Full Bibliography by Date

Contains an interview with Solomon Spaulding’s widow, Matilda Davidson, and daughter, Mrs. McKinistry, concerning the Spaulding manuscript’s connection with the Book of Mormon. The wife and daughter saw little resemblance between the two documents, thinking there may have been a similarity in some names.

The wife of Solomon Spaulding, Matilda Spaulding Davidson, provides reasons why Spaulding wrote Manuscript Found. She believes that the Book of Mormon is built on Manuscript Found and that Sidney Rigdon had access to the manuscript left by Spaulding at the printing office of Mr. Patterson sometime between the years 1812 and 1816.

Claims that the Bible is sufficient, inerrant, and infallible. The Book of Mormon adds to God’s word, when this is strictly forbidden by scripture. For the author, it is “the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible” The Book of Mormon also contradicts many statements found in the Bible and is full of many ridiculous anachronisms.

A reprint of Howe’s 1834 Mormonism Unvailed.

An early polemical tract against Mormonism that accepts uncritically E. D. Howe’s book Mormonism Unveiled.

An argument against the LDS and the Book of Mormon, warning people against the movement. Explains the contents of the Book of Mormon.

As a minister concerned to protect his congregation against “all erroneous and strange doctrines, contrary to God’s word,” the author tells the popular Spaulding-Ridgon story as the explanation for the Book of Mormon. The Book is a deception, and its doctrines are contrary to the true Gospel.

Discusses the history of the American continent from the time of the tower of Babel to the present (1840). Also deals with the rise of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

Rebuttal to Rev. Bush’s publication “Plain Facts, Showing the Falsehood and Folly of The Mormonites or Latter-day Saints” Pratt confirms the Church’s belief in the Bible as the word of God, but stresses that God is a God of continuous revelation. He denies that Emma Smith had signed a document stating that the Book of Mormon was false. The doctrines in the Book of Mormon are pure and holy. Whatever the medium upon which the scriptures are written or by what man of God they are recorded, their principles are the same.

A response to an article by Matilda Davidson. The LDS scripture is not called the “Mormon Bible” (as if to replace the well-known Bible), it is called the “Book of Mormon” The Book of Mormon corroborates the Bible. Pratt refutes Sidney Rigdon’s connection with the Spaulding manuscript.

Contains sensational lore concerning Joseph Smith and the plates and a section on “the Golden Bible” in the appendix.

Through the employment of biblical scriptures, Taylor answers Rev. Heys’s complaints about “Mormonism” Heys argues against Mormon doctrines: the Book of Mormon does not possess equal authority with the Bible; little children are incapable of sin; all without the law are alive in Christ; immersion is the proper mode of baptism; it is a mockery before God to baptize little children.

Argues against false statements made regarding the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the idea that Sidney Rigdon had altered the Spaulding manuscript to produce the Book of Mormon.

Finds that the Bible is the word of God. The Book of Mormon is found lacking, indeed an imposture. Provides some relevant statistics about the book, its claims, and its story using extracts from its text. Compares these extracts with biblical ones to show that the Book of Mormon is absurd and ridiculous, pointing out atrocities from the book.

Presents the story of Solomon Spaulding and his manuscript. Discusses the role of Hurlburt in the story.

Announces that copies of the Book of Mormon are available after a long shortage and big demand for them.

A lecture demonstrating that the Book of Mormon contradicts the Bible. Sees problem with Lehi’s teaching that without the Fall there would have been no posterity. Argues that water baptism by immersion is not necessary for salvation.

In this tract the author sets about to prove that Mormonism is false and that the Book of Mormon is “a silly fabrication of falsehood and wickedness” States that the Book of Mormon story is fictitious and believes that it represents a plagiarism of Solomon Spaulding’s Manuscript Found.

Tract exposing the absurdities of Mormonism. Pages 4-14 discuss various anachronisms in the Book of Mormon.

A polemical tract against Mormon interpretations of biblical prophecy supportive of the Book of Mormon. Author asserts that the Book of Mormon contradicts the Bible.

A polemical work against the Book of Mormon and Mormonism based upon a debate between the author and a Mormon named Nickerson. Contradictions with the Bible and a plethora of anachronisms and absurdities are identified. The Gadianton robbers are seen as Freemasons. The Spaulding theory is advanced as “proof” that the Book of Mormon is a fraud. Testimonies of the witnesses are discredited.

Three parts. Sets forth evidences to prove the Book of Mormon’s truthfulness to benefit those embarking on missionary work, for the encouragement of those who had just joined the Church, and to correct false doctrine concerning the Book of Mormon’s “real intent and character” Discusses scriptural accounts of the scattering and gathering of Israel, the sign of the record of Joseph, and America as a land of promise. Refutes allegations made against the Book of Mormon and issues a warning to the inhabitants of America.

