Spencer W Kimball

by Edward L. Kimball, Andrew E. Kimball Jr.

An excellent overview of the life of Spencer W Kimball. Offers many of his insights and personal comments about a number of issues he dealt with during his life and his service as an Apostle. Stories about his childhood, success in business, and the horrible battles he fought with his health are enlightening. Well worth taking the time to read. The period of time he served as LDS Church President is covered in "Lengthen Your Stride," written by the same authors.

Genres: Biography, Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Biography Memoir, History

438 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in 1978, the summer when Pres. Kimball announced priesthood revelation, Manifesto 2. It was amazing, then, to hold a biography of a living prophet--I loved getting facts about his early life and about his history, long and painful, with illnesses. His example and beliefs informed and influenced my coming of age. I struggled to make up my mind about serving a mission, but after reading a Church News report of one of his Oct. 1980 General Conference talks, prayed and made up my mind. "Do it" said it all. These 32 years later, my feelings toward him are visceral. Not that Pres. Hinckley is any less a man or prophet, still, I wish my adult children had had, during their teen years, these experiences, too, of witnessing the power and love that Pres. Kimball emminated. This biography's prose is imperfect with respect to repetition of certain phrases; I wish it had stellar lyrical qualities to parallel the stellar life. That being said, the facts are riveting and plainly presented. No pretense, but also quiet perceptions and understanding. I remember being appalled when reading this in 1978 how infrequently members send flowers or in some gracious way say "thanks" to our visiting general authorities. We take their travels for granted, esp. in the 70s when I was fortunate enough to attend 2 stake conferences, both of Philadelphia stake, where Elder Kimball presided (he was president of the Quorum of 12 Apostles). I look forward to reading, first time, Edward Kimball's sequel, "Lengthen Your Stride, The Presidency of SWK." This biography provided ample prelude, and then some!

[Mark Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a 12-year-old bassist I shared the stage of the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington,D.C. with many other musicians. The concluding speaker was a short, bald, white-haired man who paused every so often to drink from a glass of water by the podium. I decided to listen. After the meeting ended I neglected my musical duties and approached him, fearing that I would be reproved, but wanting to shake his hand.The friendly warmth of his greeting remains with me to this day. And to this day this is a book I cannot reread without being deeply stirred and wanting, somehow, to be a better person.

[David Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first biography I read in 1978. Little did I know then how biographies would become my favorite genre. My mother was a cousin of Elder Kimball through a common great great grandfather. He performed my parents’ marriage when my dad was home on a survivors after his ship had been hit by a kamikaze in the Battle of Midway. My father maintained an a relationship with Pres. Kimball for 30 years.

I later had classes from the author, Edward Kimball, during law school. Ed, a son, authored this, the first biography, and a second one published in 2006. This bio is a comprehensive and engaging account of the life of one of the most influential leaders in the history of the LDS. Spencer Kimball served as the twelfth president of the Church from 1973 until his death in 1985, and his leadership had a profound impact on the Church and its members. Elder Kimball had a history of serious health problems and most thought he would be short-lived “caretaker” president. Boy were they wrong.

This is a detailed portrait of an influential man by an adoring son. However, it is not a fluff piece. Ed Kimball, a law professor, rights in an analytical and honest style. He explores Kimball's early years in Arizona, his mission to Great Britain, his career as a businessman, and his service as a Church leader. Along the way, the book provides fascinating insights into the challenges Kimball faced, his personal strengths and weaknesses, and the events that shaped his leadership style.

The author does an excellent job of situating Kimball's life and leadership within the broader social and political landscape of his time. For example, he explores the impact of the civil rights movement on Kimball's views on race, and he discusses the Church's response to the Vietnam War. Those views would result in a seismic change later in the year the book was published, with the end of the restriction on the ordination of black men to the priesthood. (That event is detailed in the 1985 bio.)

The book also provides an intimate look at Kimball's family life. The author draws on personal letters and other sources to give readers a sense of the man behind the public figure. This includes his deep love for his wife, his devotion to his children and grandchildren, and his struggles with health issues.

Overall, the biography of Spencer Kimball is a well-written and insightful account of an important figure in Church history. It will be of interest to anyone who wants to understand the life and legacy of this influential leader. The book is a testament to the author's skill as a historian and his love for his father.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It was fascinating, and very inspirational. I had expected it to be a bit dry, but I did not find it to be that way. I love how the authors (Kimball's son and grandson) did not gloss over any areas of his life. Spencer Kimball was very human (especially in his tendency to doubt himself and his struggle to balance work life, church life, and family). But, ultimately, he really appears to be the best sort of human, without any serious flaws. Just the type of person you would want to have as your prophet - humble, loving, and motivated.

