This volume--the work of a lifetime--brings together all the Joseph Smith Translation manuscript in a remarkable and useful way. Now, for the first time, readers can take a careful look at the complete text, along with photos of several actual manuscript pages. The book contains a typographic transcription of all the original manuscripts, unedited and preserved exactly as dictated by the Prophet Joseph and recorded by his scribes. In addition, this volume features essays on the background, doctrinal contributions, and editorial procedures involved in the Joseph Smith Translation, as well as the history of the manuscripts since Joseph Smith's day.

The Book of Mormon for Young Readers presents key scripture stories in a creative and engaging format, designed just for children, to make it easy for them to understand and love the scriptures! Young readers (ages 7-12) can enjoy the scriptures on their own and establish the habit of personal scripture study, which will strengthen their faith and their resolve to live the gospel. Fifty-two exciting chapters are full of features that help make it clear that Jesus is our Savior and that happiness comes from obedience to His teachings.

Mark Twain once derided the Book of Mormon as "chloroform in print." Long and complicated, written in the language of the King James version of the Bible, it boggles the minds of many. Yet it is unquestionably one of the most influential books ever written. With over 140 million copies in print, it is a central text of one of the largest and fastest-growing faiths in the world. And, Grant Hardy shows, it's far from the coma-inducing doorstop caricatured by Twain. In Understanding the Book of Mormon, Hardy offers the first comprehensive analysis of the work's narrative structure in its 180 year history. Unlike virtually all other recent world scriptures, the Book of Mormon presents itself as an integrated narrative rather than a series of doctrinal expositions, moral injunctions, or devotional hymns. Hardy takes readers through its characters, events, and ideas, as he explores the story and its messages. He identifies the book's literary techniques, such as characterization, embedded documents, allusions, and parallel narratives. Whether Joseph Smith is regarded as author or translator, it's noteworthy that he never speaks in his own voice; rather, he mediates nearly everything through the narrators Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni. Hardy shows how each has a distinctive voice, and all are woven into an integral whole. As with any scripture, the contending views of the Book of Mormon can seem irreconcilable. For believers, it is an actual historical document, transmitted from ancient America. For nonbelievers, it is the work of a nineteenth-century farmer from upstate New York. Hardy transcends this intractable conflict by offering a literary approach, one appropriate to both history and fiction. Regardless of whether readers are interested in American history, literature, comparative religion, or even salvation, he writes, the book can best be read if we examine the text on its own terms.

An edited collection of documents on the the history and doctrines surrounding Mormon temples. Includes excerpts from leaders' diaries, minutes of Quorum of the Twelve meetings, pastoral letters, sermons, and official publications.

William Alexander Linn's 'The Main LDS Books' is an extensive compilation that serves as a thorough introduction and academic resource on the core texts and writings that underpin the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This collection not only includes the cardinal works of scripture—The Bible (KJV), The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price—but it also encompasses a wealth of doctrinal essays, discourses, and biographies by influential LDS leaders and scholars. With a keen editorial eye, the texts are arranged to present an overarching narrative of the LDS faith and its teachings, shedding light on its theology, history, and the lives of its founders. The scholarly exposition is complemented by an examination of the Church's theological evolution through seminal works, such as 'Jesus the Christ' by Talmage and 'A Rational Theology' by Widtsoe, contextualizing the LDS Church within the broader Christian tradition and American religious history. Linn himself, historically known for his critical views on Mormonism, notably in his book 'The Story of the Mormons,' has here taken on the role of editor to present an unvarnished and comprehensive outlook on Mormon writings. His extensive research into Mormon history and doctrines, as indicated in his past works, equips him with a unique perspective that brings forth the complexities and nuances of the LDS Church. Through 'The Main LDS Books,' Linn offers an inclusive treasury that gives readers the opportunity to explore and understand the LDS faith from its foundational texts, through prophetic teachings and expositions, to the vibrant histories of its leaders. This collection is recommended for scholars, theologians, historians, and anyone with a keen interest in the intricacies of the LDS Church and its canonical literature. It provides an unparalleled resource for comprehensive study, reflection, and discourse on the multifaceted aspects of Mormon thought and leadership. Whether one approaches this collection from an academic, faith-based, or historical standpoint, 'The Main LDS Books' is an indispensable anthology that delivers depth, variety, and scholarly insight into one of the most intriguing religious movements of the modern era.

This volume contains the full text of the Book of Mormon in large type, footnotes, definitions, explanations of important concepts, questions for young readers to ponder, and beautiful, full-color illustrations and paintings by Clark Kelley Price, Robert Barrett, Scott Snow, Del Parson, Garry Kapp, Ted Henninger, and Tom Lovell.

A compelling, behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Mormon missionary.