Traidtions of the Fathers wins Award at AML

[nealr]

I know that Book of Mormon historicity is recurring topic of discussion here, so I thought some folks might be interested to learn that Brant Gardner's book Traditions of the Fathers: The Book of Mormon as History won the 2015 Best Religious Non-Fiction Award from the Association of Mormon Letters. The announcement from AML is here. 

Quote

 

This outstanding contribution synthesizes cutting edge Book of Mormon scholarship in a compelling addition to the discussion on Book of Mormon historicity. Himself a seasoned scholar of the Book of Mormon, Gardner adds depth and nuance to the intricacies surrounding Book of Mormon historicity and provides both laypersons and scholars alike with an excellent resource on this topic. With the Book of Mormon receiving increased scholarly attention both inside and outside of Mormon circles, including scholarly investigations into the narrative, theology, reception history, and transmission of the text, Traditions of the Fathers should rightfully take center place in the discussion on the book’s historicity.

Gardner convincingly argues that the Book of Mormon can be taken seriously as an ancient record. His fruitful methodology of seeking “convergences” (not “proofs”) between the text and the archaeological record is illuminating. Whether it is geographical, cultural, or linguistic convergences with the ancient Near East or pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, Gardner has marshaled a substantive body of correlations between the Book of Mormon and the ancient world that should raise important questions for readers of the text on all sides of the debate. For these and other reasons, Traditions of the Fathers is essential reading for any student of the Book of Mormon, and is this year’s winner of the Non-Fiction Award.

 

It is my personal opinion that Brant's book is a must read on the historical background of the Book of Mormon. It is the most significant volume on the topic published since John L. Sorenson's groundbreaking Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon, published back in 1985. If you want to get it, but have been waiting to read it, now is a good time because Kofford is offering 20% off in wake of the award. You just have to use the code AML at check out on Kofford's website.

http://gregkofford.com/collections/frontpage/products/bofm-as-history

Again, I can't recommend it enough. Whether you fall on the side of history or fiction for the Book of Mormon, Brant's book will give you new perspectives to consider and new questions to ask. 

[Rivers]

Is it shorter than Sorensen's book? 

[nealr]

1 hour ago, Rivers said:

Is it shorter than Sorensen's book? 

Much shorter than Mormon's Codex. About the same size as his 1985 volume.

[Robert F. Smith]

 

[Derl Sanderson]

Good for Brant. He has contributed so much to our understanding of the BOM. I will certainly get and read it. His The Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon was a wonderful read as well.