Beschreibung:

Title: The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon, Upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi Author: Smith, Joseph, Jr. Place: Palmyra, [NY] Publisher: Printed by E. B. Grandin, for the Author Date: 1830 Description: 588, [2] pp. 18.7x11.5 cm. (7½x4½"), original sheep, rebacked with original spine strip laid on, black leather spine label lettered in gilt. First Edition. First edition of the cornerstone text of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, complete with the rare leaf of testimonials at the end. Whether actually written by Joseph Smith, Jr., founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or translated by him from the text engraved on the gold “Plates of Nephi” that were presented to Smith by Moroni, son of the prophet Mormon, the Book of Mormon remains the most important of the writings of one of America’s most successful theocracies and most enduring communal movements. In the first edition only was Smith named as author; in all subsequent ones he is designated as translator. The first edition was also the only one carrying his two-page preface. Flake 595; Howes S623; Sabin 83038; Streeter 2262. With contemporary ink inscription on the front free endpapers, which appears to be "Dear Cousin Clea," and below that, in the same hand, "Routs"(?). On the rear free endpaper, in the same hand, is written "Dear Cousin Cousin," perhaps practicing the inscription. A later, neat pencil signature of John A. Hull is on the front flyleaf. The spine label on this copy appears to have been refurbished, and the gilt restamped, when the book was rebacked. Lot Amendments Condition: Moderate scuffing and wear to covers, dampstain to lower corners of last 15 or so pages affecting text, contents foxed, mostly light to moderate but heavy at times, a very good copy, in modern custom-made folding morocco box. Item number: 211889