Select Orations of Cicero With English Notes by Charles Anthon, LL.D - 1855: Critical and Explanatory, And Historical, Geographical, And Legal Indexes

This antiquarian book is in fair condition. The binding is loose and cracked along the spine The cover is very worn on the edges corner and spine. There appears to be some water damage as well as some mold and mildew damage. The pages are yellowed and tanned and warped.The previous owners signature is on the front end page dated 1858. This book is a wonderful collectors item, but needs some good care and repair.

Charles Anthon is famous in connection with the history of the Latter Day Saint movement because of his interactions with Martin Harris concerning a fragment of Joseph Smith's translation of the Book of Mormon. The fragment was later known as the Anthon Transcript. According to Harris, Anthon wrote Harris a letter of authenticity declaring the fragment to contain true Egyptian characters. Anthon was also reported to have confirmed the translation of these characters as correct. When informed that an angel of God had revealed the characters to Joseph Smith, Anthon reportedly tore up the authentication stating that there was no such thing as angels and asked Harris to bring the plates to him for translation. Martin Harris went to Dr. Samuel L. Mitchill afterwards and received a letter of authenticity from him. Anthon, however, disagreed with Harris' version of their encounter and stated in a letter to a Mr. E.D. Howe on February 17, 1834, that the story of Anthon's authentication was false, that Anthon had identified the writings as a hoax, and that Anthon had told Harris that the writings were part of "a scheme to cheat the farmer [Martin Harris] of his money...."