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Rating: 
Summary: The definitive biography of Rockwell
Review: Harold Schindler's biography on Mormon bad-boy Orrin Porter Rockwell is still the best biography of Rockwell out there. Moreover, it may be one of the best biographies of any early Mormon written. This book is not even so much about the quiet, enigmatic Rockwell as it is the genesis of an American religious movement.Rockwell is a hard historical figure. He is a legendary figure whom the LDS church has tended to whitewash. Non-Mormon historians have had a tendency to villify him, making him a murderer and a theif. Somewhere, undoubtedly in the middle, lies the truth. Instead of writing an indictment or an apology for his life, Schindler writes a well-balanced account of Rockwell's life. He doesn't necessarily try to provide answers or justifications, only gives the facts and lets the reader decide. No doubt Schindler's objectivity and meticulous research has made this volume stand the test of time to become a classic in Mormon history. I don't think I have ever said this about a book before: Probably just as engaging and interesting as the book itself are the footnotes which sometimes take up more of the page than the text. This is an awesome bibliographic reference as well. Not only does Schindler tell you about the life and times of Rockwell, he also tells many fascinating historical asides. If you don't believe or are suspcious about his research, then one may look at the documents he was viewing. Schindler does an excellent job of backing up most everything that he says.
Rating: 
Summary: Killing for Christ and Profit.
Review: I became interested in reading about Orrin Porter Rockwell while reading about him in the History of the Church by Joseph Smith; I wanted to know who this person was and what became of him after volume seven. A few months ago I watched that b&w Hollywood Brigham Young movie and there was Orrin P Rockwell leading the Saints into the Zion of the hour. This book told me just about everything available about this strange figure in history, in a reasonably good, if decidedly Pro-Rockwell narrative. Schindler presents Rockwell as a Saint rather than a drunken fanatical assassin at every oppotunity when the historical records seem a bit cloudy; fortunately, however, the author has put in some wonderful footnotes which often contradict or illuminate Schindler's assessments. The reader is indeed given all the evidence and can either side with Schindler or form his own judgement about all those apocryphal murders and the secret combinations of the Danites.
Rating:
Summary: Killing for Christ and Profit.
Review: I enjoy American History and especially biographies, usually first-hand pioneer autobiographies are best. This book by Harold Schindler, however, I especially appreciate for it's earthy and realistic portrayal of a time, people and one, mostly unknown but equally notorious character, namely O.P. Rockwell. This book is a must read and has been painstakenly documented/researched by the Author to reflect as accurate a reflection of what the written documents, eye-witnesses' accounts and governmental records can believably reveal. The only portion of this work that I find to be somewhat incredible is that if Porter Rockwell is responsible for only half of the events, murders and heinous acts that are mentioned in this book, it seems impossible that he has avoided the notoriety that should place him in a league with the most infamous personages of the "Wild West". His cold-blooded conduct ranks him with the Daltons, Youngers or James'. His loyalty, sense of duty and shootist skills place him on a par with Bill Hickcock or Wyatt Earp. His plainsman knowledge, scouting and hunter skills liken him to William Cody. Not bad company for a figure whom doesn't have a greater fame as one of the most infamous characters in Western History. This was a very pleasant and interesting read, especially for those in search of the more authentic stories with,"...raw hide leather, bumps and bruises".
Rating:
Summary: The Wild Side of Mormondom
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Traditional LDS history paints a picture of Nauvoo and Salt Lake City as though they were the very seats of culture and industry. The reality was, they were both on the edge of the frontier, and consequently, they tended to be rough places. No one figured more prominantly in the "Wild West" of the Mormon kingdom than Orrin Porter Rockwell. One of Schindler's significant contributions to the landscape of Mormon history is the perspective of the "regular folks" who were cowboys, farmers, and hunters who lived close to the land, mixed with Shoshones, Utes, Gosiutes, Paiutes and others, and who were engaged in a daily fight for survival. Rockwell's life, while steeped in Mormon theology, doctrine and experience, was also one of gunfighting, saloons, Indian fighting, stagecoaches, the California Gold Rush, and everything that is so quintessentially "western." I've read a lot of Church history, and this is the first time I really got a flavor for that element. The difficulty with this book is that it still leaves you wondering whether Rockwell was a saint, or a ruthless killer. Unfortunately for history and historians, Rockwell was himself illiterate, and so there is no personal record of his life and dealings. On the other hand, because of his reputation, there is much that was written that portrayed him as a zealous destroyer, the mercinary of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. To Schindler's credit, he doesn't draw any conclusions on the life of Rockwell...he leaves that difficult challenge up to you! Regardless of who Rockwell was or wasn't, this is an engaging book that addresses most of the notorious "stories" that veil Rockwell in the mists of intrigue, mystery and wonder. You'll gain a fresh perspective on the rough-hewn life of pioneer times, the Wild Side of Mormondom!
Rating:
Summary: Sampson for America
Review: Rockwell was a legend. He grew his hair long and had dark penetrating eyes. A 'Man of god' an early convert to Mormonism he became one of Smiths most trusted men. When Joseph was killed he had risen to become a defender of the Mormon church, but a defender who preffered the gun to the good book and a horse to the pulpit. Rockwell helped lead his people west and then his legend grew. He fought indians and crushed anyone who would threaten the church again. He helped found Deseret, the mormon nation and carved a living out of the hard scrabble desert of Utah. He served as a Church leader for many years and the eastern press never forgave him for his involvement with the Danites, a secret society that took vengeance upon the gentiles who persecuted Mormons up and down the old northwest eventually chasing the Saints out of Missouri and Nauvoo. This harrowing story of blood and guts and honor is told in a folksy manner that brings you back to the camp fire for one more round of tales. The most amazing poart of this book is that Rockwells story is true. An american classic. A great read for anyone interested in the history of the Mormon church, the american west, or the individual tradition of self defense.
Rating:
Summary: Sampson for America
Review: Rockwell was a legend. He grew his hair long and had dark penetrating eyes. A 'Man of god' an early convert to Mormonism he became one of Smiths most trusted men. When Joseph was killed he had risen to become a defender of the Mormon church, but a defender who preffered the gun to the good book and a horse to the pulpit. Rockwell helped lead his people west and then his legend grew. He fought indians and crushed anyone who would threaten the church again. He helped found Deseret, the mormon nation and carved a living out of the hard scrabble desert of Utah. He served as a Church leader for many years and the eastern press never forgave him for his involvement with the Danites, a secret society that took vengeance upon the gentiles who persecuted Mormons up and down the old northwest eventually chasing the Saints out of Missouri and Nauvoo. This harrowing story of blood and guts and honor is told in a folksy manner that brings you back to the camp fire for one more round of tales. The most amazing poart of this book is that Rockwells story is true. An american classic. A great read for anyone interested in the history of the Mormon church, the american west, or the individual tradition of self defense.
Rating:
Summary: History as it should be told
Review: This is a historical overview of an amazing era for the Mormon church, bringing to life one of it's most colorful characters in a non-biased manor. If only all historians Mormons and Non Mormons alike could do this type of work.
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