The house of the Lord: A study of holy sanctuaries, ancient and modern

by James E. Talmage

Because non-Mormons are not allowed inside Latter-day Saint Temples, curiosity seeders have tried through a variety of means, specially upon completion of the Salt Lake City edifice in 1893 to ascertain what the interior looks like and what activities transpire therein. This inordinate interest prompted church leaders to commission Professor James E. Talmage in 1911, three months before he was ordained an apostle, to compile a visual and textual representation for the general public. Despite an earlier unauthorized foray into the temple by a camera-toting intruder, Talmage's assignment would represent the first time the good quality views of the interior would be framed and the ordinances would be discussed in print with the church's blessing.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, History, Church, Spirituality, Mormonism

Paperback

First published January 1, 1912

About the author

James Edward Talmage was a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, and a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born Sunday Sept. 21, 1862, at Hungerford, Berkshire, England, the son of James Joyce Talmage and his wife, Susannah Preater. He is the first son and second child in a family of eight. He was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the place of his birth, June 15, 1873, and on the 18th of the following August was ordained a Deacon in the Ramsbury branch of the London conference.
The entire family left England May 24, 1876, landed in New York June 5th, and arrived in Salt Lake City June 14th following. His career in the Church was upward and onward from the time of his baptism. In Provo, Utah, where the family had established a home, he was ordained a Teacher December 17, 1877, and an Elder June 28, 1880. On September 29, 1884, he was ordained a High Priest, and was set apart as an alternate High Councilor in the Utah Stake of Zion.

On December 7, 1911, he was appointed and sustained to be one of the Apostles, to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Elder Charles W. Penrose as second counselor in the First Presidency, and on the following day (Dec. 8th) was ordained an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and was set apart as one of the Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, under the hands of President Joseph F. Smith, assisted by his counselors and members of the Council of the Twelve.

In 1888 (June 14th) he married Mary May Booth (daughter of Richard Thornton Booth and his wife, Elsie Edge Booth), at the Manti Temple, and from this union there came the following children: Sterling B., born May 21, 1889; Paul B.,born Dec. 21, 1891; Zella, born Aug. 3, 1894, died of pneumonia April 27, 1895; Elsie, born Aug. 16, 1896; James Karl, born Aug. 29, 1898; Lucile, born May 29, 1900; Helen May, born Oct. 24, 1902, and John Russell, born Feb. 1, 1911.

` Elder Talmage obtained his early schooling in the National and Board schools of his home district in England, and was an Oxford diocesan prize scholar in 1874. He entered the Brigham Young Academy (now University) at Provo, Utah, in 1876, and followed to completion the high school and normal courses, and in his 17th year was a teacher of elementary science and English in the institution named. His early predilection was for the sciences, and in 1882-83 he took a selected course, mainly in chemistry and geology, at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. Though a special student and not a candidate for a degree, he passed during his single year of residence nearly all the examinations in the four-year course and was later graduated; and in 1883-84 he was engaged in advanced work at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.

He returned to Utah in the fall of 1884, in response to a summons from the home institution, and served as professor of geology and chemistry, with varied activities in other departments, in the Brigham Young Academy from 1884 to 1888. While still a member of the faculty, he was elected a member of the board of trustees of the Brigham Young Academy. During his residence in Provo, he served successively as city councilman, alderman and justice of the peace.

In 1888 he was called to Salt Lake City to take the presidency of the Latter-day Saints College, which position he held until 1893. He was president of and professor of geology in the University of Utah, 1894-97. In the year last named he resigned the presidency, but retained the chair of geology, which had been specially endowed; and ten years later (1907) he resigned the professorship to follow the practical work of mining geology, for which his services were in great demand. In 1891 he received the degree of Bachelor of Science, and in 1912 the honorary degree of Doctor of Science, from his old alma mater, Lehigh University. In 1890 he was given the honorary degree

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first part of this book, when it detailed history of ancient temples. The history of temples in early church history was pretty familiar and fine to review. I had a hard time getting through the last bit of it though - the details of the layout and specifications of the Salt Lake temple went on a little too long for me.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a neat book about the history and purpose and building of temples through the ages, from ancient to modern times. Elder Talmage goes into quite a bit of detail about the building of the Salt Lake Temple, in particular, but also the temples before (Kirtland, Nauvoo, and sites in Missouri). He also mentions the other temples built in Utah before the Salt Lake Temple (St. George, Logan, and Manti). This book was originally published in 1912, so it ends with the Salt Lake Temple.

