Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and the Religion of Biologic Living

I really enjoyed reading Professor Brian Wilson’s fluidly written biography of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and his fascinating attempt to link spiritual godliness intimately with good physical care and health. Dr. Kellogg certainly seemed basically very insightful and correct, for who can argue with “a sound mind in a sound body”? Dr. Kellogg’s foray into outright eugenics, however, later in his career arouses a bit of concern, especially given the rise of Nazism and Hitler’s goals of achieving a pure race. Professor Wilson makes only a very few references to these coinciding historical developments. The reader is left feeling that Dr. Kellogg was well intentioned right to the end of his very long and productive life, but it would have been very interesting to read whether Hitler and others made reference to and use of Kellogg’s (and Fisher’s, Davenport’s, and Wiggam’s, among others) project of eugenics as they constructed their dangerous agenda.

Really interesting description about the early years of the adventist religion in the united states and its' relationship to health food trends and vegetarianism. Also gives some insight into the development of philosophies such as "biologic living". Good book for anyone interested in the history of religion, philosophy, and corn flakes.

A very informative and well-written piece of history. The book is clear and concise. John Harvey Kellogg lived an incredible life and Brian Wilson was able to capture it. The religious activity that took place in Battle Creek Michigan is remarkable. Growing up in Michigan, and studying comparative religion in college, I was amazed at how Brian Wilson was able to connect several different religious movements/philosophies to Battle Creek and Dr. Harvey. If you are interested in Battle Creek, John Harvey Kellogg, Religion, or just want to read a book that was well written and full of fascinating information, I would recommend reading it.

I bet you never knew the history of the Kellog business. It's amazing! Not to mention where the first health span came from. I really enjoyed it.

I bought it as a gift, but the recipient was pleased and fascinated with the story about this early practitioner of healthy living. It was a big hit and an insightful look into the foundation of the famous cereal family.

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Brian Wilson's biography of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg will undoubtedly become the definitive biography of this most interesting physician and healthy living promoter. It will satisfy not only those persons who read for general pleasure and information, but it will also please scholars and religious historians. The book is well written with interesting stories and anecdotes about Kellogg, his peer relationships (particularly with Ellen White of the Seventh Day Adventist faith) and his "biological" philosophy about living. The book is also based on rigorous scholarship. The use of numerous citations are a testament to the research conducted by the author. The social and historical contexts which led to Kellogg's contributions to effective living are very thorough and well documented, particularly the social and religious movements extant during his early years. The relationship between Kellogg and Adventism is thoroughly discussed, including its eventual demise. His fascination with eugenics is well developed.Kellogg's Battle Creek Sanitarium - its construction (and rebuilding after a disastrous fire), development and programs are the highlight of the book. Kellogg's "biological" beliefs and programs manifested themselves in the regimen of the thousands of persons who followed the Battle Creek (Michigan) Plan. With today's emphasis on holistic health; eating proper foods and following helpful exercise programs, we would do well to understand and follow (excepting perhaps "hydropathy") much of what Dr. Kellogg has to offer.John S. Geisler, EdDProfessor EmeritusWestern Michigan University

Loved this book. Worth every penny. Brian Wilson has certainly done his homework on this subject. I was raised fourth generation Seventh Day Adventists. There has been so much folklore and misrepresentation of J. H. Kellogg from church literature, but now I feel like I got the real story of the real man