Larry E. Morris, formerly an editor with the Joseph Smith Papers, is the author of The Fate of the Corps: What Became of the Lewis and Clark Explorers after the Expedition. Morris has published articles in such periodicals as The Missouri Historical Review, American History, the Journal of Mormon History, BYU Studies, and We Proceeded On.

"An indispensable tool for scholars and teachers ... This volume is likely to set a new standard for studying all questions related to the history of the Book of Mormon." -- Hans Gerald Hödl, University of Vienna, Relgious Studies Review

"Larry Morris...has provided the world with this fine collection of primary historical sources relevant to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon....This book fills an important need in Latter-day Saint scholarship...This book belongs on the shelf of every library..." -- John W. Welch, Brigham Young University, BYU Studies Quarterly

"Morris has produced an extremely commendable documentary history, of particular use for those more interested in the circumstances surrounding the Book of Mormon's emergance" -- Joseph Spencer, Journal of Mormon History

"Morris offers a concise volume to start considering the genesis of the Book of Mormon ... This collection is certainly useful in its collation of relevant sources surrounding the origin of the Book of Mormon in a single volume and allowing the reader to analyze for herself" -- Janiece Johnson, Mormon Studies Review

"Thus, this compilation, apart from its merits for printing some handwritten sources for the first time, can be seen as an indispensable tool for scholars and teachers working on the Book of Mormon, as it brings together essential texts on the topic published in various places, assiduously annotated with the purpose of giving first hand aid for further research. This volume is likely to set a new standard for studying all questions related to the history of the Book of Mormon." -- Hans Gerald Hödl, University of Vienna, Religious Studies Review

"This book is important not just because it's a one-volume collection of documents pertaining to the Book of Mormon, but also because it points out the strengths and weaknesses of published interpretations of the documents. Morris writes with an engaging style that makes it a pleasure to read. And he has selected a very interesting collection of documents. Anyone wanting to learn more about the history of the Book of Mormon should definitely consider this book." -- FairMormon

"No other source contains in one volume such a comprehensive view of all the relevant documents to the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Larry E. Morris has provided an invaluable resource for researchers and interested parties." -- Cheryl L. Bruno, Association for Mormon Letters

"Larry Morris brings together for the first time in one volume the essential documents for understanding the Book of Mormon's origins. With abundant documentation and insightful commentary, Morris chronicles each scene of the book's history—from Moroni's first visit through the book's 1830 publication, allowing the historical players to speak for themselves. While giving priority to sources closest in time and place to the events described, Morris brings together the voices of true believers and avowed skeptics, immersing readers in the drama and controversy of what is likely the most important literary work in American history. Scholars and laypersons alike will find the volume indispensable." --Boyd Petersen, Program Coordinator for Mormon Studies, Utah Valley University

"Larry Morris's book is the essential bedrock upon which future studies of the Book of Mormon will be based. Whether mined for understanding the believer's viewpoint or its reception among the wider population, these are documents that matter. Morris has collected the essentials for both novice and specialist alike. The carefully edited and introduced collection provides a rich and rounded view of this important topic in American history."--Brant A. Gardner, author of Second Witness: Analytical and Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon

"This book is indispensable for anyone, scholar or interested amateur, who wants to know and understand the documents related to Joseph Smith's assertion that he found gold plates and translated them by the power of God into the Book of Mormon. Smith's claims launched a radical religious movement that has had a major impact on American history and Morris has collected here, with impressive detail, the records essential to understanding its origins." --Gerrit Dirkmaat, Assistant Professor of Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University

"I especially valued Morris' introductions and explanatory notes and maps, which were concise but extremely clear ... I would recommend this book to anyone looking to understand the origins of the Book of Mormon through a new, unfiltered lens. The raw historical materials are refreshing and immensely interesting." -- Steve Evans, By Common Consent