BYU ScholarsArchive

Article Title

More Than an Index: The First Reference Guide to the Doctrine and Covenants as a Window into Early Mormonism

Authors

Grant Underwood

Keywords

Mormon studies, index, Doctrine and Covenants

Abstract

When the Doctrine and Covenants came off the press in Kirtland, Ohio, in September 1835, readers found two reference tools in the back of the book. The first, a three-page section titled "Index," is really more of a table of contents. It lists sequentially the seven lectures "of faith" and the 102 sections of "Part Second" found in that original edition, citing the page number where each begins. Then follows "Contents," also somewhat mislabeled. As seen in the appendix below, "Contents" looks like an index in that it is organized alphabetically. However, entries within each letter grouping are not alphabetized; they are arranged sequentially in the order in which they appear in the book. And there is only one reference for each entry. In this way, "Contents" resembles a table of contents, although alphabetized.

Recommended Citation

Underwood, Grant (2002) "More Than an Index: The First Reference Guide to the Doctrine and Covenants as a Window into Early Mormonism," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 41: Iss. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol41/iss2/4