Keepa’s long tradition of posting book lists of various kinds continues, with the library that apostle John A. Widtsoe left behind him when he left for Liverpool in 1926 to lead the European Mission.

This is not a catalog of his entire library at that point — he took a great many books with him, and purchased many, many more while he was in Europe. He probably did not leave any books stored in his Salt Lake City home, which was occupied during his absence by a son of Joseph F. Smith with his young family. He asked that his office remain locked in his absence, even mentioning his concern that books might be borrowed and perhaps not be returned. I believe this catalog was made at his request after he received hints that his library was being accessed despite his wishes. I do not know who inventoried the library on his behalf. It was completed and dated 1 January 1928. The original list is typed in columns of title, publisher, date, but due to the limitations of WordPress formatting I have converted the columns to a simple listing (and I’m still working on cleaning up some typos).

Books in Dr. John A. Widtsoe’s Office, January 1, 1928

1. Book of Mormon, translated by Joseph Smith, Zion’s Printing & Publishing Co., 1830
2. Book of Mormon, [Joseph Smith], Zion’s Printing & Publishing Co., 1830
3. Mormons Bog, [Joseph Smith], Copenhagen, 1858
4. Book of Mormon, [Joseph Smith], Geo. Q. Cannon and Sons, 1891
5. Das Buch Mormon, [Joseph Smith], Deseret News Co., 1893
6. Book of Mormon, [Joseph Smith], Deseret S.S. Union, 1907
7. Book of Mormon, [Joseph Smith], L.D.S. Church, 1920
8. Book of Mormon, [Joseph Smith], L.D.S. Church, 1921
9. Holy Scriptures, translated by Joseph Smith, L.D.S. Church, 1867

Continue reading The Library of John A. Widtsoe →

Here’s another entry in Keepa’s collection of book lists – the books available for purchase by members in New Zealand in 1926.

Ko Nga Pukapuka Hei Hokonga

Ko enei etahi o nga pukapuka e takoto ana kei te tari o te Mihana hei hokonga ki nga mea e hiahia ana ki te hoko. Nga Mea e hiahia ana ki etahi o enei pukapuka me taku atu ki te Secretary, Box 72, Auckland.

[Books for Sale – These are some of the books available for purchase in the mission office. Address a letter to Secretary, Box 72, Auckland.]

Standard Church Works

Teachers Bibles, with Ready Reference, Leather (25-0)
New Testament & Ready Reference, Leather (11-0)
Book of Mormon, Cloth (2-6 & 7-0)
Book of Mormon, Half Leather (9-0)
Book of Mormon, Leather (10-0 & 15-0)
Doctrine & Covenants, Cloth (5-0)
Doctrine & Covenants & Pearl of Great Price, Leather (9-0)

Continue reading Ko Nga Pukapuka Hei Hokonga, 1926 →

The Church had a printing and publication business as part of the mission in Liverpool, responsible not only for materials distributed by missionaries and Church books needed by the European Saints, but also for books needed by the Saints in the United States. Below is the list of publications available in 1856.

What stands out to me is the number of non-English works available so early, and the number of languages. Anything else stand out to you?

—

Published by the
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS,
and for sale by Orson Pratt,
At their General Repository, and “Millennial Star” Office,
42, ISLINGTON, LIVERPOOL.

(For List of Agents, see last page.)

BOOK OF MORMON. An Account written by the hand of Mormon upon plates taken from the plates of Nephi. Translated by Joseph Smith, Jun. Morocco extra, s. 6d.; calf, gilt edges, 4s. 6d.; grained roan, 3s.

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Selected from the Revelations of God, by Joseph Smith, President. Morocco extra, 6s.; calf, gilt edges, 4s.; grained roan, 2s. 7d.

Continue reading Church Publications for Sale, 1856 →

Booklists were a regular feature in early Keepa days, but we haven’t had one for a while. Here’s the catalog of the library assembled by the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association of Kaysville (uh, “Kay’sville”). No date is given on the printed list, but spot checking some of the titles leads me to believe this library dates to the earliest YMMIA days, probably the late 1870s or early 1880s. I haven’t found anything published more recently than the late 1860s, although, of course, some of the titles are classics that could have appeared in many editions at later dates.

Not to yawn at their choices, but the list does smack of the “improvement” emphasis of MIA, no?

Catalogue, Y.M.M.I.A., Library.

Kay’sville, Davis County, U.T.

No. . Title.

1 . . Josephus.
2 . . Rollins’ Ancient History. vols. 1 & 2.
3 . . Rollins’ Ancient History. vols. 3 & 4.
4 . . Stephen’s Travels in Central America. vol. 1.
5 . . Stephen’s Travels in Central America. vol. 2.
Continue reading Kaysville’s YMMIA Library →

A reader asked me a week or two ago for some book recommendations. That’s an intimidating request, something more typical of Juvenile Instructor, or of Jared T.’s new blog Mormon Church History. But I think my friend was not asking for anything comprehensive, nor for the latest scholarship – just some recommendations for good reading.

So I’ve looked over my shelves and picked out some books – some new, some standing the test of time – that I think many Keepa readers would enjoy. These are all reliable in their history without being riddled with the specialized vocabulary of some of the best recent academic books. They’re self-contained: You can read any of them without having read anything on the topic as a prerequisite. They’re well written and accessible

If you’ve read them, tell us what you liked, or whether you disagree with my recommendations (as if! 🙂 ). Suggest others that you find interesting and readable by the non-specialist. (That’s key: A lot of really good Mormon history has been published. But please offer recommendations for the general reader, not the graduate student, this time.)

Continue reading Feel Like Reading Some Mormon History? Here Are Some Recommendations →