Melt shortening in 3 or 4 quart saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat; let cool. Add sugar, molasses and egg; beat well. Sift together flour, soda, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and salt; add to first mixture. Mix well; chill.
Form in 1 inch balls, roll in granulated sugar and place on greased cookie sheets 2 inch apart. Bake in moderately hot oven, 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.