The House of the Lord

6b James Talmage. Salt Lake City: The Deseret News, 1912. First Edition. 

Notes

The House of the Lord, first published in 1912, is a significant work of religious history and theology by James E. Talmage, exploring the sacred purpose, history, and symbolism of temples within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The book traces the tradition of temple worship from ancient biblical times to the construction of Latter-day Saint temples, with particular attention to the Salt Lake Temple and the religious ordinances performed within these sacred spaces. Notably, the original edition includes photographic illustrations of the Salt Lake Temple’s interior, offering a rare historical glimpse into rooms and architectural details ordinarily inaccessible to the general public. Published during a period of increasing public interest in Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices, The House of the Lord became an influential explanation of temple worship and remains an important historical resource for understanding the Church’s religious traditions and early twentieth-century temple architecture.

James E. Talmage (1862–1933) was an English-born American scientist, educator, theologian, and prominent leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Trained in chemistry and geology, Talmage served as a professor and later president of the University of Utah before being called to the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1911. His scientific background and scholarly approach profoundly influenced his religious writing, which sought to explain Latter-day Saint doctrine through careful organization, scriptural analysis, and historical context. In addition to The House of the Lord, he authored influential theological works including Jesus the Christ (1915) and The Articles of Faith (1899). His writings became foundational texts in Latter-day Saint religious education, establishing him as one of the Church’s most influential theologians of the early twentieth century.

Description 

Light blue canvas binding with darker blue illustration of the Salt Lake Temple on the upper board. Gilt lettering to upper board and spine. Some slight softening to head and foot of spine. Green and gold patterned endpapers. Gilt top edge. Fine condition.