The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles form the core of the Momon Church's governing hierarchy. Examining conflict between 19th- century members of that hierarchy, Bergera (managing director, Smith-Pettit Foundation) argues that disharmony within the leadership can have a major influence on church doctrine, policy, and organization. Centering his narrative on Orson Pratt's conflicts with two of the most prominent figures in the history of the Mormon's, Bergera argues that the doctrinal competition was primarily a fight over authority. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)