Cover has some light edge and corner wear. ;
Perhaps the book's greatest contributions are the insights it provides into the struggles of the Latter-day Saints in settling "the Muddy," and Brigham Young's admission after a firsthand inspection of this mission that he had been deceived by the reports of his advisors. His honesty in confessing that a mistake had been made, and his rescinding the colonization call, allowing those who wished to pull out, is a refreshing, not too often told episode of Mormon history. That Claridge's faith in Brigham Young did not falter as he heard the prophet's bold admission that he had erred is also sensitively narrated.
Another major contribution is the account of the working of the united order at the place and time it reached its zenith. Its successes as well as its failures are clearly delineated. Chronicled, too, are the advantages and disadvantages of this experiment in communal life. Ellsworth develops with delicacy and care the thesis that the lack of free agency was a major concern of those who resided in Orderville and became the major factor, together with concern for the lack of economic opportunity for the young people, for the order's collapse. The peace and security Claridge experienced while serving his British mission, knowing that his large family was being well taken care of by the united order, is also faithfully told. Ellsworth also tactfully documents the fact that President John Taylor did not have the same enthusiasm and religious commitment for communal living as did Brigham Young. In fact, when "Brother Brigham" died, for all intents and purposes, the united order perished with him.
; 6" x 9" ; 339 pages;
Title: Samuel Claridge; Pioneering the outposts of Zion
Location Published: Distributed by Howe Bros: 1987
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good in Very Good Dust Jacket
Categories: Art, Animals, Addiction and Recovery, Utah, Biography, United Order / Law of Consecretion
Seller ID: 57596
