From Darkness unto Light: Joseph Smith’s Translation and Publication of the Book of Mormon

by Michael Hubbard MacKay, Gerrit J. Dirkmaat

This book provides a detailed description of the process by which Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. Drawing from firsthand accounts of Joseph himself and the scribes who served with him, From Darkness unto Light explores the difficulties encountered in bringing forth this book of inspired scripture. Recent insights and discoveries from the Joseph Smith Papers project have provided a fuller, richer understanding of the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon. This book helps readers understand that the coming forth of the Book of Mormon was a miracle. Faith and belief are necessary ingredients for one to come to know that Joseph Smith performed the work of a seer in bringing the sacred words of the Book of Mormon from darkness unto light.

Genres: Religion, Lds, History, Nonfiction, Church, Mormonism, Church History

246 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute must read for anyone desiring to know more about the translation of the Book of Mormon. This is not a book written to convince anyone of anything (meaning, this book will do little to critics of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter -Day Saints, and quite frankly isn't written for that purpose) but rather to walk through the historical elements surrounding the miracles of this scripture.

As members we have rested often upon what we perceive to be the way the Book of Mormon was translated. We have come to these conclusions based on artistic renditions and other tales that have become part of our culture. But the reality of the receiving, and translating, of the plates was far more gritty and challenging than most saints may know. The translation itself far more supernatural and miraculous than we have been ever challenged to understand, and that is what makes this book such a stunning read. The book sometimes has a text-book feel to it, not told in 'story' format, but explained as best historically the authors know how to do, complete with page after page of footnotes and historical sources. (Do not just pass these by, the footnotes are interesting and relevant). Also presented to the reader is the opposition, the slander, the opposing views of the time (surprise, readers! this is nothing new to our day!) and how those also gained momentum as the work of Joseph Smith progressed.

I loved that this book made me really ponder and explore mentally what this experience was like, the human element to a struggling Joseph, the relentless trial of faith to those around him and the early leadership of the church. Really, it is incredible to read these miraculous accounts and comprehend what this church is today.....but that is how God reveals His best truths. One miracle at a time, for those who have eyes to see them.

[Jon Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of details that have been learned from the Joseph Smith Papers project.

I think my favorite part of the book was the afterword, written by Anthony Sweat (BYU religion professor and artist). He discusses the tension (or perhaps lack thereof) between facts and feelings when portraying historical events. In short, most artists are much more interested in conveying the feeling of an event than making it factually accurate. Leutze's Washington Crossing the Deleware is a recognizable example of this. Unfortunately, many of us assume that the artist is portraying something factually accurate, and we build our idea of what happened around the artwork we're familiar with.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two editors of the Joseph Smith Papers Project have here assembled all contemporary accounts of the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon into this new volume. Many of our previously held assumptions are here challenged. For instance, that Martin Harris eastern visit with copies of Book of Mormon characters was to corroborate Joseph's translation abilities. In point of fact, Joseph had not yet translated a word. This was in fact a search for a translator! This was a wonderful book: while challenging many of our traditional views, it bolstered, rather than diminished my faith in the prophetic mission of the Prophet Joseph and the Book of Mormon as the word of God to ancient American prophets.

[Jeff Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the research done in support of the Joseph Smith Papers, these two editors of the documents have prepared a detailed history of the acquisition, translation, and publication of the Book of Mormon. They address many long held traditions that need revision, and provide an expansive picture of how Joseph functioned as a seer. They also make corrections in the timeline as it relates to Martin Harris and the publication of the Book of Mormon.

[Jeff Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about the translation of the Book of Mormon. The authors bring together the resources that have been collected as part of the Joseph Smith Papers project. Each chapter lists many citations to provide additional reading and substantiation for the narrative.

The authors discuss the finding of the golden plates, Joseph's efforts to keep them from being stolen, the translation process, the difficulties in finding a printer, and the constant challenges Joseph faced in getting the Book of Mormon printed and published.

