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SALT LAKE CITY -- Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unveiled the second volume of "The Joseph Smith Papers" project Tuesday. The new book is receiving reaction not just for its content but its size.
The book is 800 pages and weighs 8 pounds, and it gives readers access to what the LDS faith considers priceless documents from the early 19th century. The first volume, published in 2008, contains Joseph Smith's journals; this volume has his revelations.
"In the early days of the Church, there was a connection, a wonderful connection, with the prophet and a tremendous excitement for the idea that hew as in touch with God and receiving revelations," said Elder Marlin K. Jensen, historian and recorder for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Calling "The Joseph Smith Papers" his faith's most significant historical project of this generation, Elder Jensen presented one of the first copies of the new volume to an apostle who told reporters that church members are eagerly anticipating it.
"Because it would draw them closer to the Lord, his prophet and the process of revelation," explained Elder Russell M. Nelson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
The Church also displayed original books containing the handwritten revelations from 1828 to 1834. The new volume is the first time they have been published in their entirety.
In the new book, the left-side pages are high-resolution reproductions of the original writings; on the right, transcriptions with color-coded corrections made by Joseph Smith or one of his scribes.
Robin Jensen, Robert Woodford and Steven Harper--the volume's editors--explained that, often, Joseph Smith received revelation in a crowded room. They say once, while sitting in a conference, he stepped forward and had Sidney Rigdon sit at the table and write while he dictated.
Deseret Book designed, printed and is now marketing and distributing the new volume. "The Revelations and Translations of the Joseph Smith Papers" weighs 8 pounds and costs $100.
"I actually came over to the Church Historian's Press saying, ‘Wait, wait, wait! We can't do a book this expensive,'" said Sheri Dew, president and CEO of Deseret Book. "But honestly, as I thumbed through the manuscript pages, I had such an overwhelming impression that the publishing considerations had to fall aside."
The book hit stores Tuesday. CLICK HERE for more information on "The Joseph Smith Papers" project.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
