Scrapbook of Mormon Literature Vols. 1 & 2 (Unknown Publishing Date) ~ Published by Ben. E. Rich

Scrapbook of Mormon Literature Vols. 1 & 2

Published by Ben. E. Rich

Published: N/A

2 fair condition, maroon hardcovers with no dust jackets.  The covers have stains, fading, scuffing, tears, crushed corners, wrinkling, and fraying.  The internal binding of Vol. 2 is torn and loose.  Some pages have stains, tape, residue, creases, notes or marks written in pen or pencil, or eraser marks.

Scrapbook of Mormon Literature is a two-volume compilation by Ben E. Rich, an early Latter-day Saint missionary, writer, and later president of the Southern States Mission. First published in the early 20th century, the work gathers sermons, essays, historical sketches, poetry, doctrinal explanations, and missionary defenses of the faith.

Purpose and Character

Rich created the Scrapbook as a defense and exposition of Mormonism, especially useful for missionaries responding to critics. It compiles arguments supporting:

• The divine calling of Joseph Smith

• The authenticity of the Book of Mormon

• Modern revelation and priesthood authority

• The restoration of the Church

The tone is confident and apologetic, reflecting the missionary environment of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when public debates over Mormonism were common.

Historical Value

Beyond doctrine, the volumes preserve:

• Early LDS sermons and writings

• Missionary tracts and rebuttals

• Insight into how Latter-day Saints answered critics in that era

Because of its breadth, the Scrapbook serves both as a doctrinal resource and a historical window into early LDS apologetics.