Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet [Hardcover]

John G. Turner (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 13, 2012

Brigham Young was a rough-hewn craftsman from New York whose impoverished and obscure life was electrified by the Mormon faith. He trudged around the United States and England to gain converts for Mormonism, spoke in spiritual tongues, married more than fifty women, and eventually transformed a barren desert into his vision of the Kingdom of God. While previous accounts of his life have been distorted by hagiography or polemical exposé, John Turner provides a fully realized portrait of a colossal figure in American religion, politics, and westward expansion.

After the 1844 murder of Mormon founder Joseph Smith, Young gathered those Latter-day Saints who would follow him and led them over the Rocky Mountains. In Utah, he styled himself after the patriarchs, judges, and prophets of ancient Israel. As charismatic as he was autocratic, he was viewed by his followers as an indispensable protector and by his opponents as a theocratic, treasonous heretic.

Under his fiery tutelage, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints defended plural marriage, restricted the place of African Americans within the church, fought the U.S. Army in 1857, and obstructed federal efforts to prosecute perpetrators of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. At the same time, Young's tenacity and faith brought tens of thousands of Mormons to the American West, imbued their everyday lives with sacred purpose, and sustained his church against adversity. Turner reveals the complexity of this spiritual prophet, whose commitment made a deep imprint on his church and the American Mountain West.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In this superb new biography, Turner's strong narrative, human insight, knowledge of context, meticulous use of sources, and sophisticated appreciation of Mormon theology combine to create an account of his larger-than-life subject that is at once informative, judicious, and profoundly engaging. (Daniel Walker Howe, Author Of what Hath God Wrought: The Transformation Of America, 1815–1848 )

A scholarly yet thoroughly readable historical/biographical study, of considerable interest to students of 19th-century American history and religious revivalism. (Kirkus Reviews 20120501)

Turner provides a searing portrait of a leader at his most determined and—at times—ruthless in defense of his religion. A provocative and compelling view of one of the most elusive, yet influential, figures in our nation's westward expansion. (Ken Verdoia, Author Of utah: The Struggle For Statehood )

The story Turner tells in this elegantly written biography will startle and shock many readers. He reveals a Brigham Young more violent and coarse than the man Mormons have known. While lauding his achievements as pioneer, politician, and church leader, the book will require a reassessment of Brigham Young the man. (Richard Bushman, Author Of joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling )

Inextricably tied together by bonds of fate and faith, Brigham Young and Mormonism rose as one in nineteenth-century America. It is that America, as well as that man and that religion, that Turner explores and explains so well in this wonderful book. (William Deverell, Director, Huntington–usc Institute On California And The West )

Turner's treatment of the complex Brigham Young is unsentimental, cogent, critical, and fair. It takes its place alongside Leonard Arrington's magisterial American Moses as the essential, mutually challenging portraits of one of America's greatest colonizers and religious figures. (Philip L. Barlow, Author Of mormons And The Bible: The Place Of The Latter-Day Saints In American Religion )

Turner's broad historical perspective clarifies why Young's ecclesiastical successors have still felt the man's influence--even after abandoning polygamy. An impressively detailed portrait of a controversial giant. (Bryce Christensen Booklist (starred review) 20120801)

A definitive biography of Mormonism's greatest activist and apostle. (Adam Gopnik New Yorker 20120813)

Previous biographers of Brigham Young have used epithets such as 'American Moses' and 'Lion of the Lord.' However, what Turner demonstrates here is that the three-dimensional Young cannot be reduced to saint or tyrant; he was bold, brave, crude, petty, visionary, manipulative, creative, charismatic, kindly, and much more besides. He presents Young as a family man navigating the complexities of polygamy, as a leader moving large numbers of people across the Great Plains, and as a politician negotiating enough independence for the Mormons from the American government that he could build the kingdom of God as he saw fit. Turner was given unprecedented access to the LDS church archives and he makes full use of them and other sources, as well as providing a cogent interpretive context. It is easy to forget Young's significance in American history, but at a minimum it needs to be remembered that he is responsible for settling a vast swath of the West. Turner gives him his due… There aren't enough superlatives for this book. It will remain the standard biography for a long time. Because of its thorough documentation, academics will take it seriously, while general readers will appreciate its clarity of prose and argument. (D. S. Azzolina Library Journal (starred review) 20120801)

