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The Annotated Book of Mormon
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.
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.
912 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2023
152 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Grant Hardy
14books43followersDr. Grant Hardy received a Ph.D. from Yale University in Chinese Language and Literature and a B.A. from Brigham Young University where he studied Ancient Greek.
He is Professor of History and Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Ashville. Below is a quote by Dr. Hardy taken from the "Faces of UNC" web page:
“I am interested in how people use literature to make sense of their experience, whether that be historical, personal or religious."
He is Professor of History and Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Ashville. Below is a quote by Dr. Hardy taken from the "Faces of UNC" web page:
“I am interested in how people use literature to make sense of their experience, whether that be historical, personal or religious."
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 12, 2024
A great study companion (that includes the full text) with great footnotes, connections to other scriptures, definitions, thoughts, and helpful formatting. All of which helped me get more out of my reading.
May 24, 2024
I believe I've read the Book of Mormon all the way through about 10 times in my life, possibly more. That's a pretty good record for a believing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which accepts the Book of Mormon as scripture, but it's hardly a record. Still, I've read it enough that my engagement with it now is usually scholarly; I look at its text wanting to understand better or discover something about its construction, message, internal logic, or more, rather than simply learn from it in a devotional sense. Of my scholarly approaches to the text, two stand out. First, Royal Skousen's The Book of Mormon, which brought me, as naturally critical reader, to take seriously the plausibility of the standard accounts of Joseph Smith's quite direct revelation of the text. And now second, Grant Hardy's The Annotated Book of Mormon, in which Hardy makes use of decades of experience with religious texts to create a scholarly version of the Book of Mormon which can stand alongside any study edition of the Bible.
As a reader and believer (however heterodox) who is looking at the final third of my life, Hardy's remarkable accomplishment fits my spiritual mood marvelously well. Historiographic and theological polemics that have been common through the history of Book of Mormon scholarship have become less engaging to me, whereas understanding better the stories I have inherited which show me people trying to hold onto, and sometimes losing, and yet always nonetheless striving to recover or preserve, that which is most valuable about their lives and the lives of those they love, have become more so. For scholars of Mormonism or American religion generally, this is an impressive piece of work. But for believing yet intellectually-inclined Mormons like myself, it is more than that; it is a wonderful step forward in thinking about the Book of Mormon itself. It makes possible a reading and a critiquing that puts us in the same position as the prophet Mormon in the old Arnold Friberg painting, well known to Mormons of my age: sitting alone, surrounded by records (as Hardy surrounds us with a footnotes and references), reading and making notes, trying to see the story through to its conclusion. I’ve owned many copies of the Book of Mormon in my life, but I know this is one that I will stick with until the end.
As a reader and believer (however heterodox) who is looking at the final third of my life, Hardy's remarkable accomplishment fits my spiritual mood marvelously well. Historiographic and theological polemics that have been common through the history of Book of Mormon scholarship have become less engaging to me, whereas understanding better the stories I have inherited which show me people trying to hold onto, and sometimes losing, and yet always nonetheless striving to recover or preserve, that which is most valuable about their lives and the lives of those they love, have become more so. For scholars of Mormonism or American religion generally, this is an impressive piece of work. But for believing yet intellectually-inclined Mormons like myself, it is more than that; it is a wonderful step forward in thinking about the Book of Mormon itself. It makes possible a reading and a critiquing that puts us in the same position as the prophet Mormon in the old Arnold Friberg painting, well known to Mormons of my age: sitting alone, surrounded by records (as Hardy surrounds us with a footnotes and references), reading and making notes, trying to see the story through to its conclusion. I’ve owned many copies of the Book of Mormon in my life, but I know this is one that I will stick with until the end.
December 22, 2024
What a gift of scholarship.
February 2, 2025
This is hard to say without sounding like hyperbole, but the simple fact is that this is the most important version of (or book about) The Book of Mormon that has ever been published. What Grant Hardy has done here is beyond extraordinary.
