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[1841 Articles of Agreement to Publish the Anti-Mormon Book, Gleanings by the Way, by Rev. John A. Clark of Philadelphia].
[1841 Articles of Agreement to Publish the Anti-Mormon Book, Gleanings by the Way, by Rev. John A. Clark of Philadelphia].

[1841 Articles of Agreement to Publish the Anti-Mormon Book, Gleanings by the Way, by Rev. John A. Clark of Philadelphia].

Clark’s book on travels in the U.S. includes extensive coverage of Joseph Smith, the “Golden Bible,” and the founding of the Mormon church


1841 “Articles of Agreement” or contract between Philadelphia author Rev. John A. Clark of Philadelphia and publishers Washington J. Simon and James K. Simon. (The Simons were possibly of Jewish faith.) The Simons hereby agree to print, bind, and sell 2,000 copies of Clark’s American travel narrative and anti-Mormon book, Gleanings by the Way, see Flake 2388; Howes C-440.

Clark’s book, subsequently published in 1842, contains extensive coverage and criticism of the foundation, doctrines, and Midwestern sojourn of the Mormon church.

Clark’s 345-page book was published by the Simons in Philadelphia in 1842. It had previously been published in parts in the Episcopal Recorder beginning in 1840. The Simons apparently enlisted Robert Carter of New York as co-publisher, though the latter is not mentioned in the contract.

The Simons acknowledge Clark as holder of the book’s copyright and Clark gives them the exclusive right to print and sell the book for one year. The articles explicitly state that after the costs of “the printer, paper seller and book binder” are determined, the cost of each book will be determined and that Clark will receive “one half of the profits accruing on each copy sold.”

Almost 40% of Gleanings by the Way describes the early Mormons, their removal to Ohio and Missouri, and such topics as Mormon banking. The text also includes much on Mormon prophet Joseph Smith; Smith’s father-in-law, Isaac Hale; Solomon Spaulding; Philastus Hurlbut; and the “Three Witnesses” to the authenticity of the golden plates from which Smith translated the Book of Mormon, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris.

Book contracts for 19th century Mormon and anti-Mormon titles, by their very specific nature, suggest they would be of great rarity.


Description: [1841 Articles of Agreement to Publish the Anti-Mormon Book, Gleanings by the Way, by Rev. John A. Clark of Philadelphia].

Philadelphia, September 20, 1841. [1]p. Bifolium; docketing on verso. Approx. 12½ x 8 inches. Folds; very good.

[3726411]

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