Brigham Young by M.R. Werner (1925; Hyperion, ISBN0-88355-254-x)
The quintessential biography of Mormonism’s second president, self-proclaimed Moses, and most ardent polygamist, Brigham Young is written in somewhat antiquated language but is a well-researched, even-handed depiction of both the beginning of the Mormon faith before Young’s involvement, and Young’s own long life. Though an older work, having been written just at the outer edge of the era during which “unofficial polygamy” was practiced by the church hierarchy (after President Wilford Woodruff’s revelation in 1890 banned polygamy and allowed Utah to become a state) and not cited by John Krakauer in his expose’ of Mormonism reviewed below, Werner’s use of original speeches, revelations, discourses, and sermons of early Mormon prophets, leaders, and seers, is impressive. A bit of a wandering tome at times, but all in all, a fair rendition of a man and the beginning of a truly American religion. 4 stars out of 5.
