Book of Mormon Who’s Who

By Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

Reviewed by Dorothy Moore
On 1/3/2008

Convenant Communications, 2007 Oversized Hardback:
208 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1-59811-420-4 Price: $27.95

As a long time avid student and teacher of the Book of Mormon who belongs to the “Other” church (RLDS, now known as the “Community of Christ”), I think this book can help create a valuable reservoir of knowledge about “real people with authentic life histories and genuine experiences” (Introduction). These authors are new to me, but research shows that they are dedicated to helping both instructors and students understand and use the words in the Book of Mormon as guides for our own lives. “The listings are complete with descriptions of the people, (over three hundred names), their historical content and a summary of the key contributions of their lives” (inside cover).

The pronunciation guide in the front of the book is very short but precise and having each name with its own “guide” is a plus. No turning back and forth between the pages.

“In this beautifully illustrated volume, over 75 color images enhance more that 300 fascinating entries of individuals, prominent and little known, righteous and unrighteous.”(Cover pages). Since art credits are given for these images, it suggests that the authors feel a visual concept of the listed individuals might be a plus for the reader.

Lehi and Nephi are two of the first names you see in the Book of Mormon but there are eight individuals with these names listed, each described, both in words and pictures, the part they played in the history, the time frame. and filled with the scripture references. Here Community of Christ users reading from their Book of Mormon would need to convert the references to their versification. Biblical names are included as well with the needed identification.

Additional information is given under the term “Modern Testimony” which applies to thoughts from the Mormon church as they apply to the entries.

The readability of the book is enhanced by the selection of letter types – very few but distinct - plenty of white space on the oversized pages and in alphabetical order, making it easy to find your subject. The "Chronology of Events" in the back of the book explains that the dates are approximate and are provided as a guide to understanding the relative relationship of important events and personalities in the Book of Mormon.

Both denominations (LDS and CofC), with their different concepts, understandings and methods of presenting their belief in the Book of Mormon, can use this book as a reference tool.

I would gladly recommend this book as I feel members of both denominations, with their different concepts, understandings and methods of presenting their belief in the Book of Mormon, could use this book as a reference tool. Also any one interested in learning more about the Book of Mormon would surely appreciate the fact that the research has been done and is in an easy to find order.


Copyright 2008