Short Annotation
The authors critically examine key historical documents and records of nineteenth-century Mormon history and conclude that "The Book of Mormon" is an "adaptation of an obscure historical novel" written by Revolutionary War veteran Solomon Spalding during the war of 1812.Long Description
Authors determine that The Book of Mormon is an "adaptation of an obscure historical novel." Read about their findings.Main Description
This book critically examines key historical documents, personal testimonies, and records of 19th-century Mormon history concluding that The Book of Mormon is an "adaptation of an obscure historical novel" written by Revolutionary War veteran Solomon Spalding during the War of 1812. In twelve chapters, the authors lay out the evidence for the assertion that Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery, and Joseph Smith Jr. adapted and embellished the Spalding manuscript to create The Book of Mormon. Although based on public records and solid research, the book reads like "investigative history," demonstrating that Mormon claims to the "supernatural" revelation and transcription of The Book of Mormon are fraudulent.