Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt, UNABRIDGED with EXCLUSIVE FOREWORD by Richard Lloyd Dewey, detailing his unsual assassination

by Parley P.Pratt (Foreword), Parley P. Pratt

Parley P. Pratt's riveting autobiography has thrilled generations of Latter-day Saints. More than just a biography, it is also one of the richest sources of amazing facts from early church history. From the time of his conversion just after the Book of Mormon was published until the saints were driven across the plains to Utah, Parley witnessed or participated in most of the major events in Mormon history.

Genres: Religion, Biography, Lds

426 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2005

Reviews

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parley P. Pratt was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He lived from the time just after Joseph Smith was called as the Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ. For those who are conversant in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ or have read Joseph Smith's Biography by his mother will be amazed at the view from another person who lived through the time of the Church of Christ's beginning and lasted beyond the founding of the Salt Lake Valley. There are concurrent narrations of times P. P. Pratt was with Joseph Smith giving us a deeper view of the event. By reading P. P. Pratt's narration of his duties once called as an Apostle gives light into what the life of all the apostles of the early Church went through.

Although the last chapters lagged in content and also contained many chapters of P.P. Pratt's family history, which I skipped, I recommend reading Parley P. Pratt's autobiography.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the 'original' book, not the one pictured, but neither Goodreads or Amazon had the red cover paperback like mine - it doesn't have an ISBN.

Parley P Pratt's writing style is highly engaging. He had very little formal education, but was a voracious reader and an amazing self-educated and intelligent man. I found my heart pounding at some sections and I laughed out loud at a few others. The first-hand look at these historical events really brought them to life and helped me see and understand them in a new way. His life and experiences have opened questions in me that I hope to answer and find myself a better person for doing so.

This book has been on my bookshelf for 36 years and I have avoided it all this time, never having a desire to read it. I am so glad Melanie chose it for book group.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting biography--painted a vivid picture of the early Church. Substantial detail about the Missouri expulsion of the Mormons and of time spent incarcerated as a leader of those who tried to defend themselves from the State militia/government authorized mobs.

Though there were clearly many reasons citizens of Missouri and later Illinois resented the Mormons and their growing influence,one of the most interesting of those reasons seemed to be a resentment of their their work ethic that produced quickly organized settlements and industry. They were intimidated and seem to have felt threatened by their ambitiousness.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the beginning of this book far more interesting than the end. We never hear the details of P Pratt's pre-church life during Sunday School. What a fantastic story. I won't ruin it here, but it's worth a read. There are a few tidbits you can glean from the post-baptism parts as well, such as when Joseph Smith criticized the brethren for practicing the forms without the power as they gave priesthood blessings without healing anyone.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing life Parley P. Pratt had, meeting the prophet Joseph Smith, being involved in all the persecusion of the early days of the church and serving many missions. He traveled to England, Chile, and all over the United States preaching and teaching the gosepel of Jesus Christ. He was assassinated while returning home from a mission to the eastern states soon after his 50th birthday.

[Villate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly entertaining and very informative story of religious fervor during the Second Great Awakening. If everything in the autobiography did not happen exactly as Pratt presents it (and what autobiographer is completely, transparently truthful?), enough detail is given to make it clear why things happened as they did. Next up is the new biography of Pratt to hopefully fill in some of the gaps.

[Jeniann · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting biography

[Jon]

A first account of the rise of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. There are some amazing accounts in this book!

[Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story - I hardly can believe it actually happened to someone. This man should be spoken of more often than he is. I've never heard of a life so eventful. Couldn't put it down!!!

[Zach Alleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some amazing stories in this book. If you are interested in church history this is a great read that you will enjoy.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most prolific early church writers. I read this out of curiosity, and really enjoyed it. You'd be surprised at how much you know that came from this.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all-time favorite books. Parley P. Pratt was an exceptional writer and a valiant and faithful Latter-Day Saint. This is my second time reading it. Love it!

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Pratt's narrative. His life was obviously very full and exciting. I have to admit I skimmed over some of the documents he included.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

It got a bit boring towards the end and I started skipping parts, but I found the first part very interesting. He was an amazing man and he lived an eventful life!

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

And he invented the Odometer! A little to much hero worship. well researched