This book meets the need for the publication of a work setting forth the evidences in proof of the truth of the Book of Mormon, first, for the benefit of the young Elders and Priests who are just commencing in their ministry, second, for the benefit and encouragement of those who have just embraced the faith, and thirdly, to correct the public mind in reference to its real intent and character. [From Preface]

Early British diatribe against Mormonism, lamenting the receptiveness of Britons to the Church. Tells about Moroni’s visit, the first scene at the Hill Cumorah, the manner of translation, the loss of the 116 pages, the role of Martin Harris, and the theory of the Spaulding manuscript. Relies heavily on the Episcopal Recorder in Philadelphia.

Devotes several pages to the role of Martin Harris in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

Reprint of an article from the Upper Mississippian that relates some aspects concerning the Book of Mormon. Says that Joseph Smith found brass plates and was instructed by the Lord to employ people to translate them. The translation contained a prophecy about the condition of the Latter-day Saints, including their persecutions in Missouri. The Times and Seasons editor notes that some of the views about the Book of Mormon in the article are off quite “widely from the mark”

An examination of the prominent objections to revelation and the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is the work of God and has overcome opposition, and those who are earnest seekers of truth have embraced it as an instrument in the hand of God.

Recalls his cherished relationship with the prophet Joseph Smith and tells of his gratitude to have been a part of the translation of the Book of Mormon.

The American continent was once inhabited by an enlightened people as ancient relics and archaeologists have testified. The author quotes Priest, Davis, Boudinot, and others who believe the aborigines of America belong to the house of Israel. The Book of Mormon gives an account of the destruction of the once enlightened people of the American continent. Its purpose is to clarify false doctrine, to bring people to the Holy One of Israel, to gather the lost ones of Israel, and restore the truth to the earth.

Recounts the Book of Mormon story and tells of the coming forth of the plates with the Urim and Thummim. It is not new to find sacred instruments deposited in the earth—in the apocrypha Jeremiah hid the ark of the covenant in Mt. Nebo. The plates were hidden from view just as Moses was not allowed to show the tablets of stone to everyone.

Missionary letter sent to the Times and Seasons. Includes an excerpt of a statement by Charles Anthon, who describes the characters given to him by Martin Harris, with the intention of discrediting the LDS story about him. The author then cites works by Humboldt, Raffinesque, and Stephens to argue that Anthon’s description unwittingly coincides with inscriptions found in Latin America.

Calls the Book of Mormon “a religious romance in the style and phraseology of scripture” Believes Solomon Spaulding wrote the Book of Mormon.

Writes against the Book of Mormon. Quotes part of Nephi’s vision and identifies the “great and abominable Church with the ‘Church of Rome’” Sees Nephi’s compass as an anachronism. The Greek Christ is a title, not a proper name. Greek culture was not mixed with the Semitic that early. Has problems with the name “Jesus” and “Alpha and Omega” Accepts the Spaulding theory.

Imaginary dialogue between an “Elder Pierce,” “Mr. Matthews” and “Mr. Roberts” on Book of Mormon topics, including the visit of Jesus in 3 Nephi. Examines why the Indians apparently had no traditions confirming the Book of Mormon.

Speaks of the methods in which ancient books were bound. Books consisting of tablets, plates, metal, or wood were made of leaves bound with rings at the back. Flexible materials were sewn in long sheets and rolled around a stick, like a scroll. That the Book of Mormon was similarly bound is evidence of its authenticity.

Excerpts from a book by the same title. Compares descriptions of ancient American fortifications with comparable fortifications in the book of Alma. Discusses the Gadianton robbers and the visit of Martin Harris to Dr. Mitchel.

Presents a comparison of many of the metals, animals, and plants mentioned in the Book of Mormon with similar things found in the United States.

A polemical attack on Mormonism. The 1841 Anthon denial is recounted. The author espouses the Spaulding theory for the origin of the Book of Mormon. Enumerates various anachronisms in the Book of Mormon, such as the idea of a church before the time of Christ, modern teachings among the Nephites, the term “Christians,” and the New Testament language in the Book of Mormon.

A polemical work attempting to discredit Mormonism and in particular the Book of Mormon. The first section reproduces Alexander Campbell’s 1831 work, Delusions. The writer favors the Spaulding origin of the Book of Mormon.

Pages 149-222 of this work deal critically with the Book of Mormon. Author is consigned to condemn both book and author to the flames. Joseph Smith’s character is discredited and the testimony of Book of Mormon witnesses is dismissed. Turner shows how the book contradicts the Bible and contains absurdities and anachronisms. It plagiarizes the New Testament and is unworthy of the belief of any reasonable human being.

