Lot 142
  • 142

Smith, Joseph

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 USD
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Description

The Book of Mormon: An Account written by the Hand of Mormon, upon Plates taken from the Plates of Nephi. Palmyra: Printed by E. B. Grandin, for the author, 1830



8vo (7 3/8 x 4 1/2 in.; 187 x 115 mm). With the penultimate leaf of testimonies and the final blank; foxed and browned, as usual, some early underscoring on pp. 12–13. Contemporary sheep; spine lost, covers detached, text block a bit shaken, title-page loose.

Literature

Church 1342; Flake 595; Grolier/American 37; Howes S623; Sabin 83038; Streeter sale 4:2262

Condition

The Book of Mormon: An Account written by the Hand of Mormon, upon Plates taken from the Plates of Nephi. Palmyra: Printed by E. B. Grandin, for the author, 1830 8vo (7 3/8 x 4 1/2 in.; 187 x 115 mm). With the penultimate leaf of testimonies and the final blank; foxed and browned, as usual, some early underscoring on pp. 12–13. Contemporary sheep; spine lost, covers detached, text block a bit shaken, title-page loose.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

First edition: the only edition with Smith's preface and the only edition to identify Smith as the author of the text; all subsequent editions have designated him as the translator. The present copy retains the elusive leaf of "The Testimony of Three Witnesses [recto] | And Also the Testimony of Eight Witnesses [verso]," all of whom affirm that they had seen the original golden tablets of Nephi. A two-leaf index was printed after the Book of Mormon was published and distributed; it is appropriately not present here, as it is indicative of a later issue.