Hugh B. Brown: His Life and Thought

by Eugene E. Campbell, Richard D. Poll

While the worldwide Church knows the erect, eloquent Hugh B. Brown from his twenty-two years as a General Authority, few previously knew the details of his fascinating story. The authors have brought it all to life--the humble beginnings; the years in Canada; the military experiences; the local Church callings; the struggle to carve out a career; the political aspirations; the British Mission experience; the BYU professorship; the reach for affluence in Canadian gas and oil; the Church call which would eventually take him into the First Presidency. Writings and speeches illustrate his breadth of thought. He is shown as a good family man. And as a Hugh B. Brown/Zina Y. Card love story of nearly seventy years' mortal duration, the book presents a true romance of unusual dimensions. Throughout is graphically portrayed not merely the joys and successes but the struggles and stresses, the hardships and heartaches, which sustained the "currant bush" theme--President Brown's favorite story of God's pruning process.

Genres: Biography, Church, Lds, Religion

331 pages, hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Todd Decker]

I really enjoyed this biography. It is coauthored by Eugene Campbell and Richard Poll with the cooperation of the Brown family and Hugh Brown himself. The treatment of Brown's life is both thorough and creative.



Hugh B. Brown was born in Utah and grew up in Canada. He served twice in the Canadian military during World War I and as the LDS serviceman's coordinator during World War II. He was able to become a successful barrister and attorney although he lacked didn't graduate for high school or college. Where he lacked a formal education he made up the difference in his nearly addictive reading. As a General Authority, President Brown's talks were peppered with quotes he gleaned from great works of literature, history, and philosophy.



One of the most poignant theme's of Brown's life was his acquaintance with repeated failure and disappointment only to be led to greater things which the Lord had in store for him. This theme was frequently expressed by Brown himself in the parable of "The Currant Bush". In World War I he had aspirations to be a general but was involuntarily discharged. When he returned to Canada, the locals assumed he had fled the service and branded him a coward. He later returned but did not achieve the rank and honor he desired. In Utah he aspired to be a Senator and was defeated in a bitter campaign. He was later chairman of the Utah Liquor Control Commission and was accused of corruption. Finally, he had a chance to become very wealthy through oil ventures in Canada but gave it up to be an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.



The best chapters may be the last three which discuss his impact on youth, his family life, and his legacy in the church. He was a remarkable man and his life makes for a fascinating read.

[Godlarvae · Rating 2 out of 5]

NESTLED WITHIN PAGES OF TYPICAL ZION SPEAK BLATHER ARE SOME GEMS OF GREAT WORTH. IF ONE CAN WADE THROUGH PAGE AFTER PAGE OF THE USUAL "EVERYONE IS SO GREAT AND SO WONDERFUL AND SO SPIRITUAL AND SO TALENTED AND SO UNDERSTANDING AD NAUSEUM", CHAPTERS 15 AND 18 HAVE QUITE POWERFUL QUOTATIONS ATTRIBUTED TO HUGH. IT IS ALMOST A DISSERVICE AND I AM EMBARRASSED BY THE SLAVISH IDOLATRY PRACTICED ON THIS MAN WHO WOULD HAVE REJECTED IT AS BEING IMPOLITE AS WELL AS IMPROPER. BUT, THAT'S WHAT THE TYPICAL L.D.S. READER PAYS FOR AND THAT'S WHAT THEY GET.
HUGH WAS A MAN AMONG MEN AND DIDN'T DESERVE THE PLATITUDES AND GENERALITIES OF THIS PIECE. TOO BAD.

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting review of an interesting life. I learned quite a bit about his life but I didn't feel like I really understood who the essence of Hugh B. Brown was. Its hard to describe why, but the coverage felt kind of superficial in some respects, and I found myself wanting to know more about what really motivated and inspired him personally, but it wasn't forthcoming. I guess I just wanted to better understand his relationship with the Lord and how it affected his life, and as I read the book it almost felt like that was on the backburner and everything else about his life was being exhibited on center stage.

Still, a pretty good book. It made me want to listen to some of his talks.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very pleasant book. I have always admired Hugh B. Brown. This was a good overview of his life from authors who are friendly towards him and the LDS faith. He was a great human being who had a great impact in the Church wherever he served. His liberal political perspectives also add insight into the Church he helped lead during the 60s and 70s.