His careful annotations--hundreds of pages worth of footnotes--shed light upon this text in a way that nothing else ever has before. For example, two big strains of thought throughout his notes--that the Book of Mormon is a Deuteronomistic text in that Biblical tradition, and that the identity of Mulektites persevered throughout the rest of Nephite history, causing simmering political strife--were completely new to me, but now both seem definitively established.
I never got tired of seeing notes about how "this is the first [or last] time this phrase occurs in the Book of Mormon," or "this phrase appears three times in the Bible and 39 times in the Book of Mormon," or "this is the only occurrence of this phrase in all of scripture."
The formatting of the text (especially with regard to cross-referencing other texts), the alternate readings of punctuation and of the text itself (through frequent references to original manuscripts in the footnotes), and his ubiquitous comparative studies within the text itself and to phrasings and allusions to biblical texts...these things provide massive illumination for students of the Book of Mormon. Indeed, this is by far the best thing ever yet published in terms of seeing the lexical interplay between the Book of Mormon and the King James Bible...and that's only one small feature of the work!
I suppose the word I was going for in that last bit is "intertextuality," and Hardy's project here stands as a stunning witness that this will likely be the the best and most important field for Book of Mormon studies in this century.
All that breathless praise being said, though, I have to share a few quibbles that in no way diminish the overall achievement, but which stuck with me simply because the overall value of this volume is so amazingly awesome:
* This is a study edition all done by a single author, which is odd. Yes, Hardy's lifetime of careful study is overwhelmingly impressive and deserves to be recognized, but if this is meant to be an edition comparable to the many fine academic study Bibles out there, it's still just a step in the right direction, not an end goal reached itself yet.
When I first heard this was coming out, I imagined contributions by many authors and editors, not just the voice of a single annotator. Hardy lists many works of "further reference" at the end of the volume, but there were so many times when actually integrating the insights and discoveries of other scholars would have made this study volume even more valuable. Except for copious citations from Webster's 1828 dictionary, such uses of existing scholarship, past and present, are all but totally absent. Why?
* Closely related to that: this is the first edition I've seen that actually includes a graphic illustration of the chiastic structure of Alma 36 right next to the text itself. Yes! That's what we need--that's what a study Bible would have. But why, then, are such features so rare here? There are several other breakout boxes at points here and there, but far fewer than there could or should have been.
* Hardy's own personal biases crop up every now and then, most especially in his annotations to 2 Nephi 5:21 and the handful of subsequent verses that mention the "skin of blackness." Hardy completely ignores any metaphorical interpretation and instead provides a short essay condemning the racism that he chooses to impose on the text. It's unprofessional, uncharitable, and unnecessary. (Moroni 9:9 is another example of imposing a modern political reading on the text and then skewering the strawman.)
* While Hardy helpfully "re-transposes" sentences that were erroneously switched in Alma 11:18-19, he unilaterally decides to place Alma 13:16 between verses 11 and 12 because it "seems to belong" there. Not your call to make, sir, and for what it's worth, as someone who has studied that chapter intensively, I disagree.
* Finally, one complaint that has nothing to do with Hardy--I had only been reading my copy for about a month when the first big segment of pages in the binding--from the title page up through page 32--came entirely loose and fell out of the spine! I'd like to thank the good people who make Gorilla Glue for helping me repair the damage. I was pleased to see this volume being sold for such a reasonably low price, but that's no excuse for shoddy binding.
But I want to end this review on a positive note, because my thoughts here really are more than 99% positive. What Hardy has taught about the text of the Book of Mormon in his annotations has value not just for the content therein, but for the example he sets. Most of what he has done here could have been done by any truly close, careful reader over the course of decades in their own private study. I hope that Hardy's legacy with this landmark edition of the Book of Mormon will include inspiring others to follow his example.
