None Stated — Mount Sinai, or Compendious Observations on the Ten Commandments

New York , T. and J. Swords, 1816. Cloth. A vanishingly scarce pocket-book exploring the ten commandments, published for a New York charity for poor widows. A vanishingly scarce early 19th-century pocket-book on the ten commandments. "Published for the Benefit of the Society for the Relief of Poor Widows with small Children". No copies of this work found to be held institutionally, nor has it been recorded in past auctions. Bound in a later quarter cloth, with marbled paper boards. Tightly trimmed, slightly cutting the top of the title. Lacking front endpapers.The Society in question was a pioneering U.S. charity founded in New York City in 1797 by Presbyterian Isabella Graham and future nun Elizabeth Seton, dedicated to providing food, clothing, education, and work like laundry for widows and their children. It operated with meaningful community support and relied on endowments and member dues. Bound in a later quarter cloth, with marbled paper boards. Externally, with rubbing to the extremities and minor discolouration to the cloth. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are toned, with the odd spot. A few contemporary ink inscriptions and stamped number to the title page. Title page's paper is very sensitive, resulting in chipping and a 4" closed tear running from the top left corner downwards. Good . Ill.: None. Good .