Amazon.com description: Product Description: The amazing achievements of the last hundred years in technology and science are paralleled by significant strides in Book of Mormon studies. Echoes and Evidences of the Book of Mormon takes inventory of some of the most fascinating ancient elements of the Book of Mormon. Professor Hugh Nibley once asked: "Does the Book of Mormon have authentic historical backgrounds? Is its local color correct?" As ha and others have shown, the Book of Mormon contains numerous "hits" or "bull's-eyes," significant parallels with the ancient world that were often unknowable in the world of Joseph Smith. The sheer number alone is impressive. In this volume, scholars trained in biblical studies, archaeology, classics, history, law, linguistics, anthropology, political science,philosophy, Near East studies, literature, and other relevant fields present some of their favorite evidences that support the Book of Mormon's claim to ancient origins. The cumulative effect is weighty. The book features an article by Elder Neal A. Maxwell, and a convenient method for locating specific hits. The contributors have successfully mined the Book of Mormon for * points clearly present in ancient sources * details that are not obvious or commonplace * Patterns that are complex or intricate * features that are unusual or distinctive * information that was little known in the 1820s * insights that are require training to detect even today. These uncovered echoes from the past are resounding evidences that the Book of Mormon is an ancient book.