From London, 1857
“The Mormon book dealer, from accident, necessity or design, is like the Gentiles of the profession—in quiet retirement. At the corner of a quiet narrow street, and a still quieter and narrower crescent…the attention of the passer-by is arrested by a great display of busts, engravings, and books, set off in the best manner, to ensure at least a momentary examination. This is the “Latter Day Saints’ book depot,” in the city. The busts are representations of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the engravings are the twelve Apostles and the leading elders of the movement, for the adornment of the walls and mantles of the dwellings of the disciples. The books and pamphlets are of course for the edification of Jew and Gentiles, but here the Mormons display considerable tact. Books are not in this window arranged for the display of the binder’s taste and handicraft. Propagandism is the one aim of the Mormons, and here they displace some cunning in the manner they set about it. An open page with some startling vision the relation of some astounding miracle; an argument on the principles of faith, and, not the least attractive of all, something rich on polygamy. Can all be read at this window for nothing. By way of business, this is not a bad dodge, Once interested, the passerby is almost certain to turn in to get the work—the end of the story; at least I speak from experience."
The New York herald: NY-H no. 7764 (4 Dec 1857) p. 2, columns 5–6, 31 col. in.
No comments:
Post a Comment