given, which we compiled by Truman Madsen. Most of the chapter I really enjoyed, but there were a couple that I just skipped through. Not everyone enjoys reading Nibley, (and I don't care for all of his writings,) but this book was worth effort to read. Have a dictionary handy!

[Zina]

I appreciated "inheriting" this book from my daughter-in-law, Stacy. I also appreciated this collection of essays that are understandable to the lay person, including the foreword by Truman G. Madsen. THERE IS NO ONE LIKE HUGH NIBLEY. His delightful self comes through in these wonderfully insightful faith-promoting articles. I loved it.

[Traci]

Nibley is one of the great minds of our age. He only recently died, but he wrote more than perhaps any other LDS scholar. His knowledge of ancient languages and cultures adds so much to a modern view of man and his place in this world and in the next. He is a genius!

[Kip]

After reading this book years ago, I remember not being sure I had understood half of what I read, and yet I felt as if I was a different person somehow, having gained a greater appreciation of what is possible intellectually.

[Tracey]

Like all Nibley books, lots of information packed into each lesson/chapter. I couldn't study this for as long as I would have liked as it was a library book that I couldn't renew. Don't take everything he says as gospel but on further studies, most of what he says does have validity. I read most of his works years ago when a friend of mine had his collected works. For some deeper gospel studies Nibley is a great place to start.

[Ryan Cooper]

Some of the essays are brilliant; others are too dry for my taste. There is a lot of wisdom in what he says - even the stuff I don't entirely agree with.

[Spencer Willardson]

This book was accessible and interesting. Nibley has a way of challenging conventional wisdom without destroying faith which I appreciated. I loved the chapters on education and politics.

[Christie Norris]

Great collection of different essays.

[Jeff Crosby]

Essays.

[Sirpa Grierson]

A 2-month read from cover to cover--Nibley is too dense to read in a sitting. An inveterate collector of ideas from every culture and discipline, his writing is seldom linear and very associative; Nibley expects an erudite reader just as his lectures presupposed an expert listener, but the ideas are often absolutely steller. This was one of my father's favorite's of his collected works--he translated this into Finnish in 1990. While I am not enamored of all the essays, personal favorites that I keep returning to include "Treasures in Heaven," "Genesis of the Written Word," "Educating the Saints," and of course, "Zeal Without Knowledge."

[Kristie]

Pure genius. Every time I finish a Nibley book my soul feels closer to eternity, my vision becomes sharper, and my purpose clearer. There are hidden nuggets of great worth sprinkled throughout this volume. Dig in and enjoy!

[Chrissie Willicombe]

Zeal Without Knowledge being my favourite Nibley essay ever and contained in this book. What a learned and wonderful man.

[Rick]

My favorite chapter is the one on education.

[Joe Spencer]

A great collection of essays.

[Sheryl]

A montage of thoughts by a brilliant scholar.

[Rae]

A good introduction to Nibley's opinions and style of writing. Fun.

[Dan]

This is the one to start with on Nibley. Great essays and collected works.

[Cindy]

He's a smarty!

[Keith]

Very thought-provoking essays from Hugh Nibley, an LDS intellectual.

[Stacey]

This is a book that you don't really read from cover to cover. Some amazing essays in here, some less so.

[Erneilson]

I bought this book over thirty years ago and have read it several times. I just completed probably my fourth or fifth reading - Nibley is always a delight.

[Punkaman beck]

I love Nibley