[A] magnificent new biography...[Turner's] book should establish him as one of the best religious historians of his generation. Turner had unfettered access to Young's papers, and his keen eye for social context makes this book an excellent introduction to the story of Mormonism as well as an essential addition to the history of the American West. It should also do for Brigham Young what Richard Lyman Bushman's Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling did for the Mormon prophet: make the case not only that Young was one of the most fascinating people of the 19th century but also that his importance in American history can no longer be overlooked. Indeed, some of that history will have to be revised to fit this "pioneer prophet" into its narrative...Turner's prose is so smooth and his interpretations so balanced that I suspect Mormonism's defenders and detractors alike will flock to this book...Turner is not a member of the Mormon church, which makes his achievement all the more remarkable. (Stephen H. Webb Books & Culture 20120901)

[Turner] provides an admirably balanced account of this complex man, and his little-understood and frequently reviled faith...When finished with this superb biography, readers will find [Brigham Young] less of a curiosity but still fascinating. (Alan Cate Cleveland Plain Dealer 20120825)

In his richly researched new biography of Brigham Young, John G. Turner not only profiles the man who brought the church to Utah, but also satisfies both high-minded and lowbrow curiosity about this most American of religions. (Boston Globe 20120923)

Young's life is admirably chronicled in this fine new biography…The character who emerges from Turner's elegantly written and well-researched biography is a man for whom the word 'protean' might almost have been invented. He became one of the foremost colonizers of American history, leading the Mormons on a perilous journey to the Great Basin and laying claim to approximately a sixth of the western United States…Turner shows [Young] to be a shrewd and subtle politician…Turner's story never drags, partly because the tale itself is so fascinating, but also because he writes with clarity and energy. (Richard Aldous Irish Times 20120922)

Brigham Young is a landmark work...There is no aspect of Young's fascinating life that eludes Turner's scrutiny. (Alex Beam New York Times Book Review 20121021)

A major accomplishment that, more than any past treatment of Young, situates the protean prophet squarely in the context of his turbulent times. Turner is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and brings to Young an emotional objectivity and distance that greatly benefit his profile of the 19th century Mormon leader and colonizer...Turner unflinchingly tackles the full spectrum, warts and all, of Young's multifarious personality and life...For Turner, no topic is off-limits, too controversial, too intimate. He exhibits a healthy skepticism and curiosity that are as bracing as they are salutary...He is balanced, insightful, sympathetic, even occasionally affectionate. Turner's Young is a far cry from the (take your pick) superficial, cartoonish, angelic/devilish caricatures of most popularized portrayals. He is a fully rendered, flesh-and-blood, flawed-but-earnest human being who sincerely believed he had been "called" to govern God's new covenant people as heaven's representative. The biography adds much to both our understanding and appreciation of Young. (Gary James Bergera Salt Lake Tribune 20121006)

Turner offers an unflinching account of Young's life "within the context of mid-19th-century American religion and politics," yet evinces throughout a sympathetic understanding of the way Young and the Mormon pioneers saw themselves: as a chosen people delivered by God from their persecutors and led to a latter-day Zion...Turner's portrait is of a man both great and greatly flawed. (Jason Lee Steorts National Review 20121029)

A comprehensive biography of Young and his times...It is an exceptional work...We can learn a lot about the development of Mormon theology from Turner's book, far more than can be gleaned from previous biographies of Young...Turner is at his best when he is placing the elements of Young's life within the main contours of broader 19th-century America...Those who want to know more about Mormonism's birth and growth will want to get a copy. (Edward J. Blum Christian Century 20121017)

[An] exceptionally well-researched and endlessly interesting biography. (Stuart Kelly The Scotsman 20120929)

[A] strong and authoritative biography. (Jackson Lears New Republic 20121019)

Fascinating...Young very much emerges with his faults manifest in Turner's impressive biography. At the same time, [Brigham Young] takes Mormon studies forward, avoiding the pitfalls of apologia and polemic. (Jeremy Black Standpoint 20121026)

John G. Turner's new biography of Brigham Young...portrays a social experiment, the most ambitious in American history, that until Young's death in 1877 explicitly rejected the core values of Victorian capitalism: possessive individualism and Darwinian competition. (Mike Davis Los Angeles Review of Books 20121025)