His careful annotations--hundreds of pages worth of footnotes--shed light upon this text in a way that nothing else ever has before. For example, two big strains of thought throughout his notes--that the Book of Mormon is a Deuteronomistic text in that Biblical tradition, and that the identity of Mulektites persevered throughout the rest of Nephite history, causing simmering political strife--were completely new to me, but now both seem definitively established.
I never got tired of seeing notes about how "this is the first [or last] time this phrase occurs in the Book of Mormon," or "this phrase appears three times in the Bible and 39 times in the Book of Mormon," or "this is the only occurrence of this phrase in all of scripture."
The formatting of the text (especially with regard to cross-referencing other texts), the alternate readings of punctuation and of the text itself (through frequent references to original manuscripts in the footnotes), and his ubiquitous comparative studies within the text itself and to phrasings and allusions to biblical texts...these things provide massive illumination for students of the Book of Mormon. Indeed, this is by far the best thing ever yet published in terms of seeing the lexical interplay between the Book of Mormon and the King James Bible...and that's only one small feature of the work!
I suppose the word I was going for in that last bit is "intertextuality," and Hardy's project here stands as a stunning witness that this will likely be the the best and most important field for Book of Mormon studies in this century.
All that breathless praise being said, though, I have to share a few quibbles that in no way diminish the overall achievement, but which stuck with me simply because the overall value of this volume is so amazingly awesome:
* This is a study edition all done by a single author, which is odd. Yes, Hardy's lifetime of careful study is overwhelmingly impressive and deserves to be recognized, but if this is meant to be an edition comparable to the many fine academic study Bibles out there, it's still just a step in the right direction, not an end goal reached itself yet.
When I first heard this was coming out, I imagined contributions by many authors and editors, not just the voice of a single annotator. Hardy lists many works of "further reference" at the end of the volume, but there were so many times when actually integrating the insights and discoveries of other scholars would have made this study volume even more valuable. Except for copious citations from Webster's 1828 dictionary, such uses of existing scholarship, past and present, are all but totally absent. Why?
* Closely related to that: this is the first edition I've seen that actually includes a graphic illustration of the chiastic structure of Alma 36 right next to the text itself. Yes! That's what we need--that's what a study Bible would have. But why, then, are such features so rare here? There are several other breakout boxes at points here and there, but far fewer than there could or should have been.
* Hardy's own personal biases crop up every now and then, most especially in his annotations to 2 Nephi 5:21 and the handful of subsequent verses that mention the "skin of blackness." Hardy completely ignores any metaphorical interpretation and instead provides a short essay condemning the racism that he chooses to impose on the text. It's unprofessional, uncharitable, and unnecessary. (Moroni 9:9 is another example of imposing a modern political reading on the text and then skewering the strawman.)
* While Hardy helpfully "re-transposes" sentences that were erroneously switched in Alma 11:18-19, he unilaterally decides to place Alma 13:16 between verses 11 and 12 because it "seems to belong" there. Not your call to make, sir, and for what it's worth, as someone who has studied that chapter intensively, I disagree.
* Finally, one complaint that has nothing to do with Hardy--I had only been reading my copy for about a month when the first big segment of pages in the binding--from the title page up through page 32--came entirely loose and fell out of the spine! I'd like to thank the good people who make Gorilla Glue for helping me repair the damage. I was pleased to see this volume being sold for such a reasonably low price, but that's no excuse for shoddy binding.
But I want to end this review on a positive note, because my thoughts here really are more than 99% positive. What Hardy has taught about the text of the Book of Mormon in his annotations has value not just for the content therein, but for the example he sets. Most of what he has done here could have been done by any truly close, careful reader over the course of decades in their own private study. I hope that Hardy's legacy with this landmark edition of the Book of Mormon will include inspiring others to follow his example.
December 17, 2024
This book has been transformational for me. Yes, I am a Mormon. Yes, I've been reading the Book of Mormon for a long time over and over. However, this book has changed the way I think about it, read it, and engage with it.
