The trials, experience, exercises of mind and first travels of Theophilus R. Gates, written by himself

Poughkeepsie: C. C. Adams and Co, 1810. First edition, 12mo, pp. 214, [2]; calf-backed marble boards, joints starting, label replaced, inscription on endpaper noting the book as having been bequeathed to Princeton Theological Seminary, with their (partially removed) bookplate on pastedown. Theophilus Gates (1787-1846) was an itinerant preacher, nicknamed the Battle-Axe, a name drawn from the Book of Jeremiah. With his followers they established a commune near Pottsdown, Pennsylvania in a place they called Free Love Valley. They did not abide by many of the core sacraments of Christianity, preached radical free love and nudity, and believed that all things should be shared in common, including husbands and wives. A number of its members were arrested for indecency and he himself was eventually run out of the area, ending the movement. His autobiography describes multiple disturbing visions as a child, and a constant state of depression and financial anxiety. American Imprints 20189; Sabin 26758.