The great virtue of John G. Turner's new biography of Brigham Young--the first major study since LDS historian Leonard Arrington's Brigham Young: American Moses (1985)--is the author's stolid resistance to either version of the traditional Young caricature. (Chris Lehmann The Nation 20121217)

[Turner] presents a very thoughtful, well-contextualized account of a complex and contradictory religious leader who was profane as well as pious and powerful. The book traces the development of an aimless young man who became the prophet and president of a sprawling theocracy. Turner offers a fair consideration of Young...This well-researched, readable biography will satisfy all but the most partisan reader. (D. Liestman Choice 20130201)

About the Author

John G. Turner is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at George Mason University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Belknap Press; First Edition edition (August 13, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0674049675
• ISBN-13: 978-0674049673
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.3 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,395 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 71 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Landmark Bio of Important Mormon and Western Figure August 21, 2012

By Bryan Buchanan

Format:Hardcover

Indulge me: picture a man neck deep in a swift river with people on both banks trying to warn him of boulders they think are in his path. After successfully navigating his course, he exits the river to the cheers of both banks. It happened. His name is John Turner and he's just written a landmark biography of Brigham Young. With an embarrassment of riches in terms of sources that would drown a lesser man and voices from both extremes depicting a tyrannical harem-master and, conversely, a gentle kingdom builder, Turner has achieved a fair and well-rounded portrait of Brigham Young. No sticky wicket (Mountain Meadows, the handcart imbroglio, Young's often testy personality, etc.) is skirted--at the same time, the reader does not get a sense that Turner is poking at them as at a sore tooth. Notoriously difficult for biographers, Young has eluded many through the years. With Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet, Turner has done what Rough Stone Rolling did for Joseph Smith: combine meticulous primary source research with balanced historical craft.

One more comparison with Joseph Smith--for many years, Brigham Young: American Moses had served a role much like Joseph Smith: The First Mormon of (at least for believing Mormons) the standard--possibly even definitive in the minds of some--biography. Though Arrington [1] did achieve a much more effective treatment of Young--using a wealth of uncatalogued contemporary source chaos discovered by Michael Quinn--the result failed to provide a picture of the "man." One left the book without feeling that his thought and drive had been reached. In addition, most of the rough edges of both Young's life and contemporary Mormon history were filed down if not ignored. As Turner notes in his preface, only Arrington could claim "unfettered" access to the Young papers, yet more needed to be done. From the notes and source list, it is clear that Turner did in fact enjoy a friendly and helpful relationship with the staff at the Church History Library. The fortunate consequence is a thoughtful analysis of the rich mine of pertinent documents (journals--both private and clerical, letters, minutes and sermons--even many existing only in shorthand format [2])

Turner begins his narrative with a concise look at Young's early life (aside: I am not a fan of Mormon biographies that spend an inordinate amount of time on the subject's early life--not why I'm reading), pointing out his unstable home life following his father's remarriage and his discontent with his religious milieu. Turner gives a brief overview of the translation and impact of the Book of Mormon, noting that its influence was driven more by its mere existence than by content at that point. His discussion of Brigham's slow transition into Mormonism features a strong point of his approach--though he notes Young's reminiscences of this time, he points out that Brigham likely overstated his role. Turner recognizes the value of later recollections but carefully weighs their reliability.

Chapter two, "The Tongues of Angels," contains one of the high points of Turner's narrative--a discussion of Young's religious surroundings (particularly the more pronounced expressions of spiritual gifts) and his participation therein. Though the stereotypical view of Young is as a pragmatic mover and shaker, Tuner draws out his charismatic and even enthusiastic side. The story of him speaking in tongues upon meeting Joseph Smith is well-known, but Turner shows that this facet of Young's character would emerge periodically throughout his life. Another welcome aspect of the narrative is obvious in this section (notably so in his discussion of the Kirtland Safety Society fiasco)--Turner walks the fine line between providing context while not allowing his primary subject to recede into the background. I'm always irritated to read a biography that is really a period history with a biographical glaze.

The Nauvoo era always seems to be a minefield for historians--how does one treat such a chaotic and dualistic time? In discussing it with friends, I've remarked that--depending on who you associated with--Nauvoo could be two very, very different places, one for "inner circlers" and one for regular citizens. The narrative for this period is superb--his discussion of polygamy especially so. For example, he balances Young's well-known desire for the grave immediately after hearing of the new doctrine with an 1849 statement that, after a fuller hearing of the matter with Joseph, he was "filled with the Holy Ghost" to the point of "lightness." A similarly temperate discussion of the succession crisis evidences Turner's dispassionate style--he summarizes the purported transfiguration of Brigham Young thusly: "Whether or not they experienced something miraculous in the meeting, for some Mormons their sense of Young as Joseph's successor grew quickly."