First off, this is a LONG read. It adds 400+ pages to an already 500+ page book. It requires an extra reading with each chapter, so progression happens very slowly. Getting through the book of Alma, in particular, took AWHILE. It was all worth it, though, because I found the insights offered in each chapter to be consistently well thought out, researched, and presented.
I constantly caught myself saying "Holy smokes, I never thought of it that way" or "I've been thinking something similar for YEARS, but never realized this was a thing!".
I loved all the cross-references and comments for the individual verses. The introductions given for each book really helped put them in context, and expanded my understanding.
Here's a quick, off the top of my head, list of things that blew my mind and expanded my love for/knowledge of the Book of Mormon from this annotated version.
-The relatively abrupt start to the Book of Mosiah (the mention of no more war) is because the lost 116 pages (The Martin Harris incident) included the book of Lehi through the original first chapter of Mosiah.
-in (if memory serves) Alma 36 Alma quotes from Lehi, but that quote comes from the small plates of Nephi, which were actually translated LAST (they were at the end of the record). This also puts the revelation of Coriantumr staying with the people of Zarahemla as one of the last things Joseph Smith ever dictated.
-The people of Zarahemla factor more prominently in the BoM than I'd originally understood. They were probably a large group and possibly the reason why the Nephites could hang with the Lamanite's numbers for so long. however, they also might've had good reason to be annoyed that the Nephites always provided the king and chief judge since the Nephites were probably a small minority among them. This also might explain the hostility of Ammonihah to some degree.
there is SO much more in this. I'm glad I read it cover to cover.
I also want to say that the 100+ pages of essays at the back are some of the best writing about the Book of Mormon, from an INCREDIBLE variety of angles, that I've ever read. I would rate those 5+ stars on their own. They are extremely even handed, and really cover almost all important aspects of belief, including reasons why people choose to doubt, even fight against, the Book of Mormon as a book ostensibly revealed by revelation to a modern day prophet.
Thank you Grant Hardy for all your wisdom and well thought out research!
First off, this is a LONG read. It adds 400+ pages to an already 500+ page book. It requires an extra reading with each chapter, so progression happens very slowly. Getting through the book of Alma, in particular, took AWHILE. It was all worth it, though, because I found the insights offered in each chapter to be consistently well thought out, researched, and presented.
I constantly caught myself saying "Holy smokes, I never thought of it that way" or "I've been thinking something similar for YEARS, but never realized this was a thing!".
I loved all the cross-references and comments for the individual verses. The introductions given for each book really helped put them in context, and expanded my understanding.
Here's a quick, off the top of my head, list of things that blew my mind and expanded my love for/knowledge of the Book of Mormon from this annotated version.
-The relatively abrupt start to the Book of Mosiah (the mention of no more war) is because the lost 116 pages (The Martin Harris incident) included the book of Lehi through the original first chapter of Mosiah.
-in (if memory serves) Alma 36 Alma quotes from Lehi, but that quote comes from the small plates of Nephi, which were actually translated LAST (they were at the end of the record). This also puts the revelation of Coriantumr staying with the people of Zarahemla as one of the last things Joseph Smith ever dictated.
-The people of Zarahemla factor more prominently in the BoM than I'd originally understood. They were probably a large group and possibly the reason why the Nephites could hang with the Lamanite's numbers for so long. however, they also might've had good reason to be annoyed that the Nephites always provided the king and chief judge since the Nephites were probably a small minority among them. This also might explain the hostility of Ammonihah to some degree.
there is SO much more in this. I'm glad I read it cover to cover.
I also want to say that the 100+ pages of essays at the back are some of the best writing about the Book of Mormon, from an INCREDIBLE variety of angles, that I've ever read. I would rate those 5+ stars on their own. They are extremely even handed, and really cover almost all important aspects of belief, including reasons why people choose to doubt, even fight against, the Book of Mormon as a book ostensibly revealed by revelation to a modern day prophet.
