John Taylor: Messenger of Salvation

by Matthew Haslam

Excellent paper back edition of the LDS Prophet John Taylor a true Messenger of Salvation!

Genres: Biography, Lds, Religion

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jeff Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book from the standpoint of learning more about the life of John Taylor, the third president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Much of the information in the first few chapters was not new, as I was familiar with that aspect of Pres. Taylor's life. I found the chapters relating to the time after the martyrdom of Joseph Smith to be more interesting, as I was not as familiar.

Some chapters seemed to gloss over significant portions of his life. It seemed like very little was written about the time Pres. Taylor served as the prophet. Also, at times it felt like I was reading just to get through the book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think most members know so little about John Taylor since his ministry came in between Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff, both often quoted and whose stories are well known. This book helped me gain a lot of admiration for John Taylor. I actually went to his childhood home in England this spring and my interest in him was piqued and I found this biography about him and I enjoyed it. His conversion story is great plus his ability to then bring Parley Pratt (the missionary who converted him) back to his senses a few months later in Kirtland. John Taylor was called often upon to be the voice and representative of the church in written form and with scumbag governors and leaders in Illinois and elsewhere. He was so intelligent and a such a man of honor that bystanders even saw those other men paled in comparison to John Taylor. I loved hearing about his missions and the sacrifice he and his family made with little, to no complaint. Plus the faith that John Taylor had in the Lord was impressive, his wife was the same way. I loved learning about him and hearing more of his words and thoughts that were shared in this biography.

[Brent Huntley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the brief introduction. Gave a good overview but included good details about history I hadn’t read before. Didn’t hide from controversy.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy learning about peoples lives. I have a hard time reading Autobiographies written today about people that lived a long time ago. The author must rely on what was written about the person by themselves or other sources. This does not make it a nice, easy flowing story. But that being said, the author did a great job documenting John Taylors life. I learned so much about this prophet that I didn't know before, which makes him so much more real to me.

[Ernie Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A somewhat tedious read but well worth the effort. All descendants of John Taylor should either read it or be familiar with its contents. He (John Taylor) was quite the man. From the Nauvoo days he was known as the "Champion of Liberty".

[Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and its' historical content but I had hoped for a more in-depth history of President Taylor.

[Zina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful "flavor" of the character and personality of President Taylor. Matthew Haslam has done a very good job writing this.