You are here

Curiously Unique: Joseph Smith as Author of the Book of Mormon

TitleCuriously Unique: Joseph Smith as Author of the Book of Mormon
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuthorsHales, Brian C.
JournalInterpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship
Volume31
Pagination151-190
KeywordsAuthorship; Historicity; Smith, Joseph, Jr.; Translation
Abstract

The advent of the computer and the internet allows Joseph Smith as the “author” of the Book of Mormon to be compared to other authors and their books in ways essentially impossible even a couple of decades ago. Six criteria can demonstrate the presence of similarity or distinctiveness among writers and their literary creations: author education and experience, the book’s size and complexity, and the composition process and timeline. By comparing these characteristics, this essay investigates potentially unique characteristics of Joseph Smith and the creation of the Book of Mormon.

URLhttps://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/curiously-unique-joseph-smith-as-author-of-the-book-of-mormon/#more-14146