Villages on Wheels: A Social History of the Gathering to Zion Rating :
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.
Fresh and exciting perspective
By HDL
It was written as if the author was standing aloof above a vast group of people and reporting what she saw and heard. It does not focus upon anyone person or family. It gives equal observation to the problems encountered by men and the obstacles faced by women. It gives the reader many strong emotional feelings about the entire movement of the Saints in their Western trek across the country. It leaves one to ponder the strength of faith of these people on their western journey who brought about this great epoch in American History. It is well-written and provides the emotional dimension important in viewing the Mormon Trek.
Most of the account of the Mormons and other pioneers tend to focus on the major decisions made by the leaders. She has taken an opposite approach and concentrated on the personal experiences of hundreds of private individuals or families. These detailed experiences are independent and not usually related to each other, and give the reader the actual feeling of being there. This is the type of history that has been neglected and gives the reader a new experience. I believe it has a significant place in the libraries of history lovers and LDS Church members.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.Awed by this book
By N.A.
I was awed by "Villages on Wheels" by Violet Kimball and could hardly wait to get back to it each morning. I learned so much. My husband is not a reader, but when I read to him he said: "Read on, more." Everyone I read it to wanted to hear more. I am in awe, she has written a wonderful book. I learned a lot in each chapter, and once I read eight chapters in one afternoon. She has skillfully told the story and let the pioneers tell the story. She had the perfect quote for every chapter. I was honored to read it, and it was my best Christmas gift.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful.Great Reading!!
By Tarona
This is a very interesting and well written history of the difficult experiences of those who travelled by wagon train, handcart, train and boat to the old west. It's not only about the bad times, but also speaks of the good experiences many had along the trail. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to anyone interested in U.S. history. A very fun and informative read taken from the journals and writings of those who lived it.
Product Description
The enduring saga of Mormonism is its great trek across the plains, and understanding that trek was the life work of Stanley B. Kimball, master of Mormon trails. This final work, a collaboration which he began and which was completed after his death in 2003 by his photographer-writer wife, Violet, explores that movement westward as a social history, with the Mormons moving as "villages on wheels." Like a true social history, this fascinating account in fourteen chapters explores both the routines of the trail-cooking, cleaning, laundry, dealing with bodily functions-and the dramatic moments: encountering Indians and stampeding buffalo, giving birth, losing loved ones to death, dealing with rage and injustice, but also offering succor, kindliness, and faith. Religious observances were simultaneously an important part of creating and maintaining group cohesiveness, but working them into the fabric of the grueling day-to-day routine resulted in adaptation, including a "sliding Sabbath." The role played by children and teens receives careful scrutiny; not only did children grow up quickly on the trail, but the gender boundaries guarding their "separate spheres" blurred under the erosion of concentrating on tasks that had to be done regardless of the age or sex of those available to do them. Unexpected attention is given to African Americans who were part of this westering experience, and Violet also gives due credit to the "four-legged heroes" who hauled the wagons westward.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #2317074 in Books
- Published on: 2011-12-15
- Original language:English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 8.90" h x5.91" w x.75" l,1.04 pounds
- Binding: Paperback
- 354 pages
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