Breaking Bad and Why the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon Are Unimpeachable

Thomas Ford's 'History of Illinois' (published 1852) recounts political, social, and cultural events in the state, including anecdotes about the early Latter-day Saint movement. Joseph referenced Ford's account as the origin of a widely circulated but anonymous story alleging that the eight witnesses were deceived by an empty box. The book is sometimes cited in discussions of 19th-century perceptions of Mormonism and provides contemporary outsider perspectives on the movement's controversies. Ford's history has been used by critics to source skeptical anecdotes about Joseph Smith, though Joseph in the episode critiques its reliability.

This work, cited by the presenter as 'From Darkness and Delight' by McKay and Garrett Dirkmaat, examines historical documents and testimonies relating to the Book of Mormon and its witnesses. The authors compile and analyze primary sources to assess the credibility and historical context of early Latter-day Saint claims. Joseph referenced it as a main source for reconstructing witness statements and backgrounds. The book is used in apologetic and historical discussions about the origins of the Book of Mormon. (Five-sentence summary based on how it was cited in the episode. )

Edited by Dan Vogel and Brent Lee Metcalfe, 'American Apocrypha: Essays on the Book of Mormon' gathers scholarly and critical essays that analyze the Book of Mormon's textual history, authorship theories, and early Mormon claims. The volume presents naturalistic and skeptical interpretations, including discussions of witness testimony reliability and alternative explanations like hallucination. Joseph references a specific essay from this collection when describing Dan Vogel's stance that hallucination might explain the witnesses. The book is significant in critical Mormon studies for collecting essays that challenge traditional apologetic accounts.

B. H. Roberts' "No Man Knows My History" is a monumental work of Mormon history, offering a comprehensive account of the life and teachings of Joseph Smith. The book delves into Smith's early life, his religious experiences, and the development of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Roberts presents a detailed narrative, drawing on a wide range of sources and offering a critical perspective on the historical record. The book is considered a classic of Mormon scholarship and has influenced generations of historians and theologians. It is known for its meticulous research and its insightful analysis of the complex historical context of early Mormonism. The book's impact on the understanding of Mormon history is undeniable.

In this book, Dr. Richard Lloyd Anderson provides a detailed examination of the lives and testimonies of the eleven witnesses who claimed to have seen and handled the golden plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. Anderson's research, drawn from original sources, verifies the consistency and integrity of the witnesses' testimonies despite personal costs and challenges. The book includes an analysis of the witnesses' backgrounds, their societal perceptions, and their unwavering commitment to their testimonies until their deaths. It also addresses potential criticisms and character assassinations aimed at the witnesses, concluding that their testimonies must be taken at face value.