The next temple dedicated was the Laie Hawaii Temple in 1919. The copy of the book that I read included a picture of each of the temples dedicated from 1836 through 2005 (122) and now there are 33 more for a total of 155 temples currently. What an incredible blessing! It's amazing to see the growth of the Church and temples in the last several decades. It's inspiring to see their pictures and think of the people and places they bless. I love the picture on page 152 of the people in the fields in front of the Laie Hawaii Temple. ;)

I love the temple and am grateful for the reminder and majesty of the Lord's work!

Here are a few of the quotes I liked:

"The essential idea of a temple is and ever has been that of a place especially set apart for service regarded as sacred, and of real or assumed sanctity (p. 1)."

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims that it is the possessor of the Holy Priesthood again restored to earth, and that it is invested with Divine commission to erect and maintain Temples dedicated to the name and service of the true and living God, and to administer within those sacred structures the ordinances of the Priesthood, the effect of which shall be binding both on earth and beyond the grave (p. 9)."

"The all-pervading and all-controlling thought in the erection of this portable sanctuary was that of expressing the close association between Jehovah and His people (p. 17)."

"That the Temple of Herod was by far the grandest structure ever erected as a Temple in any age is generally admitted; yet its beauty and grandeur lay in architectural excellence rather than in the sanctity of its worship or in the manifestation of the Divine Presence within its walls (p. 34)."

"Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the fundamental principle of the Gospel, the first letter in the alphabet of salvation with which are spelled the words of eternal life (p. 41)."

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirms that the plan of salvation is not bounded by the grave; but that the Gospel is deathless and everlasting, reaching back into the ages that have gone, and forward into the eternities of the future (p. 43)."

"This then is sufficient answer to the question as to why the Latter-day Saints build and maintain temples. They have been instructed and required so to do by the Lord of Hosts. They have learned that many essential ordinances of the Church are acceptable only when performed in temples specially erected and reserved for the purpose. They know that within these precincts of sanctity the Lord has revealed many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God; and that He has promised to reveal yet more to man in houses sacred to His name. They have learned that a great part of the mission and ministry of the restored Church is the administration of vicarious ordinances in behalf of the unnumbered dead who never heard the tidings of the Gospel, and that for such sacred and saving service temples are a necessity (p. 53)."

"From the days of the ancient Tabernacle of the Congregation, and thence onward to the meridian of time, animal sacrifice was required as an ordained rite of propitiation and worship; and such was in prototype of the sacrificial death predicted as part of the mission of the Son of Man.... The Latter-day Saints are one with other Christian sects in the unreserved acceptance of the doctrine that the atoning death of Christ terminated the Mosaic rites of sacrifice involving the ceremonial shedding of blood, that, in truth, the prototype was consummated in the reality. The temples of today are provided with no altars of sacrifice (p. 70)."

"On the third of August, 1831, the prophet Joseph Smith and seven other elders of the Church assembled on the temple lot and dedicated the same to its sacred purpose. Though the company was small, the occasion was one of great solemnity and impressiveness. The prophet himself offered the prayer of dedication. The temple so projected is yet to be built. Though the Latter-day Saints acquired by purchase title to and possession of the temple lot, they were later by violence compelled to abandon their rightful possessions (p. 71)."

"'The last stone is laid upon the Temple, and I pray the Almighty in the name of Jesus to defend us in this place, and sustain us until the Temple is finished and we have all got our endowments (Brigham Young, p. 82).'"

"Besides the interruptions and delays already noted, other hindrances were inevitable, and, under the best of conditions progress could be but slow (p. 88)."

"'On the two west corner towers, and on the west end, a few feet below the top of battlements, may be seen in bold or alto relievo, the great dipper, or Ursa Major, with the pointers ranging nearly towards the North Star. (Moral, the lost may find themselves by the Priesthood.) (p. 90).'"