An appendix by Anthony Sweat discusses the role of art in conveying historical events. Some criticism has been leveled against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because most of the artwork surrounding the translation of the Book of Mormon is not historically accurate. Sweat addresses these concerns well and shares insights from other artists. It is fair to say that many authors do not represent historical events with exact accuracy because the artist's goal is to convey a feeling. This is not done to intentionally mislead.

The events discussed in this book are well documented. But when it comes to knowing if the Book of Mormon is real or not, I believe you have to rely on the message provided in the book itself:

"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost."

I have done that, and I know it is true.

[L Gustafson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Darkness unto Light addresses the translation process of the Book of Mormon based on historical sources from the Joseph Smith Papers Project and elsewhere. These details are woven into a narrative format that parallels the narrative that is well-known to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This book adds the details missing from Sunday School and the missionary discussions. In particular, it contains valuable insights into the informal witnesses of the plates and a review of sources suggesting that Joseph did not seem to think, at the outset, that he was to translate the plates himself but rather to find someone who could. This was book changed the way I look at the Book of Mormon and the prophet Joseph Smith, Jr.

[Douglas Fugate · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent presentation, especially for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, of HOW Joseph Smith, Jun. translated and published The Book of Mormon in the 1820 - 1830 time period. Reference and source material is provided. Historical material, both pro and con, relating to the church, the Smith family, associated friends, family and enemies provide an interesting and enlightening experience.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff... I like reading this in conjunction with Don Bradley’s book on the 116 pages. These show the historical evidences that Joseph was putting forth a text in the time period of April 5, 1829 to June 1829. He put out about 7.5 pages a day. Eyewitnesses (both hostile and friendly) have given accounts of the translation of the text. Say what you want about Joseph, you have to deal with the fact that the Book of Mormon exists. The authors do well to paint a portrait of these events.

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting narrative that tells the story of the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon. This book was written after the Joseph Smith Papers project so there were a lot of new details to the story that I hadn't heard before, even though I was previously familiar with the general outline of how it happened.

This fairly short book was a useful supplement to my study of the Book of Mormon this year.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the insights into the Book of Mormon it revealed. I especially enjoyed the article at the end of the book exploring the reason artists don't portray historically accurate pictures when they paint. Also appreciared the detailed footnotes (with explanations) and references. They added so much to the book.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This type of non-fiction is not really my thing. This book was given to us as a gift a couple of years ago and I finally decided to work my way through it. I read it relatively fast and definitely learned some things, but felt like it was repetitive at times. A decent read, and probably a great one for people who love a good history book.

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that goes over the history of Joseph smith and the printing of the Book of Mormon. A historical and scholarly type book it approaches it from fact based and recorded documentation based review. It’s a great book for people with questions, concerns or wanting to know more facts and history.

[Antonio Santoyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of regrets: I regret I cannot give this book six stars or more. That it is not yet translated to Spanish for my friends to read it. The academic language it mostly uses and will render difficult its comprehension by the public at large. That the best piece of writing is at the end of the book (By the gift and power of art). And so many more.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of interesting, little-known material in this book. Especially helpful was the appendix which explained how church art has created misconceptions about how the Book of Mormon was translated.
As a librarian, I appreciated all the primary sources and references in the book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. I learned quite a bit and corrected some false ideas I had. My favorite part was the Appendix by Anthony Sweat who talks about why art is not historically accurate. So interesting!

[Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Joseph Smith Papers project has uncovered a wealth of knowledge. Some of the people who are working on the project have put this book together to allow the rest of us to share in the amazing things they are uncovering. This is a fabulous book and I am so glad I read it.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent background information about translation of BOM!

[Dil7worth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Latest info based on the work on the Joseph Smith Papers series.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be fabulous for someone new to the history of the Book of Mormon and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Long time members are probably familiar with most of this.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew most of this, but it was a great review. The Book of Mormon is a wonderful book. Martin Harris deserves more credit for being humble and willing to mortgage his farm.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The meaning of “Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God” is more evident. I am amazed.