A polemic that states that the Book of Mormon “by no means is made up of a series of skillfully constructed pieces, nor even of individual forgeries cunningly concocted. The workmanship must appear spurious to any person who brings a small share of scholarship or of critical knowledge to test it. In short, it is a clumsy affair altogether, which can only in its present shape impose upon the ignorant, the illiterate, and the most credulous”

Made up of quotations of Mormon writings that are being kept hidden from the public. Equates Joseph Smith with Mohammed and reveals the “bloody nature” of Mormons. Joseph Smith pretended to find the Book of Mormon in earth. He wrote the Book of Mormon for the purpose of making money. This fact is attested to by Martin Harris.

Comments on and quotes from Stephen’s Incidents of Travel in Central America. It is claimed that the Toltecs were of the house of Israel, a concept that is seen as corroborating the existence of Nephites and Lamanites.

It is helpful to compare Stephens’s writings on Central America with the Book of Mormon, for his works help to verify the Book of Mormon.

A reprint from The Southern Quarterly Review, April 1842, declaring Mormonism a religious fraud and folly. “One Joe Smith,” while digging for something else, dug up gold plates that were a record of the “lost chronicles of several kings of Israel” This inflammatory article alleges that Joseph Smith spread falsehoods. The growth of the new religion is alarming and poses a threat to the uneducated religious community.

Desires to reveal the fraudulent nature of the Mormon religion. Chapter 2 discusses Solomon Spaulding and the Spaulding Manuscript. Chapter 3 is an account of the publication of the Book of Mormon. The appendix features a summary of the contents of the Book of Mormon with interjections by the author.

Argues against the idea that Sidney Rigdon borrowed the Spaulding manuscript, altered the manuscript to fit his purposes, and used Joseph Smith to publish it as the Book of Mormon.

A photograph and brief account of the Kinderhook plates.

Analyzes the history of the priesthood from the “beginning of the world to the present time” Chapter seven provides evidence for the authenticity of the Book of Mormon by presenting a brief summary of its content, its purpose, the biblical prophecies that pertain to it, and the positive results that come from reading it.

A letter to the editor written by Joseph Smith in rebuttal to the allegation that the word “Mormon” was translated from a Greek word. Joseph interprets the word “Mormon” to mean “more good” He attests that the language from which the plates were translated was Reformed Egyptian. He reaffirms the divine intervention of God in the translation process.

Thoughtful description of the dynamics of the author’s conversion. After hearing negative things about the Book of Mormon, Spencer studied the book and was converted to Jesus Christ.

An Address by President Joseph Smith, Delivered on the evening of his arrival from Dixon, June 30, 1843, in the Grove, near the Temple, Nauvoo; about eight thousand people having hastily assembled, under the most intense excitement, in consequence of the attempt of Sheriff Reynolds, of Jackson County, Missouri, to kidnap him to Missouri, by preventing him from obtaining a writ of Habeas Corpus. Reported By: Dr. Willard Richards and Elder Wilford Woodruff.

The following lecture was delivered by particular request to crowded audiences, in the town hall of Charlestown, on Sunday Evening, February 4th, and on Wednesday Evening, February 7th. The reporter submits his sketches to the public, because the subject is important, and may lead to investigation that will drive prejudice from the minds of many sincere inquirers after truth. It has been generally supposed that the Latter Day Saints, commonly called Mormons, hold the Mormon Bible - as it is falsely called - as their only rule of faith and practice, disregarding the Scriptures of Truth, contained in the Old and New Testaments. This error has prevailed because the people will not listen to the truth. Slanderous tongues and lying lips have been busy against the book. But it stands immoveably fixed on the Rock of Ages, and the gates of hell, and opposition of the sectarian world cannot prevail against it. If the doctrine is of men, it will come to nought, but if God is its author, it must prevail.

Letter of George J. Adams addressed to John Tyler, President of the United States, describing a revolution that is to take place in the United States. Adams utilizes Book of Mormon scriptures and other references within the letter.

WE have frequently been solicited to publish, in pamphlet form, the following letters of OLIVER COWDERY, addressed to W. W. PHELPS. We at last avail ourselves of the opportunity to do so, being fully assured that they will be read with great interest by the Saints generally; while from the peculiar work on which they treat, togEther with the spirit of truthfulness in which they are written, not forgetting their style as compositions, we have no doubt but that many of the honest-hearted may, by their perusal, be led to a further examination of those principles, the origin of which is therein set forth. It will be understood that Brother PHELPS wrote answers to these letters which generally contained some questions upon the subject treated of, accounting for the style in which they are written.