"The work of construction proceeded so slowly as to arouse a feeling akin to impatience in the hearts of overanxious Saints, and mild restraint was called for. At other times gentle urging was necessary.... Stakes and wards and quorums of the Priesthood were assigned their parts, and an effective system of divided labor and responsibility was developed (p. 92)."

"'Attention all ye house of Israel, and all ye nations of the earth! We will now lay the top-stone of the Temple of our God, the foundation of which was laid and dedicated by the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, Brigham Young (Wilford Woodruff, p. 93).'"

"'Let this spirit be sought and cherished as diligently within the smallest and humblest family circle, as within the membership of the highest organization and quorum. Let it permeate the hearts of the brothers and sisters, the parents and children of the household, as well as the hearts of the First Presidency and Twelve. Let it mellow and soften all differences between members of the Stake Presidencies and the High Councils, as well as between neighbors living in the same ward. Let it unite young and old, male and female, flock and shepherd, people and Priesthood, in the bonds of gratitude and forgiveness and love, so that Israel may feel approved of the Lord, and that we may all come before Him with a conscience void of offense before men. Then there will be no disappointments as to the blessings promised those who sincerely worship Him. The sweet whisperings of the Holy Spirit will be given to them and the treasures of heaven, the communion of angels, will be added from time to time, for His promise has gone forth and it cannot fail (The First Presidency in 1893, p. 98)!"

"It was evident that the authorities of the Church realized the importance of preparing for the great event of the dedication in other ways than by material construction and costly furnishings. The hearts of the people had to be made ready; it was necessary that Israel be sanctified. Throughout the length and breadth of Zion there was a general cleansing of mind and soul; enmity was buried; bickering ceased; differences between brethren were adjusted; offenses were atoned and forgiven; a veritable jubilee was celebrated (p. 99)."

"In no part is there evidence of hurried plan or careless execution. Even the attic rooms and muniments--but seldom used--are well and fully furnished. However, the Temple is not beautified throughout with equal elaboration. There has been no lavish nor unnecessary expenditure in embellishment. The predominating intent has been that of appropriateness.... In no part is there a hint of incompleteness; nowhere is there a suggestion of the excessively ornate. Every room has been planned and constructed for a definite purpose, and both finished and furnished in strict accordance therewith.... The Temple has been planned and built as we believed to be most appropriate to The House of the Lord (p. 129)."

"The temple was to be built by the labor of the people and as a free-will offering, and that work thereon was not to be made a means of profit (p. 147)."

"The Temples of today are maintained and the distinctive ordinances pertaining thereto are administered under the authority of the Higher or Melchizedek Priesthood, the greatest and highest commission ever conferred upon man. The Divine prediction voiced by Malachi is in process of rapid fulfillment. Elijah the prophet has been sent to earth and he has committed to the Church that power and authority by which the vicarious service in behalf of the dead was inaugurated. Through his ministration the hearts of the fathers are turning toward the children, and the hearts of the children toward the fathers, and this in preparation for the approaching advent of our Lord, the Christ (p. 156)."

[Robert L. Kresge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elder Talmage has given us another masterful writing showing his extraordinary intelligence.

