Ever since it was first published in 1830, the Book of Mormon has been intensely scrutinized by both critics and believers. Part of that scrutiny has included speculation about how the book was produces, and many Latter-day Saints have found themselves confused by the various explanations put forth. How exactly did Joseph Smith translate the Book of Mormon? Why are there different theories of translation, and do they contradict what Joseph Smith and witnesses of the translation described? Historians Gerrit J. Dirkmaat and Michael Hubbard MacKay strip away the noise and answer these questions by focusing on primary, historical sources—records from the key players in the translation, including witnesses, scribes, and Joseph himself. By better understanding how the Book of Mormon came into being, believers can increase their faith in this sacred scripture and join with the Prophet of the Restoration in declaring that it was translated "by the gift and power of God."
