Deseret News | Reader comments: Auction to feature first-edition Book of Mormon

Reader comments
Auction to feature first-edition Book of Mormon

28 comments | Read story

james stowe | 5:45 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

who cares, and who would want it?

Hmm | 6:28 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

Many people.

John Hv. | 6:43 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

Dear James Stowe. What a strange thing to say. I would like to have had the book and so would many many others.

Comments continue below

this is pretty interesting | 7:16 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

i lived in that area and once came across such items when clearing out some old houses ,good for these people..i hope they are shared because of the sacrifices made and i am not a member but have respect for anything good.

Naisho | 7:43 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

James, you apparently cared enough to read the article.

Conejo | 7:59 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

I don't think Joseph Smith would have ever imagined this. He thoughts the words in the book were priceless. But the paper it was written on?

Camille | 8:09 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

I would love to have a first edition of the Book of Mormon. And if I ever discovered that I had one in my things given me that have been passed down I would never give it up and I would hope my family wouldn't either after I pass on. It's priceless.

Ernest T. Bass | 8:41 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

Camille: Actually there is a price: $110,000

Dave | 9:16 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

You can get a copy at Church Distribution for $2.00

Frank | 9:20 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

In 1985 I visited Zion's Book store and was able to see 16 1st edition Books of Mormon in Sam Wellers desk (safe). At the time I could have bought one for $5,000. I declined and now realize what a mistake I made. To James....I would!

Mark | 9:24 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

I have to admit, the motivation to spend that much money on an old book escapes me, unless it is for the investment value.

"Missouri-based rare book collector John Hajicek, who owns 80 1830 editions of the Book of Mormon..."

seems like a sick obsession to me, but on the other hand, it's his money.

Sara | 9:37 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

I would like to compare it to what the modern books of mormon say - for that it has value to me - the ever changing docturine is very interesting to me.

MoJules | 9:50 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

That was a interesting article to read, have to say to Emma, you go girl, you are the top seller. In all honesty, I would rather have the $2.00 one that I can open and read, I would be afraid to touch a 180,000 one.

Ignore them | 10:03 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

People like James Stowe show that those who are disenchanted with the church can't help reading about it and commenting about it. I believe that they are free to their opinion. However, if this posting area of the Deseret News becomes the atheist's dream posting site like the Salt Lake Tribune, I will no longer read it.

NonMormon | 10:17 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

I would be interested in a 1830 edition of Book Of Mormon. But I can't afford for such a huge amount. I would use to compare with the recent version of Book Of Mormon, and see the modifications myself.

The Book Of Mormon now seems to be pricer than the original golden plates.

Kia | 10:17 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

For those of us whose ancestors lost all they had, suffered Governor Boggs' Extermination Order, the Haun's Mill Massacre, the burning of their homes in Nauvoo, and the migration across the Great Plains, so that this particular book could survive and see print, it represents a link to our own history, and our own families. It's something tangible, much like a loved heirloom that has been passed down generation after generation in any other family. How much would you pay, for example, if you could own a piece of your family history from 175 years ago? Something that your ancestors fought and died to preserve? Maybe a flag from the War of 1812 held by a great-great grandfather who died in the battle, or an original copy of the Declaration of Independance signed by a great-great-great uncle? Perhaps this book doesn't mean anything to Mr. James Stowe, or anyone else who doesn't have a personal connection to it. But there are many of us who would give up much to have it, just as our own ancestors gave up much to make sure it existed in the first place.

Ty | 10:36 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

Being a non mormon living in Utah I would love to have something like this. And It's the same thing as having a Babe Ruthe rookie card. To each their own! I think it's quite interesting and thank you for posting this. I'm sure all the critics out there would like to have one of the first prints of the bible. Same thing.

Tim | 10:58 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

Is this book historical or fiction?

Odd | 11:01 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

did I read that front page correctly? Dose it say "Joseph Smith Junior, Author and Proprietor"? Doesn't the "new" one read "translated by"?

Sean | 11:10 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

How do they know that there are 250 copies yet to be accounted for? Seems like if they are yet to be accounted for, they wouldn't know how many there were!

for Odd | 11:56 a.m. Dec. 11, 2007

That was publishing law at the time in New York (maybe still is?) -- a name had to be listed as "author", even in books for which we would now show an editor's name, like reference books.

Also good to know --
Many crooks just used an obviously phony 'name', and wrote imaginative garbage about Joseph Smith.
Haven't heard of them? Because what they wrote was not worth remembering.

Joseph's product, a divine translation, has stood the many tests, been published in 106+ languages, changed millions of lives for the better, is studied and accepted by tens of thousands of highly educated people (2 Harvard Deans/Dept Heads come to mind -- they left for lower-paying jobs as college presidents because of the profound importance of the message associated with the Book), and still irritates the heck out of a few who pick at every weakness of anyone else, but couldn't stand scrutiny of their own beliefs.

Camille | 4:39 p.m. Dec. 11, 2007

Ernest T. Bass: Maybe the world can put a price on it. But in one's heart you can't.

ReJames Stowe | 4:54 p.m. Dec. 11, 2007

It will go for double that in 10 years,

If I had 200K floating around, I grab 2.

ignore them yes.. | 10:06 p.m. Dec. 11, 2007

I looked at the postings for one reason, to see if the bed bugs were still present. Anti Mormon sentiment is on the increase and have joined the forces of Satan, howling and nipping at the heels of the church as it rools forth to fill the whole earth. It is nice to be on the winning team fellow Latter Day Saints. "The Kingdom, and the greatness of the Kingdom under heaven shall be given to the saints of the most high and they shall possess it forever. (Daniel 7)"Zion is a perfection of beauty out of which God will shine". Ps. 50 I am so glad to be a little part of it. I am so glad my family is a part of this great work also. Thanks Heavenly Father for the Book of Mormon and it's testimony of the Savior.

crimendelsiglo | 8:06 a.m. Dec. 12, 2007

wouldn't it be beyond cool to be able to make a sincere offer of an original to mr stowe ? and see if that makes a difference.
that's what dreams are made of

son of seller | 11:30 p.m. Dec. 20, 2007

I was uphauled at the news of the sale. For anyone who has a comparable book, Please consider your family and keep it as a heirloom. I really hope the trips and new car will be worth it.

Jodler | 8:16 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008

The words are priceless, and you can find the same priceless words in the Distribution Center's $2.00 copy.

I think I might sell my first edition...

Grammar & Spelling Cop | 10:32 a.m. Oct. 18, 2008

I was appalled at someone being "uphauled"!

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