Thank you Grant Hardy for all your wisdom and well thought out research!
February 12, 2025
Took me long enough 😝
So good. It was just the right balance of scripture and scholarly/research insight. Enjoyed the format. The essays at the end were very engaging and opened my eyes to the amount of work and thought that is out there on the Book of Mormon.
So good. It was just the right balance of scripture and scholarly/research insight. Enjoyed the format. The essays at the end were very engaging and opened my eyes to the amount of work and thought that is out there on the Book of Mormon.
December 31, 2024
Mostly this is just me logging that I read the Book of Mormon this year. But Grant Hardy’s insights were really interesting!
January 12, 2025
Grant Hardy has provided us with a tremendous scholarly edition to the Book of Mormon. He brings fresh perspective to the text by providing us with three things: (1) an modern formatting of the text, (2) relevant annotations throughout, and (3) a series of scholarly essays analyzing the Book of Mormon in various ways.
The modern formatting puts the text into paragraphs, uses quotes where applicable, and provides separate formatting to poetry or other prophetic declarations. He preserves the chapter and verse structure in superscripts, but the formatting allows the reader to see anew where ideas develop and how the narrative progresses. The modern formatting makes for a different reading experience for those who are used to the typical chapter and verse format similar to the King James Version of the Bible.
The annotations throughout the book clarify historical aspects, individuals, genre, context, and so much more. I found myself reading each annotation in detail and found many great nuggets of insight that allowed me to look at familiar verses with different perspectives. The annotations provide background on manuscript changes that may explain some issues and they also provide possible explanations to things not explicitly mentioned in the text. For example, I now see the combining of the Nephite and Mulekite civilizations in new light and possible explanations for the political changes and strife that ensued over the following decades.
Tucked away at the end of this 900-plus page tome is a series of scholarly essays. Here, the author explores topics and puts the Book of Mormon in various contexts for analysis. The author explores many different hypotheses and ways of reading/interpreting the Book of Mormon. The essays probe into topics such as the role of the Book of Mormon in the world and its origin, different ways of reading it (i.e. history, fiction, etc.), and it place among other religious scripture.
So much information to digest. Certainly and excellent reference book, but also a great book to enhance one's study the the Book of Mormon.
The modern formatting puts the text into paragraphs, uses quotes where applicable, and provides separate formatting to poetry or other prophetic declarations. He preserves the chapter and verse structure in superscripts, but the formatting allows the reader to see anew where ideas develop and how the narrative progresses. The modern formatting makes for a different reading experience for those who are used to the typical chapter and verse format similar to the King James Version of the Bible.
The annotations throughout the book clarify historical aspects, individuals, genre, context, and so much more. I found myself reading each annotation in detail and found many great nuggets of insight that allowed me to look at familiar verses with different perspectives. The annotations provide background on manuscript changes that may explain some issues and they also provide possible explanations to things not explicitly mentioned in the text. For example, I now see the combining of the Nephite and Mulekite civilizations in new light and possible explanations for the political changes and strife that ensued over the following decades.
Tucked away at the end of this 900-plus page tome is a series of scholarly essays. Here, the author explores topics and puts the Book of Mormon in various contexts for analysis. The author explores many different hypotheses and ways of reading/interpreting the Book of Mormon. The essays probe into topics such as the role of the Book of Mormon in the world and its origin, different ways of reading it (i.e. history, fiction, etc.), and it place among other religious scripture.
So much information to digest. Certainly and excellent reference book, but also a great book to enhance one's study the the Book of Mormon.
May 2, 2024
This annotated edition of the Book of Mormon is structured similarly to some of the best modern scholarly study Bibles. I really liked studying the Book of Mormon with these structural features such as showing poetry in verse lines, subheadings at the different natural breaks in the narrative, showing quotation marks for direct quotations, and indenting documents embedded in the text, etc. That was very helpful and added a lot of clarity to the text, as did many other features. I liked the maps, genealogy tables, and general essays at the end of the text as well.
