Item Detail
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3615
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1
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0
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English
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The Hofmann Case : Six Issues
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Dialogue : A Journal of Mormon Thought
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Winter 1986
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19
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47-52
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In this article, the author raises six issues that arise as a result of the Hofmann case and then gives his preliminary answers. They are: 1) Is it likely or even possible that one person could locate authentic documents of the quality, quantity, and diverse type reportedly found by Mark Hofmann? Roberts feels that with the benefit of resources, researchers, and time, it is possible. 2) By what methods do dealers find rare documents? Roberts finds that methods vary, but all employ a good knowledge of the field, a willingness to research, and sufficient capital. 3) How do document dealers do business and command such high prices for pieces of paper? Roberts finds that the documents sell much like any commodity; that it is essentially a buy-low, sell-high business. 4) How did the prices for Mormon documents get so high? Are the prices realistic and a fair representation of value? Roberts attributes this to the fact that Mormon documents are often unique items with an unusual content. This is spurred by the environment in which Mormon documents are often viewed as priceless, one-of-a-kind antiquities. 5) What measures are taken to authenticate rare documents? Roberts finds that relatively little has been done. With regard to the forty-eight documents obtained by the Church from Mark Hofmann, only a few were tested. 6) The police have a long list of possible forgeries. How likely is it that all of them are, in fact, forged? Robert's answer to this question is mixed. Some experts feel that all may be forged, others do not.