These books are described as being abridged from a large quantity of existing records called "the large plates of Nephi" that detailed the people's history from the time of Omni to Mormon's own life.
Aceste cărți sunt descrise ca fiind niște rezumate ale unei mari cantități de scrieri denumite "plăcile mari ale lui Nefi" care detaliau viața oamenilor de la Omni pâna la Mormon.