This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2023
[SOJOURNER TRUTH, née BAUMFREE, Isabella (1797-1883), association]. STONE, William L. (1792-1844). Matthias and His Impostures: or, the Progress of Fanaticism. New-York: Harper & Brothers, 1835. 12mo. 347, [12, publisher’s ads]. First edition. Publisher’s full blind-stamped cloth, spine lettered in gilt. Spine sunned and worn, some wear, soiling to boards, front hinge cracked, rear hinge starting, three ownership inkstamps (including one for Geo. B. Mason), bookseller’s ticket on ffep, endleaves foxed and soiled, some foxing, rubbing to text. Text a bit shaken and skewed. Still, a very good example of this rare book on the case of cult leader and con man Robert Matthews (1788-1841 – sometimes known as “Matthias”), who had been charged with murdering one of his patrons, Elijah Pierson. Matthew’s servant, Isabella Baumfree, was also charged with murder; both Matthews and Isabella (later known as Sojourner Truth) were acquitted. In 1835, Matthews (as “Matthias”) met with Mormon leader Joseph Smith (1805-1844), where they discussed reincarnation; apparently the meeting didn’t go well, as they later denounced each other as being in league with the Devil. Sabin 92146.