Here's a recipe for success: take one very talented artist (and a pretty good writer, too), add a passion for learning about Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sprinkle in some motivation from Church leaders to become a Temple-attending people, stir it all together, and you have The First 100 Temples by Chad S. Hawkins.

Hawkins devoted several years to traveling the world, visiting and studying the first 100 Temples of the Church. Interviewing Temple workers and others associated with the Temples, Hawkins has amassed an impressive collection of anecdotes and historical insights, many of which are reported in this fine book.

Most impressive is the artwork. Those familiar with Hawkins' work already appreciate his talent and dedication. With loving care for accuracy and detail, Hawkins offers an artist's view of each of the Temples. And in keeping with his special talent, he embeds in each of the sketches a "hidden" graphic, some so well concealed that you're glad he includes a separate note pointing you to these graphics.

The edition I received also contained several full-color prints, exquisite in detail, beautifully rendered. Hawkins is a very talented artist!

Given the number of Temple books already available, why produce yet another? Hawkins' approach to the subject answers this question.

Rather than producing a heavy tome containing endless detail ,he devotes a mere two pages to each Temple -- not much space for detail, but enough to stimulate interest and hold your attention. The author focuses on how each Temple is unique, how each reflects its time and place.

Hawkins relates some of the many spiritual experiences that have accompanied Temple building and attendance. However one understands such accounts, they reflect a deep feeling of divine participation in the Temple building process.

Many temple workers and patrons have experienced strong spiritual manifestations as they have sought to perform saving ordinances for themselves and the deceased. During a sealing of a woman to her children and deceased husband for eternity, President Edward J. Wood, the temple's first president, stopped in the middle of the ordinance and asked the woman if all her children were present. The woman said they were, and President Wood attempted the ordinance again. But again he stopped at the same place and asked if all her children's names were listed on the ordinance sheet. She said they were. After stopping again at the same place, the president asked, "Sister, didn't you ever have any other children?" To this the woman replied that she had a daughter who had died in infancy and whose name had not been included on the sheet. To this President Wood said that he had heard a voice saying, "I am her child." The ordinance was performed again, this time including all the children. (p. 25, "Cardston Alberta Temple")

Equally interesting are stories of individual sacrifice, hard labor by members of all ages, raising funds to complete the Temple project. A sample from the Jordan River Utah Temple entry:

Two young brothers, one eight years old and the other nearly ten, were excited to do their part in raising money for the temple. The two walked from door to door down the street, asking their neighbors if they would like to buy home-made bread. Before long they had requests for sixteen loaves. So they hurried home and told their unsuspecting mother that they needed her to bake sixteen loaves of bread right away. Their mother agreed to join in this fund-raising venture, and before long, sixteen hot loaves of bread were delivered. In all, the team sold about thirty loaves for the temple fund. (p. 64)

Hawkins rounds out the book with a terrific section titled "Facts about the First 100 Temples," little-known data that will delight historian and layperson alike.

With rain predicted for the ground-breaking of the Dallas Texas Temple, attendees borrowed large umbrellas from a nearby golf clubhouse. When the rain began to fall and people opened the umbrellas, they noticed that the umbrellas were decorated with advertisements for alcoholic beverages. The umbrellas were quickly replaced. (p. 275)

The cornerstone box of the Orlando Florida Temple contains a limited-edition animation cel of Jiminy Cricket, who symbolizes conscience, from the classic 1940 Disney film, Pinocchio. The cel of Pinocchio was chosen for donation by Walt Disney and Company because of the spiritual theme of the story of a wooden puppet who goes through the process of sin, repentance, and sacrifice to become a "real boy." (p. 271)

Scholars looking for detailed information about any one Temple will not find such detail in this book. It is, in essence, a coffee-table book. (What do Mormons call coffee-tables??) Its value is in its ability to engage the reader by taking him/her on a brief tour of the Temples of the Church, raising interest and encouraging further study.

Buy the book, put it in your living room, and see how your visitors will start asking questions! This is a fine effort. I look forward to Hawkins continuing his work, utilizing his great talents for the glory of God.