The Mormons, or Latter-Day Saints – Henry Mayhew – 1852 | Illustrated Mormonism London

This edition history of the Mormons, written by Henry Mayhew and edited by Charles Mackay, was printed in London in 1852. It covers the beginning of the Mormon movement: Joseph Smith’s early visions, the golden plates, and the printing of the Book of Mormon. The book follows the group’s struggles in Missouri, the building of Nauvoo, the death of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and their move west to what would become Utah. Throughout the book are many engravings showing these events, including scenes of conflict, migration, and community building.

This book follows the major turning points for the early Mormon church. It includes events like the Haun’s Mill massacre, the building of the Nauvoo Temple, and how church leaders handled opposition. Many scenes are illustrated, including group migrations, settlements, and key public moments.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Mormons, or, Latter-Day Saints:
• Author(s): Henry Mayhew
• Illustrator(s): uncredited
• Contributor(s): Charles Mackay (Editor)
• Publisher: London: Published at 337 Strand
• Edition: Third Edition, 1852.
• Format: Small octavo, single volume
• Binding: Original brown cloth
• Size:  7.5 in x 5.25 in (19 cm x 13.3 cm)
• Collation: viii, 9-320 pp
• Illustrations: Numerous in-text engravings (40)
• Contents Include:
  • Joseph Smith’s visions, the golden plates, and early teachings
  • The Book of Doctrines and Covenants and priesthood offices
  • Mob violence and forced removal from Missouri
  • Founding of Nauvoo and Smith’s rise in leadership
  • Smith’s death at Carthage Jail
  • Brigham Young’s role and the long journey west
  • Life in the Salt Lake Valley and growth of the church
  • British missionary work and public reactions
• Provenance: Handwritten inscription of [N. H. Woodman, Wadh. College, Oxford, 1859]

Condition:

Bound in the original blind-stamped brown cloth with gilt lettering on the spine. Minor rubbing to corners and spine ends, with section of mid-spine chipped away. Pages are complete, securely bound, and show expected age browning. All engravings are present, including the title vignette and frontispiece showing the attack on Carthage Jail. A solid copy in its original form.

Why Collect This?

• Written by social journalist Henry Mayhew
• Covers early Mormon history: visions, persecution, and resettlement
• Appeals to collectors of Mormon history, religious printing, or 19th-century social commentary

Item Number: #28726