In the uncertain days before the exodus from Nauvoo, Turner brings out Young's notoriously mercurial disposition--when greeted by people on the street with the ritual handclasps from the newly introduced endowment, Young abruptly shut down the ceremonies. His temper is also evident in the heated discussions surrounding the attempt to reconstitute the First Presidency at Winter Quarters. For those with a distaste for scatological language, consider yourselves warned!

The chapter entitled "A New Order of Things" is another particularly impressive section, especially when dealing with Young's many plural wives. It is fascinating to hear their voices as the realities of polygamy were being worked out. As was generally his nature, Young seems not to have been terribly warm and fuzzy in his relationships with his wives. Augusta Cobb Adams proved to be quite the formidable opponent when disagreements arose--she repeatedly requested to be sealed to another husband, preferably Jesus Christ himself, but she accepted Joseph Smith as an acceptable alternative.

Various "sticky" issues throughout the 1850s are ably treated by Turner. He discusses the evolution of racial beliefs and policies, noting that Young as a product of his times "fostered a policy of exclusion that his successors saw little choice but to perpetuate." Turner is similarly thorough in his treatment of Indian relations, noting that initially Young complained of "many Elders [who] have prayed to be among the Lamanites and now they want to kill them." Following numerous encounters with the different tribes in the region, Young finally stated that "my natural disposition and taste it loathes the sight of those degraded Indians." Turner's analysis here is broad and temperate and serves as an excellent overview of the origins of the priesthood ban as well as a check against simply summarizing Young's Indian policy as "it's cheaper to feed them than fight them."

Throughout the narrative, Turner maintains the effort to provide a rounded picture of Young. His discussion of several doctrinal principles is an important part of this endeavor. He treats Young's exposition of Adam-God teachings (those who cling to the "the sermon was not reported accurately" defense might want to apply the X-acto remedy on these pages) and his thoughts on "eternal increase" concisely and effectively.

From the friendly confines of theological speculations, Turner proceeds to what is probably the climax of Young's life, the dark days of the Utah War and Mountain Meadows Massacre. To set the stage, he recounts the testy relations with territorial officers and several suspicious deaths like those in the Aiken party. After reviewing the evidence in an even-handed matter, Turner concludes on Young's "likely complicity" in the matter. As is the case throughout the narrative, Turner intersperses interesting details--here, he notes several odd dreams of Young's that the heavy stress effected. Drawing on important recent surveys of the matter (particularly Bill MacKinnon's), Turner chronicles Young's march to the edge of the precipice and the inevitably inglorious retreat therefrom. Turner's concise account of the massacre concludes that "there is no satisfactory evidence that Young ordered the massacre" and that "there was no good reason for Young to order a massacre with the potential to focus the full fury of the American government on Utah" but, in the end, "Young bears significant responsibility for what took place."

The narrative seems to lose steam slightly after the events of 1857-58--this is probably largely so because Young's life never again reached the same fever pitch as earlier. Another discussion of his wives is particularly interesting--Turner notes the rethinking that Young went through, citing his daughter's assessment that, in later life, Young set out to "correct what he esteemed to be a mistake of his early judgment." Several other important events are covered such as Young's appointment of his sons as apostles and counselors, the ongoing legal battle with Ann Eliza Webb and the John D. Lee trial. One can feel Young's life winding down with a few last-minute efforts at kingdom building such as a renewed zeal for United Order principles and the building of the St. George temple.

Simply put, Turner's treatment of Young's life is a landmark in Mormon biography. Everything that a serious student of Mormon history could want is here: careful and extensive research, balanced analysis and polished, crisp writing. The acknowledgments give a clue as to his method--clearly Turner had numerous readers along the way and it paid off handsomely. Turner avoids common "outsider" errors about the intricacies of Mormon society and historiography. By interacting with scholars, both veteran (Will Bagley, Bill MacKinnon) and up-and-coming (Matt Grow, Sam Brown), Turner has ensured his narrative draws on the finest research available. Read more ›

26 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The Roar of the Lord's Lion September 2, 2012

By Eric F. Facer VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This volume will likely stand, for many years, as the best biography of Brigham Young. It is erudite, insightful, honest, fair and unflinching. Turner does an excellent job of portraying Young as a man of his time--a bold, visionary leader who believed, like so many of the legends of the American West, there was no foe or obstacle he could not overcome.

