Full Description
This is the first fully annotated, academic edition of the Book of Mormon in its 200-year history. Modelled after the Oxford line of annotated Bibles, it provides readers with the information they need to understand this classic text of American religious history. This edition reformats the complete scriptural text in the manner of modern Bible translations with paragraphs, quotation marks, poetic stanzas, and section headings, all of which clarify the book's complicated narrative structure. As a result, readers experience a more accessible and readable presentation than the standard version. Annotations explain the meaning and context of specific passages, delineate extended arguments, identify rhetorical patterns, explore theological implications, highlight ancient and modern parallels, and point out intertextual connections, particularly with the Bible.
The Book of Mormon is subdivided into internal books; in this edition, each book is preceded by an introduction that discusses its key themes and literary features, at the same time offering a quick overview of major figures, events, and sermons. The three primary narrators--Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni--receive special attention. In addition to the annotations, which focus on the text itself, there are twelve general essays that introduce readers to various ongoing conversations about the text. There are also several maps and charts, as well as a comprehensive list of biblical quotations and allusions. The editorial material is informed by contemporary biblical and historical scholarship; while it deals forthrightly with both the strengths and weaknesses of the narrative, it nevertheless treats the Book of Mormon as a sacred text, worthy of careful study and respect.
Contents
Editor's Preface
Abbreviations Title Page Introduction to the Small Plates 1 Nephi 2 Nephi Jacob Enos Jarom Omni Words of Mormon Introduction to Mormon's Abridgment of the Large Plates Mosiah Alma Helaman 3 Nephi 4 Nephi Mormon Introduction to Moroni's Additions Ether Moroni Testimonies Three Witnesses Eight Witnesses Emma Smith Joseph Smith General Essays The Origins of the Text The Transmission and Language of the Text The Book of Mormon and the Bible Book of Mormon Theology Lived Religion in the Book of Mormon The Book of Mormon and the Latter-day Saints The Book of Mormon in American History The Book of Mormon as Literature Reading the Book of Mormon as Ancient History Reading the Book of Mormon as Fiction Reading the Book of Mormon as Revealed Scripture Reading the Book of Mormon as World Scripture Further Reading Maps and Charts Possible Routes of Lehi's Journey Mormon's Map Book of Mormon Plates and Records Record Keepers in the Book of Mormon Key Families in the Book of Mormon Jaredite Kings Time Line of Nephite History Chronology of the Translation Glossary
Biblical Quotations, Allusions, and Verbal Parallels
Index of Names
