Doubleday will publish basic Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon will be published in its first commercial edition by a major trade publisher this fall.

The foundational religious text for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which dates to 1830, will be published by Doubleday in New York and released to bookstores Nov. 16. Latter-day Saints consider the Book of Mormon to be a companion volume to the Bible.

The publishing agreement marks the first time that a trade publisher has handled distribution of the book outside church circles.

Elder Henry B. Eyring, a member of the church’s Council of Twelve Apostles and its Scripture Committee, considers the new version to be appropriate for nonchurch members.

“The new edition uses the authorized text, so buying new Scriptures is not necessary,” he said in a statement. “However, many members may feel that this new edition would be an ideal gift for friends who are not members of the church.”

The hardcover book, which will cost $24.95, will not feature the extensive cross-references and index that the volume used by Latter-day Saints contains. Footnotes have been deleted, and a reference guide is included to aid those not as familiar with the teachings of the religious group with 12 million members worldwide.