Seminal Book for American Religious Scene: This original version of the Book of Mormon ought to be of interest to anyone who studies religion in general and/or American religions in particular. Certainly any serious student of the Book of Mormon would want a copy of the original. There are neither faith-shaking changes for the LDS since this edition, nor is it the same as the Book of Mormon published today in flavor and style. Prior to Orson Pratts versification of the text and later modifications and tidying up, the New England roots of the author/translator come through clearly. One must be amazed, if Joseph Smith is a prophet, at the labor he performed under less-than-optimal conditions in his father-in-laws cottage. One must also be amazed, if he was not a prophet, at the complexity of the stories contained in this fascinating work. This is where it all started. 11+ million people at least nominally believe that this book is Sacred Scripture today. Its worth getting to know. Get a copy for your personal library.