[Juan Botero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un verdadero discípulo

Presidente Kimball es un verdadero discípulo. Durante toda su vida se distinguio por dar lo mejor de sí mismo, yendo al límite muchas veces de sus propias capacidades, pero siempre movido por el deber y el amor por otros.

[Alexander Poulsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really enjoyable book about a pivotal prophet. Spencer Kimball’s life spans a fascinating part of church history. He grew up in rural Arizona because his dad (who was a son of Heber C. Kimball) was sent to be the second stake president there, before Arizona was even a state yet. The church was still very much a white, mountain west phenomena, but by the time Spencer W Kimball became president of the church, it was a diverse, worldwide church, with a climax in 1978 when he received the revelation on the priesthood (not covered in this book). Key takeaways: Spencer Kimball was a really hard worker his whole life, whether on the farm, in his business, or as an apostle. He routinely worked all day every day, and then would go home and work some more. He also had a great sense of humor, despite (or maybe because of) his hard work ethic. He really cared a lot about people. He could never refuse an opportunity to serve or help someone else--- as he would say, he “belonged to the church”. Lastly, he may have done more than anyone else to take our church from being a white, mountain west church, to being a diverse, global church, where all the children of God are welcome. While he is remembered for the 1978 priesthood revelation, all throughout his life he was concerned about minority groups, and making sure they were welcome in the church. As an apostle he was preaching against racism back in the 1940s, doing work among the Indians, and making sure that people would be able to hear the gospel in their native language.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Spencer W. Kimball... I didn’t love this book.

Obviously I’m in the minority here, but it’s very poorly edited and organized. It was kind of a jumbled mess... No flow whatsoever. Drove me nuts. Also off putting was inclusion of church member’s personal and VERY private interviews with Spencer W. Kimball. This book is a veritable laundry list of people’s sins and trials. Real people. People who poured their hearts out to Spencer W. Kimball... those private interviews are now in lovely print form for the world to enjoy. And their names aren’t always withheld. I think it was terrible bad taste for Ed Kimball to include this to such a large degree in his father’s biography. It’s one thing for Spencer W. Kimball to write these things down in his journal... a whole different thing for them to be in published form. So wrong.

I wanted to rate this two stars, but I don’t fancy being struck by lightning ;)

[D Crook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer W. Kimball led a remarkable life. This book, which is rich in detail and remarkably candid, however, is careful to emphasize that President Kimball, the Twelfth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was very, very unsure of his ability to accomplish all that he was asked to do. The book, written by one of his sons and one of his grandsons, is full of interesting stories taken directly from President Kimball's diaries together with President Kimball's assessment of his own performance. What struck me is President Kimball's great love and patience for others was matched by his own insecurity and impatience with himself.

The book was well written but, at times, suffered from some awkwardness. Overall, I really liked the book and would recommend it to everyone.

[MaryAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m embarrassed to admit that I finally read in 2023 a copy of this book given to me for Christmas by my parents in 1982!! Life got very busy and most of my reading was for school or my career. Now I’m retired and can read through my personal library!

I loved reading about the life of Spencer W. Kimball who was the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day Saints 50 years ago. He was the prophet of my youth. I knew he had health issues but not everything described in this book, nor did I know it was constant. What a dedicated servant of the Lord!! My rating reflects the quality of the writing which at times I found confusing, but the contents describing this remarkable man deserves 5+ stars!!

[Melinda Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer W. Kimball was the twelfth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The man was considered to be humble, witty, loving, faithful, full of energy and committed to the Lord. Many dramatic events took place in this man's life, and it is all covered in vivid detail. Beloved by his people, he led the Church to greater strides, simply asking its members to "just do it" and to "lengthen one's stride". Written by his two sons, Edward and Andrew Kimball, they give an excellent portrait of the man he truly was. I loved reading about this humble prophet of God.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Read this sometime in college and was taken back, at the time, with how honest the book was. He was not only a prophet, but human, an amazing person, but this seemed to be a more open look at a prophet. I also remember how moved I was about the story of him milking the cow, after his mother had died, and how he wept! And I loved that once he and his wife took separate vacations because they couldn't agree on how best to spend their time and money!

[Adrian Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I admire and respect his commitment and faith, and honor him as God's prophet, I'm not sure that I would have liked President Kimball personally. Good thing that he was the prophet of my early childhood so that it never came up!

The writing style here is rushed and cramped. In an effort to include many anecdotes, the stories are often told so briefly that there's not enough context to really appreciate them.

[Spencer Willardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

President Kimball was the president of the church when I was born and was buried on my 7th birthday. I share his name, although my parents said I wasn't named after him explicitly. I loved learning more about the life of this humble man who wore his life out in the service of God and others. I got tired just reading about all the things he was doing.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading biographies of church leaders. This was written by two of President Kimball's sons, and perhaps because of that, I felt like there was a bit more in here of the real, personal experiences that are often (though understandably) missing in many other biographies. I especially enjoyed the detail in the account of what it was like to be called as an apostle.

