Jesus the Christ is undoubtedly Talmage's most well-known and enduring work; a must-read by many standards, it is an excellent choice for anyone interested in religion.

The Great Apostasy shows how the Church started by Christ became corrupt and invalid, and why it had to be restored by Heavenly Father.

THE GREAT APOSTASY CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF SCRIPTURAL AND SECULAR HISTORY
By James E. Talmage
Excerpt from Contents
I. Introduction: The Establishment of the Church of Christ
II. The Apostasy Predicted
III. Early Stages of the Apostasy
IV. Causes of the Apostasy - External Causes Considered
V. Causes of the Apostasy - External Causes, Continued
VI. Causes of the Apostasy - Internal Causes
VII. Internal Causes - Continued
VIII. Internal Causes - Continued
IX. Internal Causes - Continued
X. Results of the Apostasy - Its Sequel...

The Story of "Mormonism"as presented in the following pages is a revised and reconstructed version of lectures delivered by Dr. James E. Talmage at the University of Michigan, Cornell University, and elsewhere.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims the restoration of the Gospel and the re-establishment of the Church as of old, in this, the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. Such restoration and re-establishment, with the modern bestowal of the Holy Priesthood, would be unnecessary and indeed impossible had the Church of Christ continued among men with unbroken succession of Priesthood and power, since the "meridian of time."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims the restoration of the Gospel and the re-establishment of the Church as of old, in this, the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. Such restoration and re-establishment, with the modern bestowal of the Holy Priesthood, would be unnecessary and indeed impossible had the Church of Christ continued among men with unbroken succession of Priesthood and power, since the "meridian of time."

Importance of Theological Study.-In the short period of time that measures the span of mortal existence, it is not possible for man to explore any considerable portion of the vast realm of knowledge; it becomes, therefore, the part of wisdom to select for study the branches that promise to prove of the greatest worth. All truth is of value-above price indeed in its place; yet with respect to their possible application, some truths are of incomparably greater worth than are others.

In the short period of time that measures the span of mortal existence, it is not possible for man to explore any considerable portion of the vast realm of knowledge; it becomes, therefore, the part of wisdom to select for study the branches that promise to prove of the greatest worth. All truth is of value-above price indeed in its place; yet with respect to their possible application, some truths are of incomparably greater worth than are others.