Customer Reviews

The Book of Mormon: A Reader's Edition

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I have read Mr. Hardy's edition of this book from start to finish. But unlike many herein, I will address my comments not to whether the book is "right or wrong," but to whether it is useful, provides new insights to life, and is well written.

If you are going to read the Book of Mormon, this is the edition to read.

Like the Old Testament, the Book of Mormon structure, language, "flash backs", etc, can be a challenge just to get through. Hardy has changed that simply by updating the way the words are presented. By using the exact same words but
a) by putting them into a format more commonly used in our day and age,
b) by starting and ending some chapters in a more logical place,
c) by telling the reader in the difficult parts things such as "OK, now the next 10 chapters are a flashback in time" and then 10 chapters later "OK, that's the end of the flashback, now we're going back to our original story",
d)and by other such things,

Hardy makes the book much more readable and accessible. Which is probably why he named it "A Reader's Edition" as opposed to "An Analyst's Edition" that you really have to study, analyze and know a fair amount already just to finish the book.

So, this is a very valuable contribution to the world of religion and moral values because now one can more easily just "read" the book and get the big picture of it as a whole.

Again, if you are going to read the book, I'd suggest this edition.

For those who have a problem with deleting chapters and verse numbers from the Book of Mormon, they need to remember four important things. First of all, the original authors did not write it with chapters and verses. Second, Joseph Smith did not translate it with double columns and verses. Third, the use of chapters and verses is merely a tool for allowing easy reference to the same location by multiple users in a joint-study setting. Fourth, the words of the Book of Mormon have not been changed or resequenced. They are the same as those found in the official edition from which this reader's edition is taken.
So far as personal study is concerned, double columns and verse numbers are an impeding hindrance, tending to interrupt the thought process, i.e., pondering. Furthermore, reading Grant Hardy's reader's edition of the Book of Mormon takes the sense of "duty" out of scripture study. Psychologically, one feels that he is reading a novel as opposed to scripture. By deleting the double columns, verse numbers, and verse indentions, the reading flows smoothly and uninterrupted. Grant's appropriate and timely subchapter headings give the reader a sneak preview of what's ahead, and thus increase one's anticipation, as well as one's understanding of the overall historical picture. Setting out the poetry in poetic form allows one to recognize literary beauty that would otherwise be overlooked.
Without the slightest hesitation, I recommend this version of the Book of Mormon to every person on planet earth literate in the English language. Happy reading! John E. Enslen, Wetumpka, Alabama

As a former Mormon missionary, I know how difficult it is to get most people to read the Book of Mormon. The official edition is just too daunting and unapproachable for most to attempt. The dense, two column format, the verse and chapter headings that cut across the natural structure of the narrative, the way the poetic sections are crammed together and printed like prose, the lack of quotation marks to set off dialogue, and the massive system of cross references all make give the book a forbidding appearance that discourages all but the most determined readers.

This edition remedies these problems and adds a number of new and useful study aids, such as headings to set of the natural divisions of the text. The footnotes are brief and carefully chosen. The foreward provides a good introduction to the significance of the book. Much useful information is added in the appendices. There is a list of significant textual variations that should lay to rest the old ant-Mormon cavil about how the text has bee deliberately altered. There are useful dynastic charts and genealogical tables. One appendix includes fascinating primary accounts about the origins of the book. In short, it is an exquisite pleasure to read, even for those of us who are already thoroughly familiar with the book.

If the University of Illinois can publish such an attractive, read-friendly book, why can't the church print a more inviting missionary edition?

The main decision you must make is between the Doubleday and the University of Illinois Press editions. Do I spend $16.47 for the Doubleday edition or plunk out $34.76 for UoIll Press "Reader's Edition"?

Each is formatted in a fashion that is probably more "reader-friendly" than the editions published by the Mormon Church. So each has that benefit. For an introduction to the basic text, without explanatory notes or commentary, the Doubleday edition is for you.

