Ronald G. Watt

George D. Watt was a man of many remarkable talents and capabilities, but he also had some significant flaws in his personality. This biography, by a great-grandson and long-time employee in the Mormon Church historian's department, demonstrates the talents and capabilities well: stenographer to Brigham Young; originator of the Deseret Alphabet (an interesting venture into improving English orthography), Compiler of the Journal of Discourses (a truly fantastic collection of Mormon sermons stretching over three decades in the late 1800s), horticulturist, missionary, churchman, close associate of Church authorities. But the flaws are equally visible: stubborness, impulsiveness, issues with his own self-worth in the eyes of others, and eventually abandonment of religious teachings adhered to for over thirty years. The story is at once uplifting and tragic, enlightening and depressing. The author is not a strong writer. The text is halting, repetitious, awkard and at times unclear. He leaves strings dangling on many occasions that might better have been resolved. In addition, he indulged in speculation concerning aspects of Watt's life that is not warrented based on the absence of a record or narrative. Watt is a relatively unknown character in Mormon history, more than likely because he was excommunicated for leaving the tenents of the faith and subscribing to a particularly opportunistic spiritualism. But he contributed so much to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the years of his productive membership that a biography is only right and proper. With this foray into the life of George D. Watt, there may now be interest in dealing with him in a more scholarly and literary manner. Hopefully there is a significant biography of this immensely interesting and important historical figure in the future.… (mer)