Paula Clarke Bain
@baindex.org
Book indexer, editor, boss at baindex.org | Society of Indexers Chair and Fellow | CIEP APM | Cryptic crossword setter Pixie | Stockport, UK
👉 www.mycrossword.co.uk/Pixie
See also Society of Indexers
@indexers.bsky.social
www.indexers.org.uk
#IndexSky
👉 www.mycrossword.co.uk/Pixie
See also Society of Indexers
@indexers.bsky.social
www.indexers.org.uk
#IndexSky
Pinned
Paula Clarke Bain
@baindex.org
· Jan 7
![A sample of the first page of the human indexer's index from Dennis Duncan’s INDEX book, set in two columns.
Index
Note to the gentle Reader: Page numbers in italic indicate figures. Page numbers in the form 273n1 indicate endnotes. Entries are sorted in letter-by-letter order, except where noted. This index was created by Paula Clarke Bain, who is a professional indexer and a human being. [PCB]
A, a, a 77,78,79
abbreviations 38, 40, 72, 78, 79, 242
ABC Murders, The (Christie) 39
abecedaria 28, 29, 35
Abish, Walter, Alphabetical Africa 39
abstracting 4, 245, 248
accuracy 15, 64, 98, 100, 178, 252
acrostics 29, 30, 147, 311
active indexes 254
Addison, Joseph 30, 156–7, 159, 174, 186
loathes acrostics 30
portrait 154
Remarks on Several Parts of Italy 156–7
Spectator indexes 173–7
addresses to reader see introductory notes
‘Adventures of a Quire of Paper’ 171–2, 174
advertisements 42, 101, 176, 183, 186, 214, 249
Aeneid (Virgil) 39, 242, 243
Aesop's Fables 144, 146
agencies, indexing 260, 296–7n22
Age of Distraction 9, 251
Age of Enlightenment 170
Age of Industry 205-6
Age of Search 51, 233, 251 see also search
Agoa, Helen S. 243
AI (Artificial Intelligence) 2, 254
aide-mémoire 66, 126
Aitken, Jonathan, goes to jail 137
Akraiphia stones 36
Aldus Manutius, Dictionarium graecum 110
Alexander of Ashby, De artificioso modo predicandi 49
Alexander the Great 30, 93
Alexandria see Library of Alexandria
algorithms 100, 233, 251, 258
Alice stories (Carroll) 177–8, 180, 181
alphabet
Cyrillic 45–6
Greek 29, 36, 71, 89
Hebrew 29
history of alphabets 28–30
Latin 29](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gzwmosuuqyrfklzlp75d55ur/bafkreid5z5vuy7hshmszd54xlxffju2lxlbasjncg7vd5zhpjlpi6s4sja@jpeg)
More talk this week on AI vs human indexing. The book ‘INDEX, A History of the’ by @djbduncan.bsky.social has two indexes – a computer-generated one by automated software, and an index created by a human indexer (me). They are really not the same.
(See also @indexers.bsky.social and #IndexSky.)
(See also @indexers.bsky.social and #IndexSky.)
Look forward to being part of the @cilipmdg.bsky.social #MetaFutures conference in Bristol this March, talking about connections between the library cataloguers of @cilip.bsky.social and the book indexers of @indexers.bsky.social. #IndexSky
#MetaFutures Day 1
#Collaborative #metadata-ing 3
"Indexers and information professionals: crossovers and co-operation" - Paula Clarke Bain
Explore the similarities, & differences, between the work of cataloguers & indexers, & the connections between @cilip.bsky.social & the @indexers.bsky.social
#Collaborative #metadata-ing 3
"Indexers and information professionals: crossovers and co-operation" - Paula Clarke Bain
Explore the similarities, & differences, between the work of cataloguers & indexers, & the connections between @cilip.bsky.social & the @indexers.bsky.social
January 9, 2026 at 4:47 PM
Look forward to being part of the @cilipmdg.bsky.social #MetaFutures conference in Bristol this March, talking about connections between the library cataloguers of @cilip.bsky.social and the book indexers of @indexers.bsky.social. #IndexSky
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Over the next few weeks we will be posting further details on BlueSky about the programme for the MDG Conference & RDA Day #MetaFutures 11-13 March 2026 - so stay tuned!
Book your place: www.cilip.org.uk/members/grou...
#metadata #discovery #cataloguing #conference 📚🐈🧵
Book your place: www.cilip.org.uk/members/grou...
#metadata #discovery #cataloguing #conference 📚🐈🧵
January 9, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Over the next few weeks we will be posting further details on BlueSky about the programme for the MDG Conference & RDA Day #MetaFutures 11-13 March 2026 - so stay tuned!
Book your place: www.cilip.org.uk/members/grou...
#metadata #discovery #cataloguing #conference 📚🐈🧵
Book your place: www.cilip.org.uk/members/grou...
#metadata #discovery #cataloguing #conference 📚🐈🧵
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
I’m at the spot where ICE murdered Renee Nicolle Good today, along with my daughter and her bf. Still lots of people here at 11:00 pm. (Avoiding getting anyone in the picture)
It’s beautiful, surreal but still mostly enraging. Abolish ICE.
It’s beautiful, surreal but still mostly enraging. Abolish ICE.
January 8, 2026 at 5:02 AM
I’m at the spot where ICE murdered Renee Nicolle Good today, along with my daughter and her bf. Still lots of people here at 11:00 pm. (Avoiding getting anyone in the picture)
It’s beautiful, surreal but still mostly enraging. Abolish ICE.