The author presents a factual and insightful writing that only student of history and a disciple of the living Christ could give. I recommend it to all.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talmage offers a thorough explanation of the modern temple purposes and procedures practiced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Written in 1912, it is interesting to note that this writing was prompted by an attempt to blackmail the Church in exchange for illegally taken photographs of the building's interior obtained during a renovation project. Included in this book are over 30 authorized photographs of the Salt Lake Temple's interior to preempt the publication of the unauthorized images. During his year of writing, Talamge was ordained to the office of an Apostle. He makes a clear connection between modern temples and ancient ones described in the Bible, including Moses' Tabernacle, Solomon's Temple, and the Temple at Jerusalem that Jesus Christ Himself visited and respected. The book makes clear the claim that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints practices a unique form of temple worship not found in virtually all other Christian denominations. I noticed some unflattering language referring to the religious group now known by the name the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS) and Native Americans. Otherwise, the book holds up quite well after a century plus in conveying the main purposes and specific ordinances associated with modern temple worship, which includes vicarious ordinance work for the dead to extend salvation and exaltation to all of God's children in a grand gesture of equality of opportunity. The reproduced dedication of the Salt Lake Temple dedicatory prayer is an interesting read; among other things, it urges political civility among members of differing national parties and condemns neither side (which many in the Church have seemed to culturally and politically forgotten or ignored). I am grateful that the explanation includes brief histories of the Kirtland and Nauvoo Temples built before the Salt Lake Temple as well as a brief chapter on the other three temples constructed in Utah Territory before the Salt Lake Temple was completed: St. George, Logan, and Manti. But the focus of the book is indeed the construction, dedication, and use of the Salt Lake Temple. Everything else sets the table or is an appendage to presenting and explaining the flagship temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been on my shelves for a long time. While I've looked up a few things in it on occasion, I've never taken the opportunity to read this LDS classic all the way through. The doctrinal teachings in the book are wonderful and helpful for explaining the connection between the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and temples in previous biblical and Book of Mormon eras. A significant portion of the book is devoted to intricate descriptions of the physical measurements and other features of the four temples built by the Church when the book was written (St. George, Logan, Manti, and Salt Lake), with particular emphasis being given to the Salt Lake Temple. At the end of the book are some pictures to accompany these detailed physical descriptions, the most interesting of which for me was the picture of the Holy of Holies in the Salt Lake Temple. While there were some interesting historical and doctrinal tidbits in the book, reading it was a bit tedious. The best chapter is Chapter III on the need for temples in the present dispensation--this chapter would have sufficed. Readers can get good background on previous temples from the first two chapters and understand temples in the context of the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ by reading chapter three alone.

[L Gustafson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The House of the Lord places the temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the tradition of the Tabernacles, the Temple of Solomon, and the Temple of Zerubbabel/Herod. It explains the divine purpose of and need for modern temples, reviews the ordinances performed in the temples, and provides a tremendous amount of detail about the construction, history, and architecture of the Salt Lake, St. George, Logan, and Manti temples in Utah.

Its description of the Salt Lake temple smacks of the chapters in Exodus describing the dimensions of everything in the tabernacle. If you're curious about what the imagery in the Salt Lake temple means, this book explains it.

It's not a necessarily gripping read, but it is informative and provides much insight into temple worship today. It is probably a must-read for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seeking to understand the temple.

[Jacqueholst · Rating 5 out of 5]

James E. Talmage is thorough. He speaks of Moses who built the first Temple to our God. A portable Temple in the wilderness. He gives detail in how it was built, the material used, the purpose of the Temple. He continues to the last Temple built by the Jews. How, when, where and by who each was built. How and when they were destroyed. He picks up the history when the Saints built the first Temple in America. He writes of every Temple they built up until he wrote this book. Of their loss or destruction. Where, how, the cost and he goes into detail of each one. The architecture, construction, material, interior, exterior, furnishings. You feel you've seen each one personally. This book was not at all the deeply spiritual book I was expecting. But I enjoyed it very much. I came to better understand why God commands His people to build Temples.

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[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent discourse on Temples in history and the need for Temples in modern day. full of great quotes.

"The people were given to understand that the commission to build the Lord's House was theirs, and not that of their leaders alone."

P 130: the necessity to dispel all contention in our lives before entering the Temple.

p 136: example to pray over EVERYTHING

" We can carry this temple forward with our labor without any burden to ourselves if our hearts are in the work and we will be blessed abundantly in doing so. We will be better off in our temporal affairs when it is completed that when we commenced and than we would be if we did not build it."

" The time we enjoy is the Lord's, but we have permission to direct its use according to our good pleasure." Brigham Young

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book that was extremely detailed about the Salt Lake Temple. This book was written in the very early 1900's and yet I received it in 2013 as an employee for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Having seen parts of this building, it was fascinating to read about the different places I have not seen. I look forward to seeing the temple after it reopens in a few years after being shut down to update and stabilize for future use.

