Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Reader's Guide

This is absolutely the most interesting book I have ever read concerning the Book of Mormon. Grant Hardy brings the text of the book of Mormon some of the tools used in the analysis of historical and literary texts. Specifically, Hardy is examining the work of the three editors of the Book of Mormon: Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni. Each of these three individuals had various texts available to them which they abridged and crafted into what is now the Book of Mormon (this according to the Book of Mormon itself). Grant's result is some most interesting insights into the minds of these men. I must admit that I felt the text grew tedious in the final sections examining Mormon's contributions, but otherwise Grant's analysis was very engaging.

Approaches "The Book of Mormon" from a literary standpoint, setting aside the question of authorship to concentrate on structure and composition. Posits that Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni display different methods of both, disclosing different motives and distinct personalities.
Builds an impressive case for the deliberate use of sophisticated compositional techniques.
In the process, creates a very useful cross-referencing tool for study of "The Book of Mormon" as scripture.
I don't accept all of his psycho-bio conclusions, but they are interesting and well-argued.

(Reread 2015-05-05 to 2015-06-14)
This was my second reading (read library copy in 2013).
Hardy based his analysis on the research he did to write his "Book of Mormon: Reader's show more Edition" (some of the footnotes include information related to that work).
He presents the LDS Scripture as a literary endeavor, without judging who actually wrote it, but rather accepting the internally identified authors at face value, and evaluates their literary style and authorial ambitions from that viewpoint. show less

After a 180 year history, Hardy provides us with the first "literary critique" of the Book of Mormon. His commentary is insightful and helpful for the interested reader desiring to understand this self-proclaimed ancient sacred record. It will not be convincing to those who do not accept the book for what it purports to be, but it is a fresh look at how to appreciate the book in its own context.

I heard a radio interview w/ Grant Hardy and his wife. They compared the Book of Mormon to V. Nabokov’s Pale Fire. That alone made me want to read it. And I did, and I'm in the middle of reading it again. This book will transform your understanding of the book -- that description's vague, I'll add more to it later.

04/2013: read it again.