The annotations throughout the text were quite interesting and mostly good. I loved how it identified Biblical quotations and paraphrases in the text, and also how it showed when it was quoting or repeating other Book of Mormon phrases. Those cross references were nearly always great. I learned a lot from that part of the annotations. There were a few parts of the annotations that made doctrinal arguments that I don't think are quite correct in the light of other modern revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and teachings of modern prophets, but I understood that he was making the argument based solely on what the Book of Mormon and Bible were saying, so I get his perspective. Still, there were a few doctrinal inaccuracies in the annotations so I didn't love that, but by and large most of them were good and I learned a lot of good stuff from the annotations. The author also has a couple hobby horse interpretations he kept bringing up (Mulekites as inheritors of the Davidic covenant in "competition" with the Nephite kingly line; Jaredites as not being Christian) that I think are incorrect and he stretches the text beyond what I think is reasonable to conclude based on such limited evidence.
That said, I enjoyed and learned a lot from this annotated edition of the Book of Mormon and overall I thought it was excellent. I'm sure I will refer back to it often in the future.
The annotations throughout the text were quite interesting and mostly good. I loved how it identified Biblical quotations and paraphrases in the text, and also how it showed when it was quoting or repeating other Book of Mormon phrases. Those cross references were nearly always great. I learned a lot from that part of the annotations. There were a few parts of the annotations that made doctrinal arguments that I don't think are quite correct in the light of other modern revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and teachings of modern prophets, but I understood that he was making the argument based solely on what the Book of Mormon and Bible were saying, so I get his perspective. Still, there were a few doctrinal inaccuracies in the annotations so I didn't love that, but by and large most of them were good and I learned a lot of good stuff from the annotations. The author also has a couple hobby horse interpretations he kept bringing up (Mulekites as inheritors of the Davidic covenant in "competition" with the Nephite kingly line; Jaredites as not being Christian) that I think are incorrect and he stretches the text beyond what I think is reasonable to conclude based on such limited evidence.
That said, I enjoyed and learned a lot from this annotated edition of the Book of Mormon and overall I thought it was excellent. I'm sure I will refer back to it often in the future.
December 30, 2024
This is the best version for someone who wants to study the text of the Book of Mormon. Hardy is an expert in the field, and he has written many helpful essays at the end. He is careful to be neutral, always explaining how a believer and a critic would handle certain facts.
Those who attack the Book of Mormon, will often make long lists of any two or three word phrase that matches the Bible (or some other contemporary book), but these are often meaningless. On the other hand, the LDS Topical Guide connects passages that have the same meaning, but do not use the same words at all. Hardy's cross-references are much better. You know that anytime he connects two passages (within the Book of Mormon, or to the Bible), they are intentionally using the same phrase. He leaves it to you to decide if it is an impressive or immature mixing of Biblical scriptures with a new world story.
Hardy does have his own biases, besides his belief in the book itself. As you can tell from his other books on the narrators, he is deeply disappointed in the lack of female characters, including in the author's own families, as well as the racism against Lamanites. He also points out how Captain Moroni may not be as heroic as more non-violent characters, like the Anti-Nephi Lehis.
My only criticism of the book is that there is so much focus on the words, I often forgot to see it as scripture. If you are wanting a spiritual experience, this may distract from that. But it is incredibly helpful in analyzing the book itself, and I look forward to using it often.
Those who attack the Book of Mormon, will often make long lists of any two or three word phrase that matches the Bible (or some other contemporary book), but these are often meaningless. On the other hand, the LDS Topical Guide connects passages that have the same meaning, but do not use the same words at all. Hardy's cross-references are much better. You know that anytime he connects two passages (within the Book of Mormon, or to the Bible), they are intentionally using the same phrase. He leaves it to you to decide if it is an impressive or immature mixing of Biblical scriptures with a new world story.
