James E. Talmage was a renowned chemist, geologist, and religious leader who served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1911 to 1933. In 1899, at the requested by the First Presidency of the Church, Elder Talmage published a comprehensive text on the fundamental beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ titled "The Articles of Faith." The book follows the thirteen religious tenets of the same name published by the prophet, Joseph Smith, in 1842. Today, "The Articles of Faith" remains one of the most comprehensive and authoritative books on the restored Church of Jesus Christ and the beliefs of its members.