However, just as critical studies have been important in elucidating the Biblical text, so too for the Book of Mormon. For an introduction to some of the issues (form criticism, source criticism, etc.), you may want to pay the extra money for Grant Hardy's "Book of Mormon: A Reader's Edition." It contains useful annotations and comments.

The Book of Mormon is a classic of religious literature. The Doubleday edition is a good introduction while "The Reader's Edition" will present some of the fascinating aspects of the text that lurk below the surface.

A very refreshing approach to reviewing the Book of Mormon with ample references. Broken down in easy-to-understand sections to avoid lengthy and tiring sessions; well worth the money and brilliantly edited.

The introduction is the shortest section of this Reader's Edition of The Book of Mormon, but it is the most intriguing. Here, Grant Hardy gives one of the most succinct explanations of the Book of Mormon, its history, and its importance as a religious text that this reviewer has read. It presents reliable and positive information for the new reader and is of value to the believer as well.

I like Hardy's format of the Book of Mormon, but know that some readers who are familiar with the official LDS edition of these scriptures find the Reader's Edition disconcerting when they first begin reading it. I admonish them to continue reading! They will find a greater appreciation of the story as this format guides them through the complexities of the text.

I am particularly pleased with the way Hardy has organized quotations from the Bible, psalms and poetry. They are more meaningful to me than in the old format. The Isaiah chapters are easier to read, and other poetic passages break away from the narrative and are immediately recognizable as an intense expression of feeling. Ammon's "boast" in chapter 26 is phrased as a psalm. This gives more meaning to the lines spoken. The contrast between the poetry and other conversation heightens the action. Also, compare Nephi's psalm (1 Nephi 10:18-22) with the same scripture in the standard edition.

The appendices present a variety of interesting material: a history of the translation; the preface to the original edition; forms of poetry in the Book of Mormon, and charts and maps. These are a treasure trove for the scholar and for the person who approaches the book for the first time. They are also a rich source of information for the student of the Book of Mormon who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the text itself.

Both this new Reader's Edition, and the official LDS edition of the Book of Mormon, with its many cross-references and footnotes, should be part of the believer's library. Anyone who opens the book for the first time will do well to begin with Hardy's Reader's Edition.

Wonderful Wonderful Edition!! I agree with the former missionary. This is a very user freindly edition of the BoM. The offical LDS Church Edition is very imposing and stark compared to this very inviting and easy on the eyes BoM format. Hand this edition to potential converts and they just might read the BoM. Why it took a secular university to put another Churche's Main Religious Text in a truly inspired format is beyond me. Maybe it is time the LDS Church puts out a new version of the "Standard Works". After all....it has been quite a while since 1978 when they redid all of the scriptures.

There is also a paperback version of this book available for $24.95. Amazon sells it for $15.72 (37% off the cover price). You can find it by searching under the editor's name.

Isn't the internet great? Some idiot submits a goofy song disparaging a religion but telling you nothing about the book for his review and more than half the readers select, "Yes, this review was helpful." You gotta love it.

Anyway, I finished reading this book recently and really enjoyed it. I'm a student of world religions and found the Book of Mormon at least as good as other religions records. Most will find the Book of Mormon an easier read than the Old Testament. I also didn't find anything to contradict the Bible so open minded Christians may find the Book of Mormon supportive of their beliefs. This particular edition is less distracting than the official edition put out by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There is also information in the appendix not found in the official edition the reader may find interesting. This version is very well made, on quality paper and well bound.

Many religious or sacred books tend to be cumbersome to get through. Committed readers stick it out, hoping to glean personal meaning and spiritual insight. This edition of the Book of Mormon, while not changing the words at all, lays out the text itself in a more manageable fashion. Stories are presented in story form, poetry reads as poetry. It has been a refreshing change for our family's devotional readings to have this in addition to our standard BOM. Thanks to editor Hardy for this undertaking.