Brigham Young was a mass of contradictions, a misogynist on the one hand and, at times, a proto-feminist on the other. Like most of his contemporaries, he believed blacks were an inferior race, and yet he frequently displayed considerable compassion and generosity towards those in his employ. To his credit, Turner goes to great pains to ensure that the reader refrains from hasty judgments. To the extent possible, he tries to get us to see Brigham through the prism of the 19th Century, not with the hindsight of the 21st.

Perhaps Young's greatest flaw--one that almost destroyed him on more than one occasion--is that he rarely engaged in introspection or second-guessed his own decisions. He was quick to find fault in both his friends and adversaries, but he seemed incapable of discerning "the mote in his own eye" or admitting that he was responsible for a scheme or policy that went awry. Like many other ecclesiastical leaders of his and other churches, both then and today, he was sometimes wrong, but never in doubt. Sadly, his arrogance and stubbornness sometimes resulted in pain, suffering, and even death, for his friends, opponents, and innocent bystanders.

My only criticism of the book is that it was too short. I felt there was so much more about this man that I would like to know. But, to be honest, no matter much additional material Mr. Turner had included in this biography, I'm not sure I am capable of fully comprehending Brother Brigham, a man for whom the phrase "larger than life" is truly apropos.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough Scholarship = Incredible Work February 8, 2013

By Matthew Crawford

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

No one can argue these two points: (1) this book as a whole is a tight narrative which flows easily--even the most complex issues in Young's life are clearly and precisely explained without becoming dogmatic--and (2) this biography of Brigham Young is well documented.

Turner shares documentary evidence from Young's life that is not that flattering--Young swore profusely, carried grudges, and was heavy handed. Even so, as a faithful Mormon, I ask myself, "Could any other prophet have held the Mormon Church together during the tumultuous mid- to late-1800s?" I do not think so. Young, as evidenced by Turner's excellent work, was a product of his environment which we do not now live in. Young's rough exterior, in part molded by his environment, allowed him to lead a group of early pioneers and fashion them into flourishing communities. Despite Turner's conclusions that Young successfully lead a massive group of people, some current members of the Mormon Church might not like this biography because it gives us Young's successes and a lot of his failings--this book is Young unplugged, warts and all.

At times, as I read this book, I disagreed with some of Turner's summations and arguments, but at least his points are backed with good scholarship. Turner is not a Mormon, and he does not have an ax to grind--this book is NOT anti-Mormon vitriol. As a member of the Mormon Church I applaud Turner's effort and appreciate the fact that he took enough interest in Young to write a reputable book. Turner tackles the tough issues of Young's life extensively: familial discord, Indian policies, political intrigues, rival Mormon Church rivals, Adam-God Theory, Mountain Meadows Massacre, and polygamy. For instance, despite Young's endorsement of polygamy, and persistence in living its laws (55 wives), Young confessed that he did "not know such a man" that can satisfy every single wife (p. 381). I find comfort in Young's struggles and weaknesses that are on display in this book: God, according to Young, accepted his efforts, therefore there is hope for me.

There is one thing I wished Turner had done: a small chapter on Young's teachings about Jesus Christ and His gospel. Toward the end of the book Turner noted that Young's words spirituality sustained the Mormons (p. 406), but that was not a point which reoccurred in the narrative of the book. If a least a few references to Young's belief in Christ's life and example were included, then this book would have given a more well-rounded view of Young's personality and passions. But again, I think that as far as history goes, Turner did a nice job of relying on the documents and letting them tell the story of Young's life.

Finally I refer you to Turner's responses to questions about this book. At Juvenile Instructor: A Mormon History Blog (Nov. 27, 2012) Turner noted why he wrote the way he did, confessed to some minor historical date mistakes, and included this very true insight: "I love the field of Mormon history for many reasons. The rich sources. The voluminous scholarship. Most of all, I love the fact that so many people care about the Mormon past. This has some downsides. It makes the field contentious and testy. . . . Such contention, however, is more than outbalanced by the passion that so many individuals bring to their writing and to conversations about Mormon history. That passion is contagious."