Hardy does have his own biases, besides his belief in the book itself. As you can tell from his other books on the narrators, he is deeply disappointed in the lack of female characters, including in the author's own families, as well as the racism against Lamanites. He also points out how Captain Moroni may not be as heroic as more non-violent characters, like the Anti-Nephi Lehis.
My only criticism of the book is that there is so much focus on the words, I often forgot to see it as scripture. If you are wanting a spiritual experience, this may distract from that. But it is incredibly helpful in analyzing the book itself, and I look forward to using it often.
December 31, 2024
I started out this year studying the Book of Mormon with this. Honestly, I did not read the entire thing this way. Through the summer it got away from me and I studied my usual way, on my own. But, since October on I studied out of this each night.
While not fully a commentary, it has some wonderful insights about the Book of Mormon. I particularly enjoyed the rigorous cross referencing of common phrases, uses, and cross references of phrases to the OT and NT, as well as the noting of lack of usage of phrases in other books of scripture. It really shows what IS the Book of Mormon and what is from elsewhere. It is academically honest, too, to the degree that Hardy says when there are anachronistic elements or presumed influences from the 1800s. It is also faithfully honest, giving exposition on common LDS traditions and beliefs.
All in all, I loved studying this way and am going back through to read what I missed. Hardy has provided a lot of thought-provoking questions, insights, perspectives, and material to chew on for me. About 4 months into studying this nearly daily, reading a page and then reading the footnotes, I finally came to a point where I internally declared, 'How could Joseph Smith have possibly done all of this on his own?' And that was very satisfying to ask myself.
While not fully a commentary, it has some wonderful insights about the Book of Mormon. I particularly enjoyed the rigorous cross referencing of common phrases, uses, and cross references of phrases to the OT and NT, as well as the noting of lack of usage of phrases in other books of scripture. It really shows what IS the Book of Mormon and what is from elsewhere. It is academically honest, too, to the degree that Hardy says when there are anachronistic elements or presumed influences from the 1800s. It is also faithfully honest, giving exposition on common LDS traditions and beliefs.
All in all, I loved studying this way and am going back through to read what I missed. Hardy has provided a lot of thought-provoking questions, insights, perspectives, and material to chew on for me. About 4 months into studying this nearly daily, reading a page and then reading the footnotes, I finally came to a point where I internally declared, 'How could Joseph Smith have possibly done all of this on his own?' And that was very satisfying to ask myself.
December 30, 2024
ALL THE STARS!!
This book is a monumental, dare I say herculean, achievement. Grant Hardy's work on the Book of Mormon has been groundbreaking for almost a generation now, and this is probably the best edition of the text that exists for anybody wanting to do a deep dive. The introductions, footnotes, ongoing commentary, and essays at the end of this volume all help readers of the Book of Mormon understand it with more thoroughness and in-depth study of even textual minutia than any other single volume on the book ever produced. I read this as part of my study of the Book of Mormon this year (2024) along with my Church's "Come, Follow Me" curriculum, alongside Brant Gardner's magnum opus six-volume commentary as well as the Maxwell Institute's "Brief Theological Introductions" series. This was by far the most productive volume of all of those—and none of those others are any slouches!
I don't know if this will be my go-to edition to just read in the future. That almost seems insulting to what Grant has done here with everything else included alongside the Book of Mormon text itself, which is to do introduction, textual analysis, scholarly commentary, reception commentary, and personal engagement all in a single volume.
This book is a monumental, dare I say herculean, achievement. Grant Hardy's work on the Book of Mormon has been groundbreaking for almost a generation now, and this is probably the best edition of the text that exists for anybody wanting to do a deep dive. The introductions, footnotes, ongoing commentary, and essays at the end of this volume all help readers of the Book of Mormon understand it with more thoroughness and in-depth study of even textual minutia than any other single volume on the book ever produced. I read this as part of my study of the Book of Mormon this year (2024) along with my Church's "Come, Follow Me" curriculum, alongside Brant Gardner's magnum opus six-volume commentary as well as the Maxwell Institute's "Brief Theological Introductions" series. This was by far the most productive volume of all of those—and none of those others are any slouches!
