The Book of Mormon: Rare Book of the Week

This week's rare book of the week is a first edition Joseph Smith's The Book of Mormon: An Account Written by the Hand of Mormon, Upon Plates Taken from the Plates of Nephi which is coming up in Potter & Potter's September 4 Select Rarities: Exceptional Books & Manuscripts auction with an estimate of $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 (as I type it's up at $130,000 already).

The Book of Mormon was published in March 1830 in Palmyra, New York, printed in a run of 5,000 by Egbert B. Grandin publisher of the Wayne Sentinel. This copy is bound in near contemporary full calf, with the ownership bookplate and inkstamps of Utah businessman and bibliophile J. Eastman Hatch (1894-1984).

Hatch was the son-in-law of businessman Charles W. Nibley who was a member of the Latter Day Saints Church's First Presidency from 1925 until his death. 

Smith is referred to “Author and Proprietor" on the title-page with later editions refer to him as “Translator" of the golden plates shown to him by the angel Moroni on the hill of Cumorah, near Manchester, NY. This foundational text was printed a fortnight before the Mormon Church was officially established.