Book of Mormon Liverpool, 1841

5WS Translated by Joseph Smith. Liverpool: J. Tompkins, First European Edition. 1841. With Facsimile Title and Witness Pages.

Notes

The Book of Mormon is a central work of scripture in the Latter-day Saint tradition, considered by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be another testament of Jesus Christ alongside the Bible. The book is an ancient record written by prophets who lived on the American continent between approximately 600 B.C. and 400 A.D. It was translated by Joseph Smith, who said he received the record on golden plates from an angel named Moroni in the early 19th century. Smith translated the text by divine means, publishing it in 1830.

The Book of Mormon tells the story of two major civilizations descended from Israelites who fled Jerusalem before its destruction. It covers their histories, wars, spiritual teachings, and eventual downfall. Central to the narrative is the appearance of Jesus Christ in the Americas after His resurrection, where He teaches His gospel to the people. The Book of Mormonemphasizes faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and enduring to the end. It is seen by believers as a witness that Jesus is the Savior of all people and serves as a complement to the Bible in teaching God’s plan for humanity. 

The second edition of the Book of Mormon, printed in Liverpool in 1841 was the first edition of the Book of Mormon published outside the United States and marked a major step in the global expansion of the church. Overseen by Apostle Brigham Young and published by John Taylor and Parley P. Pratt while serving as missionaries in England, this edition made the book accessible to the rapidly growing number of British converts during a time of intense missionary activity in the British Isles.

The Liverpool edition was based on the original 1837 second U.S. edition but included minor typographical and grammatical corrections. More importantly, it symbolized the church's increasing international focus and demonstrated the leadership's commitment to providing converts abroad with access to core scripture. This edition helped cement the Book of Mormon's role as a foundational text for new members and contributed to the faith's doctrinal and organizational unity as it spread across continents.

Description

Green leather boards. Octavo. Gilt lettering on the spine. All edges gilt. Facsimile title page and witness page but all else original. Some minor scuffing, bumps, and discoloration to the green leather binding. All points bumped. Some creasing to the spine. Very fine condition overall.