Primary Sources & First Accounts
The book is built on records the people themselves left. These public collections let you read them, most in images of the original pages.
- The Joseph Smith Papers
The complete documentary edition of Joseph Smith’s papers: images and transcripts of the original manuscripts.
- Joseph Smith, History, circa Summer 1832
The earliest surviving account of the First Vision, partly in Joseph’s own hand.
- Joseph Smith, History, 1838–1856, vol. A-1
The history begun in 1838, the source of the account canonized as Joseph Smith—History.
- Joseph Smith—History (Pearl of Great Price)
The canonized excerpt of Joseph’s 1838 account.
- First Vision Accounts (Gospel Topics essay)
Compares the accounts Joseph gave and those recorded by others.
- Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844–1845
Joseph’s mother’s own history of the family, the main source for Chapters 2–4.
- Book of Mormon, 1830 edition
Page images of the first edition printed by E. B. Grandin in Palmyra.
- Testimony of Three Witnesses
The witnesses’ statement, printed with the Book of Mormon since 1830.
- Testimony of Eight Witnesses
The second witness statement.
- Journal, 1835–1836
Joseph’s Kirtland journal, including the temple dedication and the visions of April 3, 1836.
- Doctrine and Covenants 110
The visions in the Kirtland Temple, including Elijah.
- Letter to the Church and Edward Partridge, 20 March 1839
Written from Liberty Jail; portions became Doctrine and Covenants 121–123.
- Saints, vol. 1: The Standard of Truth
The Church’s narrative history, 1815–1846.
- Church History Topics
Short reference articles on people, places and events.
- Church History Library catalog
Search and view original journals, letters and photographs.
- BYU Studies
Peer-reviewed scholarship on Latter-day Saint history.
Each chapter also lists its own sources in its endnotes.