A few years ago, I had the privilege of teaching Doctrine & Covenants/LDS Church History, in both Seminary and adult Institute. It was during that intense year of studying and teaching, that I developed my love affair for this incredible period. As a follow-up to that particular year of teaching Seminary, my husband decided that it was about time that I experienced, first hand - visiting all of the early LDS Church History sites. He signed us up for an incredible two week tour, through BYU - to see all of the most sacred sites, of which I had become well acquainted. Mind you, I'm not an expert, but we sure did give our tour guides, a run for their money!
I have always had an affection for books. However, my love for books became an addiction while teaching Seminary. In particular, my love for antiquarian LDS book - went through the roof. It was almost as though I couldn't get my hands on enough grass-roots information about the Church. I found myself preferring the original works of our early Church leaders, compared to our modern day scholar's approach, through commentaries. (although I have all of those, too)
During that time, my husband had to purchase for me, two large bookshelves to add to my study. I still have books stacked up, everywhere!
Recently, I decided that my love for books could very well take over my life - space wise. I broke down, and purchased the Amazon Kindle2. I LOVE it! If I need to smell a musty old book, or turn the pages of one of these treasures - I can walk into my office, and do so. But, I won't be stacking up books anymore - because the Kindle2 can hold up to 1500 books, on this little 10oz gadget. It's amazing!
Now, I am very careful as to what hard BOOKS, that I am willing to accumulate. It's just not necessary anymore -- except, for when it comes to ILLUSTRATED books, which I adore.
For those of you who also love LDS Church History, and are into beeeeeautiful photography - I have a wonderful book for YOU...
"Illustrated History of the Church" by Brian and Petrea Kelly is a beautiful book and covers the panorama of LDS Church history in a faithful and inspiring way.
The book began as an idea more than 30 years ago. The Kellys wrote scripts about Mormon history for a series of audio tapes that came out 8 years ago. The presentations featured many first-person accounts that were connected with narration. The scripts were later changed to book form. Now they are enhanced with hundreds of photographs and gorgeous graphics. The result is a volume that is at once one of the most readable and one of the most interestingly visual books on LDS Church history that is available."
Make sure and check out the Amazon Kindle2
-- you won't regret it!tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
We have so much in common! Book lovers, church history and seminary. And of course, being grandparents! I just bought another large bookcase to house all my new books that have been growing in piles around the house.
ReplyDeleteI do feel I need to say one thing about the book you are recommending though. It is true the pictures are great, but I have discovered that there are many errors in the material. My grandfather is Joseph Fielding Smith. Much of the information on him is incorrect. (And I would therefore assume that is true for others as well)One example is the picture of him in the book where he is surrounded by children. The caption says they are primary children and the picture was taken in 1947. The truth is they are his grandchildren (my three older siblings are in the picture) and none of them were born before 1952.
My father made a note of all the information that was wrong and contacted the authors. They apologized and said all of their money was spent on printing colored pictures and they therefore did not have the money to hire a researcher to verify their information. So my advice is to enjoy the pictures, but be wary of quoting the book as a source for church history.
Hello Joy -
ReplyDeleteYes, I have suspected that we are kindred sisters. Now I am certain! LOL
I'm so sorry to hear about the errors in this book. Thanks for the heads up. I was attracted to this book because of the amazing photography, which is beautiful.
I hope that you continue to pursue the necessary changes in the book, to the publishers. Surely if this is a popular book,they could do a little editing before they do a second print.
You and I both know, how important credible information is, especially with our LDS Church History. Now I am anxious to myself, seek out their historical errors. I won't mind dropping a little note, as well! LOL
tDMg
Thanks for telling us about this book. It sounds wonderful, and I can't wait to pick up my copy to add to my collection! :D
ReplyDeleteI just picked this up last night! I love it.
ReplyDelete--Cindy