The Essential Nibley: Excerpts from the Writings of Hugh Nibley

by Marvin R. VanDam, Hugh Nibley

Drawing from the very best of Hugh Nibley, this collection of excerpts feels more like a guided tour through a brilliant mind than a quote book. Arranged thematically, it covers the highlights of Nibley's best thinking and writing on everything from the Creation, through ancient people, times, and documents, to modern-day prophets and righteous living today. Two features give great insight into the man and his life's work: a very personal life sketch about Hugh Nibley written by his grandson, and an introduction about Nibley's contribution to LDS literature and scholarship, his unique dynamic within the Church, and his abiding testimony. With highlights drawn from nearly 10,000 pages of the Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, The Essential Nibley shows how Nibley continues to give thinkers something to believe in and believers something to think about, even today.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Inspirational

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2014

Reviews

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first reaction is to say something about how among the author was, but after reading this book I know he wouldn’t appreciate praise. This is an incredible and enlightening work. It improved me in so many ways. I’ll be pondering a while on his book.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me 3.5 months to read. I'd read a section and spend time thinking about it. Then come back later. If you haven't read Nibley this is a good compilation of excerpts (that reads like a book) from his in-depth publications. Good reference point.

[Jameson Wells]

The parts about the documents we've found from the ancient Christian church were fascinating. It seems like he was in a constant battle to get the truth out when things came to light that changed Academia's understanding of the Bible.

Had some weird opinions about modern day though. Kind of preachy. The first was our emphasis on economics. That we strive too much for wealth. Fair enough I guess, but some of the comments were an almost longing for a pre-industrial society. Could not disagree more on some of his thoughts, when they amounted to commerce = evil. Some were on point though, like when he talked about generational wealth, a refusal to help the poor, greed in general, etc. So a mixed bag.

The second weird opinion was the old "you shouldn't go to a university if you're there to get a job". This is particularly grating, as I've only ever heard it spoken by people who are collecting a paycheck/pension from a university.

To sum up, great findings in regard to ancient history, but tempered by some silly remarks, which unfortunately came at the end of the book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Hugh Nibley is the sharpest-minded Mormon of the twentieth century, and I like that you can get a clear synopsis of all of his copious writing in one simple book. A book gets five stars for me if it changes my outlook in some way...this gave me so, so much to chew on.

[Pineowl · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you don't have the time to dig through the vast body of Nibley's work this is a good surface-skimming primer. But this will only whet your appetite for the real stuff!

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is exactly what it says--excerpts from Nibley. That is both the strength and weakness of this book. Nibley has volumes of writing that are daunting. This book gives a taste of his writing, some tantalizing snippets of brilliance and inspiration, and often leaves you wanting more. It also at times feels disjointed. Part of the problem with giving excerpts, sometimes they are not enough. This did inspire me to want to tackle at least a couple of his weighty tomes and get the full sense of his ideas. His genius and research are amazing and this book introduces you to them.

[Amie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to put this aside to go read some real Nibley. There are some very good snippets, but I need more context than this offers.

I was hoping for more if a “greatest hits” album; a compilation of some of Nibley’s best chapters, instead it is a collection of quotes that would be great to emphasize a point during a talk or in a paper, but lose their power when collected and arranged out of order from Nibley’s own thought processes.

[Sandie Mixa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugh Nibley is an LDS scholar who also was an expert in ancient languages as well as a professor of religion at Brigham Young University. As a prolific writer, his volumes of writings on the scriptures are so numerous that this book is a great tool to have excerpts on many subjects from several of his books. I enjoyed many of his insights into gospel topics, especially since he translated many original manuscripts in the languages they were written and gained additional insights.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating read, across a broad spectrum of religious subjects. The biggest problem for me is the jumpiness of it, going from excerpt to excerpt of his various writings. I found myself wanting to learn more, especially on the subject of ancient writings and how the apostasy came about.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nicely organized book of quotations from works by Nibley, plus some biographical material. The editor's object is to give the essence of Nibley's contributions and perhaps whet the reader's appetite to tackle the full works. I'm not sure if I'll get to those, so I really appreciated this book.

