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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has acquired the printer’s manuscript of the Book of Mormon for $35 million in what historians are calling a landmark moment for the LDS Church.
Since 1903, the Community of Christ — formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — has owned the printer's manuscript. It was handwritten from the original manuscript that Latter-day Saints believe Joseph Smith dictated to scribes from ancient gold plates.
Only 28 percent of the original manuscript pages exist and the LDS Church owns nearly all of them. But the printer's manuscript is completely intact.
Reid Neilson, assistant church historian for the LDS Church, said it’s significant to see the other 72 percent of those pages come together for the first time into the church’s holdings.
“For 72 percent of the Book of Mormon, this is the earliest text we have of that sacred record,” he said.
Now the LDS Church has added the printer’s manuscript, which is said to be in very good condition, to its collection.
“We have had a long-standing relationship with the Community of Christ and so we know and love and have taken care of that manuscript in collaboration with them for many, many years,” Neilson said.
Two years ago, the two faiths collaborated on publishing the manuscript in the Joseph Smith Papers — and now it’s available online.
LDS Church officials said no church funds were used to purchase the manuscript.
“It was a series of donors who do remain anonymous, but they are very grateful to participate in bringing this treasure home so we are very grateful for them,” Neilson said.
A couple of pages of the printer’s manuscript are already on display in the church history library. Church officials believe there will be other displays and exhibits in years to come.
Ken Sanders, who frequently sells first edition copies of the Book of Mormon, said that because the printer’s manuscript is a one-of-a-kind artifact, in many ways, it’s priceless.
“The printer’s manuscript to the Book of Mormon is the closest we are ever going to get to the original translation and the golden plates themselves,” Sanders said.
Sanders won’t be surprised if the acquisition generates renewed interest in early copies of the Book of Mormon. Copies in good condition are currently selling for more than $100,000, he said.
“The publicity on this manuscript sale will certainly create a lot of interest in and awareness and possibly demand for 1830 Book of Mormons,” Sanders said.
