early Mormon Owner Chloe Harris Palmyra NY signed 1835 World Religions woodcuts

(Old Books, 19th Century Books, Leather Books, Religion, Judaism, Islam, Catholicism, Quakers, Hinduism, Shintoism, Mormonism, Illustrated Books).

Religious Ceremonies and Customs; or, the Forms of Worship Practiced by the Several Nations of the Known World, From the Earliest Records to the Present Time. One the Basis of the Celebrated and Splendid Work of Bernard Picart, to which is Added a Brief View of Minor Sects, Which Exist at the Present Day, Designed Especially For the Use of Families, Not Only as Entertaining and Instructive, But of Great Importance as a Work of Reference, by Charles A. Goodrich.
Published 1834, Hartford, Connecticut by Hutchinson and Dwier.
576 pages. Text in English. Early hnd-made bookplate by/ of Lucy Bowman (died 1889 at 81 years old?).
Wood engraved frontispiece. Well illustrated throughout with dozens of almost folk-art 1/2 page woodcuts. 

Attractive antiquarian full leather binding, smooth spine, gilt bands & title lettering. 

**Book deserves further deeper research** 

Early 1835 owner's signature of Chloe Harris, apparently a very early member of the original Mormon community at Palmyra, NY (population in 1825 was approx. 4,613).- seems highly possible/ likely Chloe Harris was related to or even possibly married to Martin Harris (1783-1875), one of the original three witnesses of the golden plates "seen" by Mormon founder Joseph Smith. If this is so, this places the book directly very close to Mormon’s founder Joseph Smith, the golden plates and the very founding of Mormonism at this key historical moment and location. We note a particular name is highlighted in early pencil within the section on early Judaism (by Chloe? Why?). *Book deserves further research*  

An incredible association copy of unlimited historical value given the proximity it had to Joseph Smith. It’s entirely conceivable and not far fetched to suggest Smith may have even held and browsed the book while visiting the house of Harris, etc. Visturally any book at this date and location would have all been somewhat uncommon/ scarce, expensive to come by and of keen interest to anyone around them who could read and had intellectual interests, particularly historical religious ones. Smith was clearly well aware of religious history and if books could talk we’d potentially have an incredible story to hear.

Book is physically old and shows some signs of handling and time. 

Binding gently age worn but still appealing, leather and joints slightly rubbed but still supple, various small scuffs and edge wear, remains overall very attractive as a hand-made object.

Text block paper is well age toned and spotted as typical, one plate with neatly repaired edge tear, internally book remains mostly tight and sound. A book which has been taken care of but may/ does not look like new.

Still attractive on the shelf. Book displays a pleasing and unique age patina and is in rather nice antiquarian condition, any age flaws seem easy to overlook or forgive. 

We often over-describe relatively normal or minor flaws that many sellers would not even bother to mention since most people would overlook them as unworthy of comment. Many people tell us the books they receive from us are nicer in person than they appears on the screen. We want you to be clear about what you are buying, so we take numerous photos and try to describe it openly and honestly. We accept returns, so we're on your side in any transaction. Thank you for being reasonable, if you have any doubts about condition or have very high expectations/ needs for super-fine, we advise you to not purchase the item so as to avoid disappointment.

Book Measures c. 8" H x 5" W.

[B14313].