“The company went to Palmyra for the purpose of contracting with Mr. E. B. Grandin for printing of the book.” — Lucy Mack Smith¹

E. B. Grandin used a Smith Improved Printing Press, a specifically designed machine that his shop housed. This specialized printing press was capable of printing up to 16 pages in a single pass. Once the pages were printed, they were immediately hung to dry. Drying was a crucial step as it prevented the wet ink from smearing and ensured the printed text was legible. After the drying process was completed, the pages were carefully folded to create gatherings, often referred to as 'signatures'. These gathered signatures were then dispatched to the bindery where they underwent the process of assembly, also known as binding. The book’s binding mattered because it contributed to the longevity and usability of the printed text. The overall printing process required diligent attention to detail and took approximately seven months from the start before copies of the book were available for sale.² Grandin agreed to print 5,000 copies of the book.³ The process took place on the third floor of his print shop where the printing press was located.⁴

1. Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844–1845, josephsmithpapers.org

2. "The Grandin Press: A Vital Tool of the Restoration," history.churchofjesuschrist.org

3. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 8, 77-78

4. Kenneth Mays, “Portraits of the Past: Grandin printing press,” Deseret News, June 9, 2011