Seven letters (ca. 1839) containing testimony concerning Cowdery’s scribal work for Joseph Smith during the translation of the Book of Mormon and other items of historical interest. Joseph’s own narrative includes an account of the place and manner in which the records were deposited, the box that held the plates, his attempts to take the plates without authorization from the angel, and the angel’s warning.

Gives a short account of Joseph Smith: his family history, the first vision, and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. Claims that the Book of Mormon’s origin lies in the Spaulding manuscript.

Early polemical work written against Mormonism and the Book of Mormon. Discusses each of the Three Witnesses. Claims that names like “Nephi,” “Lehi,” and “Maroni” (sic) end in the Latin “I” Assumes primal authorship belonged to Solomon Spaulding. Includes a chapter on the credibility of the Book of Mormon.

A polemical attack on Mormonism. The Book of Mormon is discussed on pages 11-60, 253-330. The Spaulding theory is espoused by the author. The testimony of the Book of Mormon witnesses is discounted. The Book of Mormon shows clear evidence of being plagiarized from the Bible. The author finds the direction of desert travel by Lehi’s family somewhat absurd. Anthon’s 1834 denial is recounted and various other anachronisms are discussed.

The early nineteenth- century confiict between the Mormons and the Missourians is treated. Writing about the Book of Mormon, the author believes that the book is “no idle scheme, nor production of a fanciful moment but required considerable research, and no ordinary degree of sagacity” Kirk produces a brief overview of the Book of Mormon story in the appendix.

Supports the case that archaeology proves the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. Cites as an example the ruins of ancient cities, castles, and temples lying near Santa Fe, Texas.

A Discourse by President Joseph Smith, Delivered at the Conference held near the Temple, in Nauvoo, April 6, 1844. Reported By: W. Richards, W. Woodruff, and W. Clayton.

A tract against Mormonism. Pages 20-36 deal specifically with the Book of Mormon, arguing against the witnesses, the use of modern phrases and King James style English, contradictions with the Bible, and various anachronisms and absurdities. Criticizes the Mormon use of biblical prophecy to support the Book of Mormon and provides alternative interpretations for such prophecies.

Sets forth the story of the discovery of the six bell-shaped plates of brass containing inscriptions, now known as the Kinderhook plates. Also shows facsimiles of the plates.

Compares the story of the brother of Jared and his family with a Scythian/ Phoenician historical account that possesses similar elements, i.e., building a tower, the confusion of tongues, and a family whose language was preserved.

The Book of Mormon is superior to the Bible since the Book of Mormon is more simple and definite in its prophecies and doctrines. Nevertheless the Bible should be used as a companion record to the Book of Mormon despite its flaws and loss of plain truths.

Tells of ancient American Indian ruins that show remnants of several large cities. This, as well as other American antiquities, helps support the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith did not get his idea “to write” the Book of Mormon from this evidence because it did not come out until after the Book of Mormon was published.

Associates Joseph Smith with false Jewish messiahs and Christian impostors. Gives an overview of the Book of Mormon, claiming the presence of several anachronisms. Calls the Book of Mormon a “romance” Says the Nephites believed in the doctrines of the Calvinists and Methodists. Makes negative comments about Lehi and Mormon. Argues that if the Bible was of God, the Book of Mormon could not have had the same author. Takes issue with the testimony of the Three Witnesses.

A systematic response to William Palmer’s polemical tract. Contains documentary evidence from Sidney Rigdon that he had nothing to do with the Spaulding manuscript. Examines the language of the Book of Mormon, allegations of internal contradictions, and Book of Mormon inconsistencies with the Bible.

Vindictive tract addresses the testimony of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon and the part played by Professor Anthon. Refers to the Book of Mormon as a “mutilated romance” Accepts the Spaulding explanation.

The Indian legend “Why the Grand Canyon Was Made” tells of the great shaking and trembling of the earth that came after many generations and created the Grand Canyon. The account sounds very much like 3 Nephi 10:9-10. “The Three Days of Darkness” tells that at the time of the death of Shinob, younger God of the Pahute Indians, they could not light a fire. Later Shinob came back to life. This legend sounds like the account in the Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi 8:17- 23. This work is reviewed in P.213.

Criticizes the Book of Mormon by writing that the Book of Mormon contradicts itself, falsifies its own prophecies, and “destroys its own theology” It contains “bad grammar, bad arrangement, bad taste, and bad material”

Two polemic lectures. Considers Joseph Smith to be an impostor. Tells about the origin of the Book of Mormon and comments on its feasibility or lack thereof.

A polemical article on Mormonism. Considering the Mormon movement to be a “fanatical delusion,” the author asserts that Joseph Smith used the Spaulding manuscript as the basis for the Book of Mormon narrative.