The first book of Mormon poetry - photo 1

The first book of Mormon poetry

Lot 661
24.01.2025 00:00UTC +00:00
Classic
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CHRISTIE'S
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUnited Kingdom, London
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ID 1362380
Lot 661 | The first book of Mormon poetry
Estimate value
$ 7 000 – 10 000
The first book of Mormon poetry
Parley P. Pratt, 1835
PRATT, Parley Parker (1807-1857). The Millennium, A Poem. To which is Added Hymns and Songs on Various Subjects, New and Interesting, Adapted to the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. Boston: Printed for Elder Parley P. Pratt, Author and Proprietor, 1835.

A rare first edition of the first book of Mormon Poetry, and Pratt's second published work, the first recounting the egging he endured at the hands of the local band when attempting to preach in Mentor, Ohio in April 1835. Recently called as one of the new Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Pratt was already gaining prominence as a highly-influential writer of the Latter Day Saint movement. "Parley’s book of poems, produced merely for his own pleasure, demonstrates that, by the summer of 1835, writing had become an important part of his life." (Crawley) According to the preface, the verse "was written in about two months, while journeying the distance of ten or twelve hundred miles, and preaching almost daily, and also attending seven or eight general conferences of the elders of the church.” According to Crawley, "this clearly refers to the missionary journey of the Twelve that extended from May 4 to September 26, 1835, during which Parley Pratt twice visited the city of Boston. On August 13, 1835, he took out a copyright for The Millennium, a Poem in the District Clerk’s Office in Boston, and on September 5 deposited a copy of the book. Three years later he advertised it on the back wrapper of Mormonism Unveiled: Zion’s Watchman Unmasked (item 45) at 12 1/2¢ a copy." (Ibid.)

Rare. RBH records the last copy to appear at auction in 1913 (The Library of William Nelson, Anderson Galleries, 13 October 1913, lot 1146). Crawley 21, Flake 6609, recording copies at Yale, Library of Congress, Brigham Young University, Church Historical Department, LDS, Salt Lake City.

12mo, 146 x 188mm (mild dustsoiling to title last several pages). String bound with remnants of front cover on lower spine.
Category:Services
Auction house category:Books, Books and manuscripts
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St. James's
SW1Y 6QT London
United Kingdom
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24.01.2025 – 24.01.2025
Phone +44 (0)20 7839 9060
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