The Spalding Enigma: Investigating the Mysterious Origin of The Book of Mormon

by Wayne L. Cowdrey, Arthur Vanick, Howard A. Davis

Where did The Book of Mormon come from? Who was Solomon Spalding and what connection did his manuscript have with Joseph Smith? To answer these questions, this book critically examines key historical documents, personal testimonies, and records of 19th-century Mormon history to examine this “Spalding Enigma.”

The authors have spent decades collecting and analyzing evidence to conclude that The Book of Mormon is an “adaptation of an obscure historical novel” written by Revolutionary War veteran Solomon Spalding during the War of 1812. They assert that Mormon founders Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery, and Joseph Smith Jr. adapted and embellished the Spalding manuscript to create The Book of Mormon.

Follow along with Wayne Cowdrey (a relative of Oliver Cowdrey’s family), Arthur Vanick, and Howard Davis as they pursue this enigma and present the evidence for you to draw your own conclusion.

This Readers’ Edition presents the authors’ research and findings in a concise manner. Additional material is available in the Expanded Scholars’ Edition.

250 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2005

Reviews

[Lucy]

This book presents a strong case that The Book of Mormon was actually based on an unpublished book of fiction. Interesting, but a bit repetitious at times. I don’t know much about Mormonism so I can’t really judge how well some of the authors’ arguments hold up. The evidence they present seemed convincing to me. It does make me curious about how religions such as Mormonism, or any other religion for that matter, become established and grow over time.

[Haris Mohammad]

Won this in a goodreads giveaway hosted by the author and publisher.
This book is very good at answering key questions about the Mormon religion through the usage of research and making it readable in a concise manner.

[Judy]

First, thanks to ST. Polycarp Publishing House for sending me the reader's edition. This is a book to sift through and then go back to get a more thorough understanding. The book is filled with history and end notes. If you are interested in the Mormon religion, this is a book for you.