[Dr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exceptional research. Appropriate conclusions. Solid context for doctrinal understanding using primary sources. The writing leaves something to be desired, but this is probably intentional to reach a larger audience.

[Dave LeFevre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read book for those interested in early LDS Church history. MacKay and Dirkmaat have used the best sources from the Joseph Smith Papers project and more, and written compelling and readable history with it. In the foreword, it says it is "the first of what could be many potential histories coming out of the Joseph Smith Papers Project." They have set the tone for such future volumes with this excellent book, and we can only hope such additional works meet this high bar.

Though every chapter has valuable insights, of special interest is their thorough analysis of Martin Harris's trip to visit scholars (which was previously delivered as paper in the 2013 Church History Symposium by Michael MacKay, published in Approaching Antiquity: Joseph Smith and the Ancient World, reviewed here), which turns out to have a very different motivation than the traditional story, the negotiations with the various printers, and the re-dating of D&C 19. The 'bonus' chapter at the end by Anthony Sweat about art and the story of Church history is also a welcome conversation.

Anyone wanting the most current thinking on the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon must be familiar with the arguments and sources in this book. I am excited to see what else these scholars produce in the future on early Church history.

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a prime example of the fruits that have come from the wonderful historical research that has occurred in connection with the Joseph Smith Papers Project. The authors give historical context to the coming forth, translation, and publication of the Book of Mormon. In the process, they challenge some of the long held assumptions that both Mormons and non-Mormons have had regarding the genesis of the Book of Mormon, all while not hiding the fact that they believe the Book of Mormon to be what it purports to be.

I found the narrative to be very engaging, and the authors were very rigorous in the support of their arguments, backing their conclusions with solid historical evidence. This book was a pleasure to read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in this subject.

[Patrick Trent · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the history of the translation of the Book of Mormon by Joseph Smith and its publication. It particulary tries to explain the process that Joseph Smith used the seer stones in the translation process. My one real question is how did Joseph learn how to translate by studying the characters on the plates? The book said he went through a period of intense study. I could look at the characters for years on end, and could never make heads or tails of them. Secondly, if he just saw the characters in the seer stones and not even look at the plates during translation, why would he need to study the characters at all? I am not sure these questions can be answered by currently known sources.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a deep believer of the way the Book of Mormon came forth. This book is full of new historical details that have been learned from the Joseph Smith Papers. It is a new picture of translation and the growth of confidence by a very young and nearly illiterate prophet. The Book of Mormon must be true and came by the power and gift of God. Learned lots and enjoyed a faithful discussion in Book Club.

[Leslie Gasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an extraordinary book. I knew much of the history surrounding the transcribing and publishing of the Book of Mormon, but this gives tidbits of excellent information that fills in the gaps. Those tidbits certainly strengthened my testimony and gave me a new appreciation of what Joseph Smith and others have done to bring this amazing book from darkness unto light. The pencil drawings by Anthony Sweat are so delightful. They truly reflect the true historical perspective in artistic form.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great approach with some new insights. However, I was surprised that they didn't address the new seerstone discoveries announced by the church (https://www.lds.org/church/news/book-...) or discuss the miraculous issues surrounding the printing regarding paper, production time, type, and so on (http://www.johnpratt.com/items/docs/l...).

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed book on the translation of the Book of Mormon from the firsthand accounts of Joseph Smith, Jr., his close friends and family, and early antagonists. I really enjoyed it, and there was a lot I didn’t know. I loved the appendix as well, which talks about history and art and the conflicts many feel when art doesn’t depict historical facts accurately.

[Austin Archibald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. Not as thorough or critical (out of fairness) as I would have liked, but it strikes a decent balance between, say Quinn and the Correlation Dep't. A good introduction to this fascinating topic.