Mary Fielding Smith: Daughter of Britain

by Don C. Corbett

Gives practical, step-by-step advice on how to analyze the changes needed within an organization. Provides a variety of useful tables, graphs, and forms to use as models in implementing and evaluating organizational change.

Genres: Biography, Religion, Nonfiction, Lds

310 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1995

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read. It is out of print (written in the 60s), and our library system didn't have it in their catalog. I actually had my brother check it out of the BYU library for me. Unfortunately, this is the only comprehensive history/biography available on Mary Fielding Smith. And for that reason alone, it is worth reading. But I did tire of the writing style of the book by the end. The style of historical writing changes over time, and this author unapologetically includes his own interpretations of things, his bias, his faith....which in some respects is very refreshing...but did get a little tiresome toward the end. I'd just really like to see a current biography written of her. It seems that there is much about Emma of late. I'd hate to think we're forgetting other important women in LDS history.

As to Mary Fielding Smith, herself....well, she's an inspiration. Loved the book because it made me love the woman! I relate to her in a practical sense much more than someone like Emma (who I love also). But for some reason, the example of Mary Fielding gives me a courage and determination to follow the example of her fierce stubbornness in the face of adversity. The beginning half of the book had me completely mesmerized - especially the sections about Far West and The Martyrdom. I'd recommend it highly.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice biography of Mary Fielding Smith, widow of Hiram Smith who was assassinated at Carthage, Illinois. All the traditional stories are here: How she prayed to find her lost oxen, how she single-handedly administered to them, how she led her large family across the plains, and how she beat a misogynistic Captain Lott in their race to the Salt Lake Valley. For lack of more information the book is heavily padded, but most of the padding is fairly interesting. Overall, a pretty good read.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I had no idea about most of what’s in this book about Mary Fielding Smith. I found it inspiring and full of hope and faith. I expect to reread this in the future, it was that good.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. I didn’t know any thing about her until now. She was certainly a person of great worth.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story of perseverance. Mary Fielding Smith weathered social pressures, freezing cold temperatures, and people who didn't believe in her abilities. I loved her commitment to keeping the commandments. Her bishop said she didn't have to keep the law of tithing because she was to poor. She told him how dare you deny me my blessings. Her wagon master didn't want her and her children on the trip, but she told him not only will I not be a burden but I will beat you to the valley. I loved how he scared her oxen away so her words would not come true. God helped her by sending a storm and because she was so behind for having to find her oxen, she was able to go around the storm and beat him to the valley. Her son Joseph F Smith witnessed the entire story and had great faith because of her and him following the her example of following a living prophet.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this book were really, really good. However, for being a biography of Mary Fielding Smith, large parts of the book were not about her at all. Entire chapters were about her brother, her children, the restoration of the Gospel Of Jesus Christ, etc. In many of the reviews of the book that I read, readers described the language of the book as flowery. They were spot on! It got to be a bit ridiculous at times. The book also glossed over many "controversial" aspects of her history. I did learn a lot about Mary. If anyone knows of a better biography of her, please feel free to let me know.

[Ida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply touched by this book, probably because I'm a direct descendant from Mary. The book is well documented and the author uses many direct quotes woven into the story to create a real sense of the time period and the mindset of Mary and her family. I was amazed at how familiar she seemed to me because I consider myself to be a strong minded woman, but of course, my attitudes are her gift to me passed down through the family. I am expected to be a strong minded woman! I was deeply moved by many of the passages. Mary is one woman I look forward to meeting again.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful book. It helped me in my own faith and testimony of this gospel. I loved the book, but wonder how differently it would be written if written in this day of age, when the church is letting more and more come out. The Biographer tippy-toed through the more "serious" details and it is obvious. I still loved the book though and think that every latter day saint should read it.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring story. What an amazing, faithful and courageous person she was. In comparison to her life, my life seems almost embarrassingly easy. The writing was sometimes a little too flowery for me, but definitely worth reading.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nicely written book from one of Mary Fielding Smith's descendants. He took private journals and included the bad with the good. I even learned a few things that I didn't know about her.

[Jeniann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great biography of a special lady

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wife to Hyrum Smith, Pioneer with plural marriage insights. Faith Building !

[Allison Serr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Read like an academic essay, and not a good one. Nothing against Mary Fielding Smith. She was certainly a courageous woman.

[Sherri Dewey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A incredibly good biography of a bigger than life strong woman in the 1800's. A favorite book, read and reread!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very uplifting!