Brigham Young and the Expansion of the Mormon Faith

Alexander (Utah, the Right Place), professor of western American history at Brigham Young University, adds new perspective to the scholarship on Brigham Young, the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by focusing on Young’s political leadership. While Alexander covers Young’s early years in New England, his missionary service to England, and his polygamous family life, the work focuses little on Young’s interior life or motivations, instead reflecting on his impact on Utah and Mormonism. Alexander divides Young’s career into his time as one of Joseph Smith’s reliable deputies, and then as a successful political leader in his own right. The work highlights instances of Young’s pragmatism and adaptability, such as his changing views on how money should be allotted to settlers, how the Church should resolve land disputes with Native Americans, and, in particular, political tensions between the Utah territory and the United States. Alexander demonstrates that, contrary to Young’s reputation as a theocratic despot, his commands and religious teachings were often ignored by his followers. Anyone interested in early Mormonism will enjoy this solid biography. (May)