[David Kartchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Gold

I’ve always regretted not taking a religion class from Dr. Nibley while at BYU in the 80s. This book is a great introduction to his research and writings. Truly provided great insights into Gospel principles. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing man!

[Sariah Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing compilation of all his works. All the best quotes from his complete collected works. My fav churchy author.

[Brent Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugh Nibley was important to my initial faith development in the 1960s and 70s. Returning to him now after 30 plus years was sentimental journey. I can see more clearly now Nibley's idealism and romantic devotion to Joseph Smith's vision and sacred narratives. I can see his work as a response to his father's history of exploitative work in the timber industry. I also can sense the lessons learned as a solider in World War II. Nibley was anything but a dispassionate observer. If you can handle the slant and the passion, then the journey is still rewarding.

My favorite part was the social critique of LDS culture found mostly in his book, Approaching Zion. Still idealistic, the critique of materialism and capitalism is more relevant than ever,

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read a little each day so I could digest it. I learned so much from this book. Nibley taught religion at BYU for 40-plus years and he was an incredible thinker and writer. Thanks to my son JT for giving me this book for Christmas!

[Alex Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't ready much Nibley before. I own a collection of his works called "Temple and Cosmos," but haven't been yet able to spend much time in it. This "Essential Nibley," a gift from Liz's kind parents for Christmas, is a helpful smattering from his various works. As an academic, Nibley is, well, very academic. Nibley cites historical sources and attempts to build logical arguments and to reach conclusions. While I believe that a testimony of Christ's gospel must always be founded in the principle of faith, and that we must seek and obtain witnesses of truth from the Holy Ghost, Nibley's research and logic has a place in the quest to return to God and dwell with him. Besides being very interesting, his learning would be helpful in adding another side to one's testimony, and could be helpful in defending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from enemies, both internal and external.

[Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this for anyone who is interested in being introduced to an unusual personality. During my years as an undergrad at Brigham Young University in the 1970's, Dr. Nibley was viewed as being an eminent scriptural scholar and defender of the faith but also as a controversial critic of some practices he observed in Mormon cultural life.
This volume includes selections from a lifetime of learning as recorded in Dr. Hugh Nibley's books and lectures.
Interested in early civilizations, the Dead Sea Scrolls and other newly discovered documents, Christian teachings preceding Christ's ministry, ancient and modern temples, or challenges to live less as a "Babylonian" and more as a citizen of "Zion"? It is all here in this small collection.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book to keep by my bedside and read a few pages each night. Hugh Nibley thinks like no one else I've ever encountered. It's a rare blend of scholarship, faithfulness to the church and the gospel (while not afraid to criticize the Saints or their institutions), and childlike enthusiasm and wonder.

One thing that comes through loud and clear in this book is the amazing degree to which the restored gospel and its scriptures are supported and confirmed through a great many ancient writings (in spite of the efforts of some to destroy or hide those writings), most of which have come to light only *after* Joseph Smith published the Book of Mormon and the Pearl of Great Price.

After reading this wonderful compilation, I'm ready to tackle the 15-volume Collected Works.

[Brad Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was really interesting stuff, the only reason I did not give it a higher rating was that it seemed disjointed as it was a compilation of quotes from other books he has written and was not always clear on the context. Content itself was thought-provoking.

[Bruce Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful overview of Nibley's vast knowledge (and wit). Probably, IMO, the most readable Nibley, too: no footnotes!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a brief overview of Hugh Nibley's work and has given me an idea of a couple of his books that I'd like to read. His criticisms of LDS culture especially hit home for me.

[Chris Coray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

There are so many gems in this book that I will have to read it again and take notes. Just the topic of prayer circles in extant historical documents was amazing.

[Richard Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of great stuff here, but it's in snippets, so it's not wholly satisfactory. It does make you want to read the original books.