Praise to the Man

by Larry Barkdull

Book by Barkdull, Larry

Genres: Lds, Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published November 1, 1997

About the author

I am a longtime publisher and writer of books, music, art and magazines. My most recent books are Priesthood Power–Blessing the Sick and the Afflicted and Rescuing Wayward Children. I have just completed a major 5-book doctrinal series called The Three Pillars of Zion, which was announced August 2009. I have created two Facebook groups called, “Rescuing Wayward Children” and “Three Pillars of Zion–Becoming a Zion Person.”

For nine years, I owned Sonos Music Resources and published the Tabernacle Choir Performance Library, and I was also the owner and publisher of Keepsake Books. Combined, I have published about 600 products for numerous authors, composers and artists. I founded two non-profit organizations: The Latter-day Foundation for the Arts, Education and Humanity (to promote LDS arts), and Gospel Ideals International (to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ on the Internet). My wife, Elizabeth (Buffie), and I have been married for 38 years we have ten children and 15 grandchildren. We live in Orem, Utah. Visit me on Facebook: “Larry Barkdull”

from http://www.larrybarkdull.com/about-me

Reviews

[Jason Caldwell]

It is fascinating to read about the lives and experiences of the early members of the LDS Church. W. W. Phelps was one of the first members to join the church and he was a close friend of the prophet Joseph Smith. His contributions to the early church are prodigious. He was a well-educated writer and published for the church. He also wrote many of the hymns including "The Spirit of God" and "Now Let Us Rejoice". The book plot centers on a fictitious interview between a newspaper writer from Missouri who has come to interview Phelps in Salt Lake City shortly before he latter passed away. Phelps shares with him his experiences as an early confidante of the prophet and his subsequent excommunication from the church and how for a season he joined those who persecuted the prophet and the saints. He concludes with his return to the church and shares the letter he sent to the prophet asking for forgiveness and Joseph’s forgiving reply. While the story and fictitious plot are only mildly intriguing the history and real-life experiences are well documented and give great insight into some of the events in church history. The book is very short and is a quick and easy read.

[Preston]

This was a great reminder of how the Prophet Joseph Smith tried to be as Christ-like as he could. Brother Joseph had a deep love for his friend that caused some irreparable damage to both Joseph and the Church, yet welcomed him back with open arms. It was a great book, I loved it.

[Doug]

Based on actual events, there is some filler fiction, but in general I quite enjoyed this account of the events and eventual forgiveness by Joseph Smith of W.W. Phelps regarding one of the more critical periods both for the church (of jesus christ of latter-day saints) and their relationship.

[Cindy]

This is a brief story that recounts the friendship between William W. Phelps and the prophet Joseph Smith. Although the two were close friends, Phelps betrayed Smith and the Mormon church. After some heartache and much suffering, his heart was softened and he sought to make amend. Joseph forgave his friend and Phelps later went on to write the LDS hymn from whence the title gets its name, "Praise to the Man."

This is told as if Phelps were speaking to a newspaper reporter. I liked the story, but found it a little too brief, especially in the reconciliation. Still, a nice story for any Latter-day Saint or scholar of LDS history.

CMB

[Pam]

This book was on my grandmother's shelves after she passed away in Feb and I snagged it. I had never heard of the title before or the author. However, the content is a familiar story - one of W.W. Phelps and his conversion and then apostasy from the church along with the unconditional love the Prophet Joseph Smith showed him upon returning to the church. It is a great story of friendship, repentance and love of mankind.

[Malina]

I wanted to like it more than I did. I like the story and premise, but wasn't satisfied overall. It is a fictional representation of the history of WW Phelps and Joseph Smith's friendship. I learned some interesting things about LDS church history and the life of WW Phelps though.

[Stacey]

I loved the relationships in this book.

[Ruby]

I loved this book what a great example of that saying, Savior may I love my brother as I know thou lovest me.

[Jenalyn]

Poor written fiction based on W.W. Phelps.

[Mike Maughan]

Story of forgiveness and perspective. Friends at first are friends at last ... no matter what hardship the one has caused the other ... Recommended by Susan Maughan