It was also enjoyable to get a couple of quick nuggets in there regarding the St. George, Manti, and Logan temples that were all completed around the same time.

The pictures were fascinating and in my opinion, weren't that different from what I remember seeing in person.

[Evan Thacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough explanation of ancient and modern temples, limited of course to a small number of modern temples that were in existence in 1912. I read this because I wanted to study historical book-length treatments of temples from the perspective of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are very few such books. As far as I can tell, no major book-length work on temples was published between this Talmage 1912 and Packer 1980 The Holy Temple.

[Douglas Fugate · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent book for those who seek to know the history, dimensions, type of building material both inside and out of the first four Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Utah.
There are opening chapters on the two temples built prior to the arrival in the Salt Lake Valley. Mr. Talmadge gives length, width, height dimensions of the modern temples similar to that found in the Old Testament regarding the Temple of Solomon.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely, extremely dry. Meticulously researched, he goes into extreme detail on Moses' tabernacle and Solomon's temple, and then provides a great many technical details on the 4 temples built in Utah up to 1905 or so. There are a few interesting parts, but the book is very heavy on description and is more about how big certain rooms were or what materials they were made from or how they were decorated.

[Doris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The part relating to ancient and modern temple worship was interesting and instructive. I found the labored physical descriptions of the Salt Lake and other early temples too much, but understand that when this was written, this was the only access many people had to these places. If I eve read it again, I will just re-read the parts I found instructive.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at historical temples. I really did enjoy the tidbits from each of the temples in the original pioneer collection, but the size of the walls and size of the rooms did become a bit tedious

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The journey of exploring ancient temples was so fascinating. The relevance of why there are temples today offers tremendous insight into the LDS faith.

[Richard L Colemere · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth about temples!

One has to know the truth to understand why temples are built. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

[Sabra Ann Rasmussen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and I think someone should write and extension of this book about modern and small temple and how they r now dotting the earth!

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

About time I finish this book. Informatively good read.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Temples are so incredible!! I’m so grateful for the temple and the blessings that it brings into my life!

[Roberto Galindo · Rating 5 out of 5]

La traducción es impecable. Los detalles de los templos, la roca, los alrededores, la historia y personajes ha sido investigado de maravilla. Clásico Talmage y que pulcra traducción.

[Jeff Crosby]

Interesting for historical detail.

[Michelle Llewellyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While "Jesus the Christ" will always be this author's magnum opus, this book, "The House of the Lord" is also worth studying. The first three chapters provide the historical/biblical history of temples as pertaining to the Jewish people beginning with the tabernacle of Moses right up to the Temple of Herod. Detailed descriptions of all these structures are given so...try to stay awake!
If you are looking for greater insight into the modern ordinances that occur in temples, then chapters III and IV are for you.
The remainder of the book is another detailed study and history of our modern day temples from Kirtland to Nauvoo culminating with Salt Lake of which three whole chapters describe the interior measurements-also given in great detail including the dedication prayers.
If you plan to visit "The Great Temple at Salt Lake" and participate in a live session in the near future, read this book first. Trust me, you won't want to miss anything.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a non-fiction text discussing the history of Christian temples, limited to biblical and then LDS structures. The language is straightforward and accessible though it was published in 1968. It assumes Christian belief, though not necessarily LDS. The many biblical footnote references are to aid his argument that temple building has long been required by God so that a sacred space might be maintained as the "House of the Lord." He starts off with the etymology of the latin word templum, literally meaning a house of God. These biblical references would be essential as a common ground starting point for anyone Christian, as in this day and age many are Christian but quite unfamiliar with the bible, and the ancient temples (Temple of Zerubbabel, Temple of Solomon, Temple of Herod, etc.) discussed therein.

Rites and ceremonies are discussed in this text in a limited manner. He explains how vicarious services performed in temples (i.e. services for the dead) does not restrict the agency of deceased persons but enables them to choose once the ordinances are performed. Ordinances such as baptism, sealing to spouse and children, etc. He boldly states: “No one who believes that Jesus died for man can doubt the validity and efficacy of vicarious ministration.”

