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The Last Pioneer: John Taylor, a Mormon Prophet

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It is often difficult to trust the credibility of a religious leader's biography when written by one of his descendents. Nevertheless, Samual W. Taylor has made every effort to be fair to both Mormons and non-mormons as he explores the complicated times and issues surrounding the establishment of the Great Basin Kingdom of the Latter Day Saints. Some of his insights were paradigm-shifting, particularly shedding insight on the mindset of the men who were willing to deceive the world and live underground in defiance of the law of the land, in order to abide "the principles of heaven." This book brings to life one of the lesser-discussed prophets of early Mormondom, and is a must-read for those interested in a fair, but gentle treatment of "The Last Pioneer.":

Written by Samuel W. Taylor (John Taylor's grandson), The Last Pioneer: John Taylor, A Mormon Prophet is an extensive biography of John Taylor, a Mormon prophet and the third president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who lived in the 1800's and was responsible for developing the Mormon communities in Utah and the American west after the death of Brigham Young. Drawn from his personal letters and speeches, his diaries and the memories of those who knew him, The Last Pioneer provides a vivid and fascinating account of a unique religious and community leader's life, visions, belief and struggles on the American frontier.