Brigham Young - Is There a Definitive Biography?

[Requiem]

Given the lively discussion of late regarding Brigham Young's questionable prophetic utterances (e.g. Adam-God, blood atonement, Blacks, moon-men, etc.), does there exist a BY biography in the same realm as "Rough Stone Rolling"? It is difficult to distinguish the true character of BY - was he a benevolent despot or just a self serving egotist? References please?

[All-American]

Originally Posted by Requiem

Given the lively discussion of late regarding Brigham Young's questionable prophetic utterances (e.g. Adam-God, blood atonement, Blacks, moon-men, etc.), does there exist a BY biography in the same realm as "Rough Stone Rolling"? It is difficult to distinguish the true character of BY - was he a benevolent despot or just a self serving egotist? References please?

I don't know of any similar biography of Brigham Young. I do remember that Joseph once said to Brigham the same thing that Moroni had said to him: that HIS name would be known for good and for evil among all nations. It's interesting to see how that has come to pass.

[Goatnapper'96]

Originally Posted by Requiem

Given the lively discussion of late regarding Brigham Young's questionable prophetic utterances (e.g. Adam-God, blood atonement, Blacks, moon-men, etc.), does there exist a BY biography in the same realm as "Rough Stone Rolling"? It is difficult to distinguish the true character of BY - was he a benevolent despot or just a self serving egotist? References please?

Brother Brigham always struck me as the ultimate Sergeant Major. Nothing makes me chuckle more than the story where Thomas C. Bullock ratted out a bunch of Brethren hanging out at the municipal court, Brother Brigham decided that God called many of them to the cotton mission. Perhaps the most practical fellar ever to lead the LDS Church.

I think Brigham will be what-the-hell ever you want him to be. From what I have read the stories are that varied.

I think it was Mark Twain who said "Alfred Cummings might be governor, but Brigham Young is King!"

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by Goatnapper'96

Brother Brigham always struck me as the ultimate Sergeant Major. Nothing makes me chuckle more than the story where Thomas C. Bullock ratted out a bunch of Brethren hanging out at the municipal court, Brother Brigham decided that God called many of them to the cotton mission. Perhaps the most practical fellar ever to lead the LDS Church.

I think Brigham will be what-the-hell ever you want him to be. From what I have read the stories are that varied.

I think it was Mark Twain who said "Alfred Cummings might be governor, but Brigham Young is King!"

I'm just curious how accurate all of the statements attributed to Brigham Young are. Admittedly I'm not well-versed on this topic.

How many of his "teachings" that we have record of were actually handwritten by him? How many of his teachings recorded by others were reviewed by him for accuracy?

[Goatnapper'96]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

I'm just curious how accurate all of the statements attributed to Brigham Young are. Admittedly I'm not well-versed on this topic.

How many of his "teachings" that we have record of were actually handwritten by him? How many of his teachings recorded by others were reviewed by him for accuracy?

I understand the Journal of Discourses is strictly in the "I think this is what he said" category.

However, I am probably more interested in the history than the teachings.