A book of office may refer either to a record of the conduct of affairs within an organization, particularly a religious organization like a church, or to a body of writing establishing the guiding philosophy of an organization like a political party.
Practical Books of Office
Religious organizations, including individual churches and parishes, may record the acts of their leaders in a book of office. This practice has also been used to record the dealings of secular organizations like courts.
The infrequency of reference to these books in modern use may point to a decline in their use.
Philosophical Books of Office
A political party may refer to a work as a "book of office" if it represents the philosophical foundation of the party.
John Stuart Mill
John Stuart Mill (20 May 1806 – 7 May 1873) was an English philosopher, political economist, Member of Parliament (MP) and civil servant. One of the most influential thinkers in the history of classical liberalism, he contributed widely to ...
's ''
On Liberty'' is described as the book of office for the
Liberal Democrats of the United Kingdom (and its predecessor the
Liberal Party), and is presented to every newly elected President of the party upon election.
See also
*
Biblical canon
A biblical canon is a set of texts (also called "books") which a particular Jewish or Christian religious community regards as part of the Bible.
The English word ''canon'' comes from the Greek , meaning " rule" or "measuring stick". The use ...
- any work considered as authoritative scripture by a particular religious community
*
Potlatch
A potlatch is a gift-giving feast practiced by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada and the United States,Harkin, Michael E., 2001, Potlatch in Anthropology, International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Science ...
- a science fiction convention which designates an annual "book of honor" instead of a "guest of honor"
References
Public records
{{nonfiction-book-stub