The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unveils new history volume

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Tuesday released volume one of the first official multi-volume church history since 19-30.

” Saints The Standard of Truth ” goes from 1815 to 1846.

Two unique things about it — first, it is written in a simple, narrative style at a level even young teenagers can understand. Creative writers worked with historians.

Second, it doesn’t shy away from controversial issues like polygamy.

“The narrative is structured around the lives and stories of real Latter-day Saints” Church Publications Director, Matthew J. Grow said. “We presented the characters as three dimensional with struggles and triumphs, with flaws and with virtues. Saints also weaves into the larger narrative less known and potentially challenging topics. Readers will learn about the beginnings of plural marriage in the church by hearing the perspective of church leaders such as Joseph Smith but also hearing from some of the women involved . ”

The 699 page book costs $5.95 in hard copy, but is available entirely on line at saints.lds.org.

It will be available in 14 languages by the end of the year.