Parley P. Pratt (2011)
Oxford University Press
Best Book of 2011, Mormon History Association
Best Biography of 2011, Association of Mormon Letters
After Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt is perhaps the most influential figure in shaping early Mormonism. That influence was felt across an astounding spectrum: Pratt excelled as a missionary, hymnist, satirist, autobiographer, historian, and theologian. Long well-known among Mormons due to his perennially published and highly readable autobiography, Pratt has never received the scholarly biography that has long been overdue. His autobiography is a highly selective, posthumous publication, neglects significant engagement with his intellectual and artistic contributions, and provides negligible cultural context. This biography hopes to redress those deficiencies, and assess the role of Pratt in both organizing and extending Joseph Smith’s foundational theology.
“The authors have done a remarkable job in presenting the story of this unique and essential character.”