This diagram shows the compilation process of every verse of the Book of Mormon, a book that speaks more of its own editorial process than nearly any other. The text emerged from primary sources at the bottom to the current text at the top. Like an interactive map, you can zoom with your scroll wheel and pan left and right
Editorial process symbols:- Scribe (when written)
- abridgement
- translation
- exact transcription
- gloss or colophon (editorial commentary)
Note: This diagram presents sources as they are asserted in the text. While some sources are clearly attested (e.g., the Plates of Zeniff), it is likely that many others were later reconstructed from memory.
Some good sources on the composition of the Book of Mormon:
- Original Manuscript of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith Papers
- Printer's Manuscript of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith Papers
- Thomas W. Mackay, Mormon as Editor: A Study in Colophons, Headers, and Source Indicators, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 2:2:90-109.
- Jack M. Lyon and Kent R. Minson, When Pages Collide: Dissecting the Words of Mormon, BYU Studies Quarterly, 5:4
- Royal Skousen, The Critical Text of the Book of Mormon, 5 Volumes
- Richard L. Bushman, Joseph Smith's Gold Plates: A Cultural History, Oxford University Press, 2023
- Michael H. Mackay and Gerrit J. Dirkmaat, From Darkness Unto Light: Joseph Smith's Translation and Publication of the Book of Mormon, BYU Religious Studies Center, 2015
- Terryl Givens, By the hand of Mormon: The American scripture that launched a new world religion, Oxford University Press, 2002
- John W. Welch, Timing the Translation of the Book of Mormon, BYU Studies Quarterly, 57:4
I am still working on this; I welcome your feedback and suggestions on the content (with sources, please) and the design, although the technology I am using somewhat limits my design choices.
Copyright 1996, 2023 Brandon Plewe
built with vis.js Timeline