He then discusses the LDS history of temple building and gets very detailed as to the physical descriptions of the temples, interiors and exteriors. Down to paint colors and furnishings.

In the final chapter he discusses the Aaronic, Levitical, and Melchizedic priesthoods through the bible to the LDS restoration. The biblical history of ecclesiastical structures would be incomplete without a discussion of the priesthood which is the divine authority to act and perform the necessary saving ordinances.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been a great read (well listen, I have the audio cd) - mainly because it has helped me understand the Old Testament better and how truly connected we are with the ancient Israelites. I do like how Talmage repeats himself, because I think I need to hear some topics explained at least twice for complete understanding :-).

After finishing this book on audio cd, I think it would have been a better "book read" - mainly because he does repeat the same information several times and also seemed unduly fasinated by the square footage (or cubits) of every temple ever built, which was diffult to scan on cd. However, it is worth a read because this book enlarged my understanding of the powerful connection we share with God's ancient covenant peoples through the building of temples and richness of blessings therein.

[Thomas Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a very interesting and insightful read. The words written were spiritually strengthening as well as intellectually enlightening. I thought it was fun reading about how Elder Talmage was so impressed with how there were 4 temples in operation at the time, while now there are well over 100. It also happens that the interiors of the St. George, Logan and Manti temples have been changed so as to fit more patrons at a time, and this of course happened since this book was written. Now it makes me want to go to the Salt Lake Temple and look at not only the sun and moon stones, but the earth stones, star stones and yes, cloud stones seen on the exterior. A wonderful book for both members of the LDS church, as well as other outside observers to learn more about our temples. A good book for the architectural student as well.

[Leta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you up for a really dry read? If so, this is the book for you. What am realizing is that I really enjoy books with which other people are bored to tears. There was so much history of ancient temples that I found fascinating. I found myself wondering how anyone could really know such specific facts about the ancient temples especially the ark of the covenant. So in that regard, the book was interesting. Where I found myself bored was when Talmage reviewed all of the aspects of the Salt Lake Temple including the exact measurements of each room and the beams holding up the walls and so forth. The best thing about this book for me was to re-learn that temple worship is and always has been a main component of God's people.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received something quite different than what I'd thought. I'd believed it would be similar to "The Holy Temple" by Packard, but this has a unique place in my repertoire now. The first several chapters are the most succinct and yet comprehensive overview of ancient temples I'd read (which doesn't say too much yet :). He then moves into the first several modern day temples built, giving wondrous insight and details I'd never heard. Usually you get the spiritual sense of what happened, but Talmage includes structural and construction details, in addition to who oversaw what portions. Wonderfully written, yet do not think it will dive into depth about the activities performed in the temple, it mainly focuses on the temple itself and does a great job covering that basis.

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no particular expectations when I read this book. It was a gift and I had no idea where the book would go. I enjoyed the beginnings, when the book discussed needs, purposes and ordinances of the temple. The last six chapters dealt with specifics of modern temples (the first four in Utah) and because that didn't interest me, it took longer to get through. Dimensions, architectural descriptions and even decorative specifics wasn't too interesting to me, but it certainly might be to someone interested in that kind of thing. I definitely know where to go if I need to make a scale model!

All that being said, the book does deserve 5 stars for the intricate manner in which it deals with its subject matter. Not much could be more comprehensive.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, Talmage failed me with this one. I was looking for a book about ancient and modern temple ceremonies but instead got a book about cubits and courtyards.

What the book does well, for those who are interested, is describe the ancient Israelite tabernacle, Solomon's temple, the Temple of Zerubbabel, the Temple of Herod, the Kirtland temple, the Nauvoo temple, and the Salt Lake temple in very full and miniscule detail. If you want to know exactly how many feet long the middle ordinance room in the Salt Lake temple is...he'll tell you. Twice.

[Zinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a really good review of ancient temples.
The information on the Salt Lake Temple was more about the physical details than the spiritual. That part got a little long. I was hoping for more information on the symbolism and meanings associated with the temple. But what I got out of reading the details and sacrifices made to build such a magnificent building during a time of hardship, is that I too need to give my best in wherever I serve.