Selections from the Book of Mormon

by Brigham Young 

First edition, in Deseret Alphabet.  New York:  Published for the Deseret University by Russell Bros., 1869  

Hardback is overall in VERY GOOD condition.

• Pale blue illustrated paper covers have black ink text and illustration.  
• Quarter leatherbound in dark blue. 
• Boards show some smudges, discoloration, bumps, a small tear at front lower edge, a small scrape to back board, edgewear.  Corners are bumped, scuffed.  See photos. 
• Leather spine has gilt text and tooled ornament and is bright with bumped ends.
• Binding is strong. 
• End papers/ pastedowns show little to no sign of age or wear; one mark at rear pastedown.  See photos.
• Interior exhibits minimal signs of age and wear.  Inside pages are free of writing and intentional marks.
• PS2024.1204

116 pages. 5 1/2 x 8 5/8 inches

A very good copy of this first edition, quarter bound in leather, unmarked and bright.  A pronouncing alphabet for Deseret faces the title page.  One of four books printed in the Deseret Alphabet, a phonetic alphabet developed under the direction of Brigham Young in the mid-19th century.  This book, containing selections from the Book of Mormon, was intended as a school reader.  Two school primers were also printed in the Deseret Alphabet, as well as the full Book of Mormon.  

The Deseret Alphabet was introduced in 1854, created by Parley P. Pratt, Heber C. Kimball, and George D. Watt.  Made up of thirty-eight characters to correlate with basic sounds in the English language, the creation of the language was one the more unusual ideas of Brigham Young.  It was never embraced in the way he thought it would be, and the Deseret Alphabet was quickly abandoned shortly after Young's death.  

Printed with fonts specially created for the purpose. 

Please see photos. More photos available upon request.

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