Widtsoe, John Andreas, 1872-1952

John Andreas Widtsoe (1872-1952) was an author whose writings span religious philosophy and agricultural technique. Because public information is limited, the details of his life are difficult to set out at length, but the three works held here show that his writing crossed two rather different fields. In Joseph Smith as Scientist: A Contribution to Mormon Philosophy he attempts to expound Mormon philosophy from a scientific angle, while A Rational Theology, as Taught sets out related theological ideas in a systematic way, with an emphasis on reasoned argument and orderly exposition. Dry-Farming: A System of Agriculture for Countries under a Low Rainfall turns to practical agronomy, discussing dry-farming systems for regions of low rainfall and showing a concern for actual production. His subjects are wide-ranging, and his prose is chiefly clear and expository, offering reference value in both religious thought and dryland farming methods.