The Book-Peddling Parson: An Account of the Life and Works of Mason Locke Weems Patriot, Pitchman, Author and Purveyor of Morality to the Citizenry

by Lewis Gaston Leary

Describes the efforts of Mason Locke Weems to distribute books across the United States during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries

158 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1984

Reviews

[Nick Willner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book goes over a short biography of Mason Locke Weems, born in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, rector of All Hallows Parish, South River, Maryland, preacher, author and book seller throughout the colonial south from Maryland to Georgia. Then basically gets into the books he penned himself each chapter being a summary of each book or pamphlet. Made for some dry reading but reveals a bit about the early state of Americas first years after Washingtons presidency. Parson Weems was a cog in the wheel of early America, filling a much needed role-spreading a common national conscience. He’s a bit looked down on through our standards of a writer of history because of his tendency to embellish, but if we look at him for what he was-one of the many attempting to propagate a national conscience and positive morale for a budding nation-i think he would be viewed more clearly as a hardworking, book selling, moral businessman, truly interested in the common good of our young nation.

This excerpt from the book explains his role well,
“Popular fiction had not yet become fiction as it is known today. Tales were pretended not to have been invented. They were presented and verified as extracts from life, and they pointed inexorably to truths or warned of the monstrous effects of immorality. This was especially true in America,
which had no Walter Scott to romanticize its history, no Laurence Sterne wittily to expose its idiosyncratic ways, nor a Henry Fielding to tell lusty tales of doing what comes naturally. Its model was Samuel Richardson, the pious English storyteller, and his successors and imitators who presented portentous warnings of what happens to people who behave in ways they should not.
People wanted to be instructed as they read, and not in subtle ways, but by well-aimed blasts at what happens to people who do not behave in accordance with imposed standards. Life in the new country was very real and very earnest. Made-up stories were somehow immoral. There was so much else to do in shoring up the flimsy fabric of the young republic. But as for slices of life, in which virtue was rewarded these could be devoured with lip-smacking appreciation or shivery apprehension. That was the kind of thing that Weems learned to do explicitly well.”

“During all the years that Mason Locke Weems
was writing biographies and moral tracts, he was still, year in and year out, on the road, selling books. That he thought to be his principal vocation. Writing was chiefly done to provide the kinds of books that experience taught him that people needed, and would buy. He pretended little pride in authorship, but, my, how he did like to hear his writings praised as useful!
“I have ever glowed with a book vending enthusiasm," he had confided to Mathew Carey. “I believe in the immortality of the Soul, and the future reign of Light, Liberty & Love. I
believe too that . . . those who have aided the diffusion of Light and Love shall outshine the stars. Hence my enthusiasm to vend good books."”

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is probably 90% quotations from the Parson Weem’s original writing. I think this book would have benefitted from a little more analysis. Mostly the author just spoke up to connect one point to another, but there was almost no commentary.
Still, there were many interesting cultural, religious, and historical tidbits to keep me reading.
I found this in a used bookstore and I’m a sucker for books about books so it was a natural fit in my library.
Plus, there are 4 goodreaders who have marked this book so I feel like I’m in an elite crowd!