Orrin Porter Rockwell: Man of God, Son of Thunder

Well book turned up quicker than expected and hubby who apparantely "isnt a reader" hasnt put it down. I havent seen him read many books but he sure loved this one. Great info in it. And written about a Great man.

My favorite book on LDS history, not only about the life of a modern day Samson, Porter Rockwell but the church as a whole. His love and devotion to the Prophet Joseph and for the church as a whole. Thirty years ago after returning from my LDS mission I found Man of God Son of Thunder refreshing and fun to read a book about the church that gave all sides and perspectives and was neither whitewashed by the church nor just another anti-mormon book. Many LDS folks seem afraid or ashamed of our history, reading this book helped me understand how things were during the early days of the church and though some things would certainly be controvercial by today's standards they made sense during those rough and troubled times and we have nothing in our past we need to hide or be ashamed of. This is a great book to read about LDS history and an entertaining story of one of the most under recognized but important pioneers of the church and the Mormon migration. A body guard to two prophets an important scout, mediator with native americans of the Utah territory, rancher, pony express rider, US marshall, actor and devout Mormon High Priest to the end. I love this book.

Rockwell was a legend. He grew his hair long and had dark penetrating eyes. A 'Man of god' an early convert to Mormonism he became one of Smiths most trusted men. When Joseph was killed he had risen to become a defender of the Mormon church, but a defender who preffered the gun to the good book and a horse to the pulpit. Rockwell helped lead his people west and then his legend grew. He fought indians and crushed anyone who would threaten the church again. He helped found Deseret, the mormon nation and carved a living out of the hard scrabble desert of Utah.He served as a Church leader for many years and the eastern press never forgave him for his involvement with the Danites, a secret society that took vengeance upon the gentiles who persecuted Mormons up and down the old northwest eventually chasing the Saints out of Missouri and Nauvoo. This harrowing story of blood and guts and honor is told in a folksy manner that brings you back to the camp fire for one more round of tales. The most amazing poart of this book is that Rockwells story is true. An american classic. A great read for anyone interested in the history of the Mormon church, the american west, or the individual tradition of self defense.

Harold Schindler's biography on Mormon bad-boy Orrin Porter Rockwell is still the best biography of Rockwell out there. Moreover, it may be one of the best biographies of any early Mormon written. This book is not even so much about the quiet, enigmatic Rockwell as it is the genesis of an American religious movement.Rockwell is a hard historical figure. He is a legendary figure whom the LDS church has tended to whitewash. Non-Mormon historians have had a tendency to villify him, making him a murderer and a theif. Somewhere, undoubtedly in the middle, lies the truth. Instead of writing an indictment or an apology for his life, Schindler writes a well-balanced account of Rockwell's life. He doesn't necessarily try to provide answers or justifications, only gives the facts and lets the reader decide. No doubt Schindler's objectivity and meticulous research has made this volume stand the test of time to become a classic in Mormon history.I don't think I have ever said this about a book before: Probably just as engaging and interesting as the book itself are the footnotes which sometimes take up more of the page than the text. This is an awesome bibliographic reference as well. Not only does Schindler tell you about the life and times of Rockwell, he also tells many fascinating historical asides. If you don't believe or are suspcious about his research, then one may look at the documents he was viewing. Schindler does an excellent job of backing up most everything that he says.

This is a historical overview of an amazing era for the Mormon church, bringing to life one of it's most colorful characters in a non-biased manor. If only all historians Mormons and Non Mormons alike could do this type of work.