The rare books collection includes a 1st edition of The Book of Mormon, a volume of holy scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Written by Joseph Smith, Jr., it was first published in March 1830 as The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi by publisher E.B. Grandin of Palmyra, New York.

A gift of Charles H. Taylor in 1937, this rare book includes "The Testimony of Three Witnesses" and "The Testimony of Eight Witnesses" in 2 pages at the end of the volume.

Availability

Researchers are advised a digital surrogate must be used in place of the original. Applications for exceptions to this policy must be addressed to the SCRC by email (spcoll@wm.edu) well in advance of the intended visit.

Handling

When the physical book is made available by appointment, it will be placed on an upright plastic bookstand to allow for easier photography by users. The book may not be removed from the stand Special Collections place it on. Visitors may touch and photograph (non-flash photography only) the book. A washroom is located adjacent to Special Collections for those who need to wash their hands before viewing the book.