Jun 27, 2008

Women of Nauvoo

by Richard Holzapfel

I read Women of Nauvoo several years ago when going through some texts on Mormon history. I can't remember where I got it from- the public library, or borrowed from someone's private collection? It is well-researched, based on letters, diaries, and minutes from the Relief Society meetings. Covering a wide range of subjects, it describes the daily life of women in Nauvoo, their different roles in contributing to build up the city, participation in the church and how they organized themselves. Although the accounts of their contributions and efforts are inspiring, the writing that describes them is not at all. In fact, it's very dull. So I found it difficult to enjoy reading this book. However, if you want to learn more about the history of the LDS Church, or the part that women played in its "beautiful city", Women of Nauvoo is a fairly good resource.

Rating: 2/5 ........ 225 pages, 1992

4 comments:

  1. Knowing a little of the history of Nauvoo this sounds like it would be a really interesting read (I grew up LDS but no longer practice)--too bad it is so dry. There is a church produced movie called Legacy (I believe that's the name anyway) that I remember liking when I saw it in SLC several years ago.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Trish- I grew up in the Church, too. Don't go any more. I remember that Legacy movie. It really moved me the first time i saw it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. There were some interesting comments about the Mormons in Wyoming in the book I just read. Polygamy had been outlawed, at that time, but was still being practiced. It sounded like it was a really bad deal to be Wife #2!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous7/10/2008

    Let me tell you, Richard Holzapfel is one of the driest people you'll come across. I took a Old Testament class from him and swear that I barely stayed awake. He's quite the researcher and has a lot of books out but after taking a class from him I have no desire to read any of his books.

    ReplyDelete

Comments are screened due to spam.