This volume presents one unique feature, in that it is the first attempt made to illustrate the Book of Mormon; and we have pleasure in realizing that the leading illustrations are the work of home artists. To break fresh ground in such a direction is no light undertaking; the difficulties are numerous, none more so than the absence of information in the Book of Mormon of the dress and artificial surroundings of the peoples whose history it recounts. Each artist has given his own ideas of the scenes depicted, and as so much is left to the imagination, some readers will doubtless praise where others will blame; and the same effort will be the subject of the most conflicting criticism. Not the least interesting feature of the book will, we believe, be found in the reproductions of portions of certain ancient Aztec historical charts. These have been the subjects of controversy for centuries past; many efforts have been made at their translation; but all such attempts have been ineffectual, and in many cases ludicrous. It required the publication of the Book of Mormon to turn on them the light of divine truth, when their intent at once became apparent. Others, we trust, in time will be discovered which will be added testimonies to its genuineness and divine authenticity, as well as to the sacred mission of the instrument in God's hands in bringing it forth--the youthful Prophet, Joseph Smith. GEO. REYNOLDS December, 1888. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION. America the first inhabited of all Lands--Its Ancient Peoples--The Garden of Eden--The Antediluvians--The Jaredites--The Nephites and Lamanites 15 CHAPTER I. Ancient Jerusalem--Lehi--His Vision--His Call to Preach to the Jews--They Persecute Him--He is Commanded of God to take his Family into the Wilderness--Their Departure--The Return of his Sons to Jerusalem to obtain the Records. They are ill-treated by Laban--His Death--Zoram Accompanies the Brothers into the Wilderness 18 CHAPTER II. The Rejoicing Over the Records--Nephi and his Brothers again Return to Jerusalem--They Conduct Ishmael and his Family into the Wilderness--Lehi's Dream--The Tree of Life--The Rod of Iron--The Boturini Manuscript--Nephi's Vision 25 CHAPTER III. Marriages in the Company--The Liahona--The Journey Continued--Nephi Breaks his Bow--Death of Ishmael--They Reach the Ocean--Nephi Builds a Ship--They Cross the Great Waters and Reach the Promised Land 35 CHAPTER IV.