The only thing claimed as a material change by any candid critic
is in the inscription page, the first copy reading, “Joseph Smith, Author and
Proprietor,” whereas in subsequent editions he is simply the “translator.” By
examining the first page of the original, however, I find that he is set out
there as the “translator,” and in the preface to the original he is clearly and
emphatically set forth as the translator only, so far as his work in the matter
is concerned, and hence it was not possible to have misled any reader by the
words “Author and Proprietor,” as they there appeared. (Edmund Levi Kelley
in Public Discussion of the Issues Between the Reorganized Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints and The Church of Christ [Disciples], Held in
Kirtland, Ohio, Beginning February 12th, and Closing March 8th, 1884 [Lamoni,
Iowa: The Herald Publishing House, 1913], 4)
Further Reading:
The 1830 Book of Mormon listing Joseph Smith as “Author and Proprietor”