[Dede · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this was written by family members. They portrayed President Kimball for who he was, an incredible person with human weaknesses, a humanitarian, and a man willing to be prepared by God to be His prophet.

[Nancyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love biographies! It was especially fun to learn about a previous prophet that I previously knew little about. President Kimball endured so much physically while he served as an apostle. It is amazing all that those men give of themselves in their service to the Lord.

[Susan Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! This biography did not sugar coat any of President Kimball’s physical struggles, and I loved that. I had no idea the strength he had, and it made a special place in my heart for him. I felt like it was written well, not too long but long enough.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember hearing him speak when I was a small child. Never knew much about him, but I remember my father talk about him a lot (and the work he did on the reservations).

This was a good experience for me.

[David Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first biography of a Church President, I loved this book about his life and it made me want to be a much better person! I am grateful for his life and teachings!

[Gentry Mickelsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved this book! He was truly an amazing man. no matter what your religious beliefs you have to admire his commitment and endurance to keep working, loving, and serving.

[Gena Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful biography of a modern day prophet.

[Mathew Stucki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read very few books as a boy really, but when I started Spencer W Kimball's biography, I couldn't put it down. I finished it in a couple days. It spoke then and still does today

[Michelle Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

[Jeff Crosby]

Family history.

[Rebecca Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

President Kimball’s biography, which was written by two of his sons, Edward and Andrew Kimball, opened my eyes to the sincere, gentle, and kind man he strived to be.

Because his biography was written by his two sons, they provided a personal view of the man who was to be called as prophet. They had access to his many decades of journals, but they also provided insights in the man they grew up with. Obviously, they wrote with love but they wrote with themselves at a distance: I never felt the book was overly sentimental in terms of the authors’ narration. Rather, I think they provided interesting insights from their memory that gave the book depth and interest. Further, they addressed Spencer Kimball’s failings and problems throughout the book: it was not a perfect rosy picture of a perfect man. Instead, as I read, I came to know much better a human who happened to be called to serve his God and who I revere as a prophet in this latter-day age of the world.

More on my blog

[Jeanne Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A biography that has been on my to read list for 25 years. I wonder if I would have appreciated it as much 25 years ago. I feel like I know Spencer Kimball. I wish I had known him and his wife and called them friends, enjoyed their humor, honesty and wisdom. I learned about the processes of succession in the LDS Church presidency, the origins of "Indian Placement" program and Spencer Kimball's part in trying to get government and Church agencies to deal humanely and decently with Native Americans. As a Mormon, I found a seemingly normal man made extraordinary through his faith, love and concern for others. People not of the same faith will find things to admire in the way he coped with grave and recurring illnesses that should have defeated even the most resilient.

[Yakochica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book for several reasons. Sometimes when biographies are written about great people the authors tend to focus on the strengths and successes and omit the follies and mistakes. This book is written by the children of President Kimball with approval from both Spencer and Camilla so it contains all the mistakes and successes, which brings me to another reason I like it. Pres. Kimball becomes a real person with humor and wit and an affectious personality. The other reason I like it is that the authors pull in some of Camilla's thoughts and experiences giving a more broad view of the events. This is a book to read if you want to feel inspired to be a better person.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I have to say is Wow! Spencer Kimball's biography gives you a real glimpse into the life of an apostle and prophet when the church was in a huge period of growth and change. The work that he did to further the gospel is amazing. He was such a humble man and always was hoping his offerings of service and work were acceptable to the Lord. Makes me interested to see what another apostle/prophets biography is like - but I don't know if other biography's will be as candid or open about all of the responsibilities required. President Kimball was the prophet from my birth to begining of my teenage years. I always loved him!

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging book. As it is written by two of his sons, they offer a very unique and human perspective. This book, more than anything I've read sums up how Kimball was different in his concern for people. Additionally the book does include how some viewed him negatively, although a bit hard to imagine the better acquainted you become with his life.

There are a number of touching and amazing anecdotes throughout the book, many are toward the end of the book which is good reward for those who finish. Furthermore, this book should help anyone understand the internationalization of the LDS church since the 1960s, I have been studying the topic for a while and I learned a ton.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could be considered a watershed book among biographies of LDS church leaders. It was written while he was still alive, and President Kimball told the authors that he didn't want the difficulties and foibles of his life washed over.

However, while those times that he felt he had done the worst only lead me to believe more strongly that this man was incredible. He lived an exemplary life. Even more impressive is that he never felt he deserved what he got -- He always felt that he was too small for the roles thrust upon him. He was certainly in the minority of those who believed so.