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A review by tanyarobinson
Parley P. Pratt: The Apostle Paul of Mormonism by Terryl L. Givens, Matthew J. Grow
3.0
As I think about why I didn't enjoy this book more, I realize the 3-star rating is more about me than about the strengths and weaknesses of the biography. It's not that I wanted white-washed history, because generally I appreciate the more objective scholarly approach that this Oxford University Press publication provides. It really comes down to this: I didn't like the Parley P. Pratt presented in Givens' work, and I am uncomfortable with not liking apostles!
I can appreciate his wide-ranging missionary efforts. I recognize the incredible contribution he made to systematizing Mormon doctrine (though I thought he was awfully presumptuous in his expansion of revealed ideas). I'm bothered by the fact that Brigham Young censured Pratt for unauthorized polygamous marriages and for disobeying council on the trek West. I found myself annoyed by his debtor's lifestyle; even before he joined the church and devoted his time to missionary service he was continually in debt. And as a modern woman, how could I not be turned off when he writes in a group letter to all his wives that one of them "has improved much in Education and in Spirit," and then says of another "O Could I get my mouth as near her lips as I did in a dream, I would immediately snatch one good Long hearty kiss." I'm sure Parley was a good and worthy man, and in the early days of the church with its spiritual, doctrinal, and cultural immaturity was about the best there was to choose from for leadership. I just have no desire to ever bump into him in the spirit world!
I can appreciate his wide-ranging missionary efforts. I recognize the incredible contribution he made to systematizing Mormon doctrine (though I thought he was awfully presumptuous in his expansion of revealed ideas). I'm bothered by the fact that Brigham Young censured Pratt for unauthorized polygamous marriages and for disobeying council on the trek West. I found myself annoyed by his debtor's lifestyle; even before he joined the church and devoted his time to missionary service he was continually in debt. And as a modern woman, how could I not be turned off when he writes in a group letter to all his wives that one of them "has improved much in Education and in Spirit," and then says of another "O Could I get my mouth as near her lips as I did in a dream, I would immediately snatch one good Long hearty kiss." I'm sure Parley was a good and worthy man, and in the early days of the church with its spiritual, doctrinal, and cultural immaturity was about the best there was to choose from for leadership. I just have no desire to ever bump into him in the spirit world!