In a Sunlit Land

by John A. Widtsoe

book

Genres: Nonfiction, Lds

261 pages

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

John Andreas Widtsoe (31 January 1872 – 29 November 1952) was a Norwegian-American scientist, author, and religious leader who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1921 until his death in 1952.

Reviews

[Chrisanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widtsoe first caught my interest when reading Saints 2. But some time afterwards, and, unfortunately, I don't remember where, some speech I read quoted one of his philosophies on teaching from this book. I liked the quote, had access to the book, so added it to my list.

He is an odd mix of talents and interests. He is a chemist and often writes like one. He is ever interested in agriculture and irrigation(personal news flash: Utah State students are called Aggies for a reason. I just never questioned it). He is an educator and has solid theories regarding higher education. He is a poet and lover of literature. The appendix includes a couple of poems, but it's more apparent in the chapter he devotes to his wife(her graduation dress is stunning, btw) and the final chapter. He is a staunch, faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a farsighted one at that. He is a world- traveler and a keen observer of humanity(loved his accounts of creative boyish pranks-- though I really can't condone them).

I found this to be a very easy, enjoyable read with pockets of philosophical and theoretical gems. Also made me homesick for Logan. Even though I've only been there once.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Widstoe is a fellow Norwegian. He immigrated to Logan Utah with his widowed mother as a young boy. This book is his autobiography. It gave me insight to the beginnings of USU and its extension program. Widstoe, after graduating from Harvard was employed by USU as the head of the experiment station. He did extensive research in irrigation and more specifically dry farming. He was terminated from USU and then hired by BYU for a few years and then rehired by USU as the president of the school. He was successful at USU, but then he was asked to go to the University of Utah to be the president. He accepted this invitation even though it was a pay cut for him. He was instrumental in keeping the medical school rated highly at the U. Widstoe had a desire to serve and be useful and he was put in many positions where he did that. He had a great vision about the future. I'm giving this book 5 stars because his life of service made me want to be a better person.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an autobiography and written in a very plain and simple narrative. It conveys the idea of a practical and down to earth intelligent man with an unshakeable testimony of the gospel. I really enjoyed reading it as it gave me insight into an apostle of the Lord as well as into the workings of USU and U of U in the early 1900's. A fascinating man.

[John]

One of the last Mormon apostles to be a scientist and someone who tried to integrate his religious understandings with his scientific ones. A president of the University of Utah who had to smooth ruffled feathers after the heavy-handed administration of his predecessor. An interesting view of a bygone time in Utah.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Widtsoe's autobiography. He had an interesting life, and his introspection (what made his life good?) makes this particularly valuable.