The Coming of the Mormons

U.S. Landmark Books #37

by Jim Kjelgaard, Stephen J. Voorhies (Illustrator)

In the bitter February days of 1846, the Mormon wagon train started westward from illinois. It was the beginning of a two-thousand-mile journey across the wilderness toward Salt Lake Valley — a desert which no one else wanted. By late spring some twenty thousand people were on the way in one of the most remarkable migrations in history.
These were not adventurers seeking their fortune in the wilderness. They were earnest members of the so-called Mormon Church, seeking freedom to worship as they pleased and a peaceful locality fo their way of life.
Skillfully jim Kjelgaard has recounted the mighty migration of the Mormons. To read their story is to feel new pride in the vision and determination of these early Americans.

Genres: History, Religion

182 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

an American author of young adult literature.

Born in New York City, New York, Jim Kjelgaard is the author of more than forty novels, the most famous of which is 1945's "Big Red." It sold 225,000 copies by 1956 and was made into a 1962 Walt Disney film with the same title, Big Red. His books were primarily about dogs and wild animals, often with animal protagonists and told from the animal's point of view.

Jim Kjelgaard committed suicide in 1959, after suffering for several years from chronic pain and depression.
- Wikipedia -

Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly complimentary! The author almost goes overboard in his praise for the Mormon pioneers and their accomplishments. I thought he might have been LDS himself, but he wasn’t. He visited Salt Lake City before he wrote the book, however, and came away impressed. The story itself is simple and hits all the high points of the Mormon migration. I couldn’t find any problem with it.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book about a group of pioneers moving west and settling in Utah. There is very little reference to any sort of religious practices and no explanations about Mormonism.

[Caleb Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author was very supportive of the Mormons. Nevertheless, it is impossible to explain their amazing survival rate, the shocking ability with which Brigham Young led them, and the flock of birds that saved their crop from certain extermination by a horde of crickets the first year. I could find only two explanations:
1. God sovereignly allowed Satan to build them up to seem like a plausible alternative to the truth.
2. God protected them so that the US could be settled more quickly and it could be the size it is.

Evidently, they did adopt many principles of a Christian culture, like hard work, a peacemaking lifestyle, freedom, and a family oriented culture.

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fair, even handed portrayal of the Mormon pioneer era. It is intended for young readers.
The author, Jim Kjelgaard wrote Big Red, one of my favorite books from my youth.
To my understanding, he is not affiliated with the religion. Reading the material it is evident that he did his homework. His work demonstrates an understanding that is consistent with a subject that I know much about. Written in 1953, it is out of print and it was difficult for me to find. I hope my copy will get much use.

[Abby]

hella biased, but still cool to know

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly complimentary. How refreshing.

[Helena Gravåhs · Rating 1 out of 5]

great for someone who loves lies and propaganda

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a very well done history, told in a more narrative style.

[Carri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well done account of the Mormon trek west and the establishment of Utah. Written primarily for the upper elementary, middle school to early high school crowd, but still a worthy read for any adult who wishes to learn about early LDS church.