I don't know if this will be my go-to edition to just read in the future. That almost seems insulting to what Grant has done here with everything else included alongside the Book of Mormon text itself, which is to do introduction, textual analysis, scholarly commentary, reception commentary, and personal engagement all in a single volume.
January 2, 2025
I just finished reading Hardy's annotated version of the Book of Mormon a few nights ago. I’ve lost track of the # of times I've read the Book of Mormon itself. While reading through Hardy's more scholarly version this past year, I’ve enjoyed trying to approach the text on its own terms while seeking to see what it has to say with fresh eyes.
In the process of developing some of the discussion materials for youth Sunday School classes this year - I would frequently refer back and forth between my mission scriptures - with their layers and layers of marginal notes to myself - and each spotless page of my new annotated version. In many cases - I found myself in a very real conversation with my 19-year-old self. In the process, I discovered that each identity could challenge one another in unexpected and constructive ways. It has helped to rekindle and rediscover some sacred feelings toward this - what continues to be for me - a “marvelous work and wonder.�
Thank you Grant.
In the process of developing some of the discussion materials for youth Sunday School classes this year - I would frequently refer back and forth between my mission scriptures - with their layers and layers of marginal notes to myself - and each spotless page of my new annotated version. In many cases - I found myself in a very real conversation with my 19-year-old self. In the process, I discovered that each identity could challenge one another in unexpected and constructive ways. It has helped to rekindle and rediscover some sacred feelings toward this - what continues to be for me - a “marvelous work and wonder.�
Thank you Grant.
June 24, 2024
This is the version of the Book of Mormon I'd give to anyone who wants to seriously consider the book on its merits but doesn't necessarily feel they have the tools to do so. The footnotes clarify difficult language and contextualize the anachronisms and apparent flaws in the text. While produced by a faithful member, the commentaries are very balanced, always leaving respectful room for disbelief as well as belief.
Hardy's essays were particularly helpful, and his commentaries opened my eyes to new ways of considering the text, its characters, and its message. His essays also helped me understand that more variety of belief about the Book of Mormon exists within the Church than I thought.
Hardy's essays were particularly helpful, and his commentaries opened my eyes to new ways of considering the text, its characters, and its message. His essays also helped me understand that more variety of belief about the Book of Mormon exists within the Church than I thought.
December 22, 2024
I would hesitate to rate on a five star scale any religion’s book of scripture. This rating reflects my thoughts on Hardy’s insightful commentary, annotations, and essays. His stated goal is “not to persuade readers of the book’s historicity or supernatural origins,� but he argues “that it is still worth reading attentively nearly two hundred years after its initial publication, whether one approaches it as an intriguing artifact, an unusual literary work, or a new scripture.� That is no easy task. Well done, Professor Hardy.
December 2, 2024
I am left in awe after reading this. This commentary draws on so many different resources and strives to be useful to all readers. Rather than answer the question of, "Why should I believe (or not believe) this book?" Hardy attempts to make the case, and I think he succeeds, that this book deserves serious thought. I came away with many fresh perspectives on the BoM.
December 31, 2024
I read this for the LDS course of study for 2024. It was incredibly helpful and informative. Extensively footnoted. Great intros to every book and a selection of fabulous essays at the end. Additionally there are infographics, maps, and timelines. Highly recommend as a wonderful study aide.
December 31, 2024
I found this very helpful as I studied and taught The Book of Mormon this year.
December 23, 2024
One of the best Book of Mormon commentaries. I also recommend Hardy’s “Understanding the Book of Mormon�. Both are fantastic.
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