The Lost Book of Abraham

The Lost Book of Abraham examines the history and authenticity of the Mormon scripture known as the Book of Abraham. Written by Charles M. Larson, this work presents research and analysis regarding Joseph Smith's translation of Egyptian papyri into what became a key religious text. Through historical documentation and academic study, Larson traces the journey of these ancient papyri fragments from their discovery in Egypt to their eventual role in Mormon theology. The book includes photographic evidence, translations by Egyptologists, and detailed comparisons between original source materials and religious interpretations. The investigation follows parallel threads of nineteenth-century archaeology, religious manuscript translation, and the development of early Mormon doctrine. Larson draws from primary sources including journals, letters, and official church records to reconstruct the timeline of events. This work raises questions about the intersection of faith, historical artifacts, and religious authority in American spiritual movements. The book contributes to broader discussions about the relationship between ancient texts and modern religious interpretation.

Readers describe this book as a detailed examination of the Book of Abraham controversy within Mormonism. Reviews note its clear presentation of historical evidence and examination of original source documents. Readers appreciated: - Clear photographs and illustrations of papyri and facsimiles - Side-by-side comparisons of translations - Accessible writing style for non-academic readers - Inclusion of primary source documents Common criticisms: - Some found the tone too confrontational toward LDS beliefs - Several readers wanted more depth on certain technical aspects - A few noted redundant sections Ratings: Amazon: 4.3/5 (43 reviews) Goodreads: 4.1/5 (21 ratings) Sample review quotes: "Thorough documentation and excellent visual aids" - Amazon reviewer "The photographic evidence alone makes this worth reading" - Goodreads user "Could have been more objective in its analysis" - Goodreads reviewer

By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus by Charles M. Larson Further examination of Joseph Smith's Egyptian papyri and the Book of Abraham through historical documentation and expert analysis.

No Man Knows My History by Fawn McKay Brodie Biography of Joseph Smith exploring the development of Mormon scripture and religious texts through primary sources and historical records.

The Refiner's Fire by John L. Brooke Study of early Mormon doctrine's connections to hermetic traditions and folk magic practices in early American history.

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn Investigation of the role of folk magic and occult practices in the formation of early Mormon religious texts and ceremonies.

American Crucifixion by Alex Beam Historical account of Joseph Smith's final years and the controversies surrounding his Egyptian-related religious claims and translations.

🔍 Author Charles Larson spent over 15 years researching Joseph Smith's Egyptian papyri and the Book of Abraham controversy 📚 The book includes the first full-color reproduction of the original Egyptian papyrus fragments that Joseph Smith claimed to translate ⚜️ Modern Egyptologists who have examined the papyri identify them as standard Egyptian funeral texts, dating to around 100 BC 🗝️ The work features side-by-side comparisons of Joseph Smith's interpretations with translations by professional Egyptologists 📜 The recovered papyrus fragments were thought to have been destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, but were rediscovered in 1966 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York