It’s beautiful, surreal but still mostly enraging. Abolish ICE.
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
If you are looking for information on indexing for your scholarly book, our website has a Professional Directory (www.indexers.org.uk/find-an-inde...) and also information for authors (www.indexers.org.uk/about-indexi...) with links through to blogs by @baindex.org and @tanyaizzard.bsky.social .
SI Directory of Professional Indexers
Directory of professional indexers. To find an indexer by subject specialism, select a subject using the drop-down menu.
www.indexers.org.uk
January 7, 2026 at 1:32 PM
If you are looking for information on indexing for your scholarly book, our website has a Professional Directory (www.indexers.org.uk/find-an-inde...) and also information for authors (www.indexers.org.uk/about-indexi...) with links through to blogs by @baindex.org and @tanyaizzard.bsky.social .
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Our Talking about the Past Zoom meeting today discussed this highly interesting podcast episode. It was great to hear the enthusiasm for indexes both as a research tool and as a way of marketing a scholarly book. We concur with their views on the limitations of AI for book indexing.
Episode 35: How to Index Your Book
If you’ve ever wondered how this *highly interesting* part of the book process works, then join @rozierhistorian.bsky.social @rosiebonte.bsky.social and Rob as we talk:
- What is an index for?
- What do publishers want?
- What makes a good/bad index?
Links in bio
If you’ve ever wondered how this *highly interesting* part of the book process works, then join @rozierhistorian.bsky.social @rosiebonte.bsky.social and Rob as we talk:
- What is an index for?
- What do publishers want?
- What makes a good/bad index?
Links in bio
January 7, 2026 at 1:32 PM
Our Talking about the Past Zoom meeting today discussed this highly interesting podcast episode. It was great to hear the enthusiasm for indexes both as a research tool and as a way of marketing a scholarly book. We concur with their views on the limitations of AI for book indexing.
A 2026 reshare of my starter pack of freelance book indexers on Bluesky, including members of @indexers.bsky.social and other indexing societies. It’s opt-in/out by request, so just let me know if you wish to join or leave it. Good to see you all in the #IndexSky.
go.bsky.app/GzqinPu
go.bsky.app/GzqinPu
Book indexers (starter pack)
Join the conversation
go.bsky.app
January 7, 2026 at 10:02 AM
A 2026 reshare of my starter pack of freelance book indexers on Bluesky, including members of @indexers.bsky.social and other indexing societies. It’s opt-in/out by request, so just let me know if you wish to join or leave it. Good to see you all in the #IndexSky.
go.bsky.app/GzqinPu
go.bsky.app/GzqinPu
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
With so many people taking up setting recently, I’ve put together a quick guide to help you get started.
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/becomin...
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/becomin...
Becoming a Cryptic Setter · MyCrossword
So you want to set cryptic crosswords... why? You know there's no money in it, right?
Okay, fine. You've been warned.
If you do, however, love puzzles and ...
www.mycrossword.co.uk
December 30, 2025 at 12:24 PM
With so many people taking up setting recently, I’ve put together a quick guide to help you get started.
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/becomin...
www.mycrossword.co.uk/blog/becomin...
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Index in the Joy of Cooking
December 9, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Index in the Joy of Cooking
Considering a new career in the new year? Find out more about becoming a book indexer and the skills and attributes required. Then investigate the @indexers.bsky.social training course. It changed my life, for the better. #IndexSky
What makes a good book indexer? Our blog post explains what you need to work in this fascinating and varied job. Indexers come from all sorts of professional backgrounds and many work part-time alongside other jobs buff.ly/AEtzR1s
January 6, 2026 at 11:48 AM
Considering a new career in the new year? Find out more about becoming a book indexer and the skills and attributes required. Then investigate the @indexers.bsky.social training course. It changed my life, for the better. #IndexSky
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Available on YouTube here www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBC4... with thanks to @stephenullstrom.bsky.social
January 5, 2026 at 9:24 AM
Available on YouTube here www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBC4... with thanks to @stephenullstrom.bsky.social
A Merry Christmas to all from me and whatever this is on our tree. Hope it’s a happy one, or as good as it can be if times are tough. See you beyond. ⭐️
December 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A Merry Christmas to all from me and whatever this is on our tree. Hope it’s a happy one, or as good as it can be if times are tough. See you beyond. ⭐️
Caught up on Taskmaster Champion of Champions 4 and the prize task index (said to be Little Alex Horne’s book’s betrayal of Greg Davies). Fine work by Andy Zaltzman @zaltzcricket.bsky.social, with much to love for @indexers.bsky.social. 🤓 #IndexSky #Taskmaster @alexhorne.bsky.social @taskmaster.tv
December 24, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Caught up on Taskmaster Champion of Champions 4 and the prize task index (said to be Little Alex Horne’s book’s betrayal of Greg Davies). Fine work by Andy Zaltzman @zaltzcricket.bsky.social, with much to love for @indexers.bsky.social. 🤓 #IndexSky #Taskmaster @alexhorne.bsky.social @taskmaster.tv
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Mandarins, Italian paired with Index, a History of the by Dennis Duncan
Day 19 of #BooksAreMyJam, in which I pair a language-y book from my shelves with today's jam from the Bonne Maman jamvent calendar
Day 19 of #BooksAreMyJam, in which I pair a language-y book from my shelves with today's jam from the Bonne Maman jamvent calendar
December 20, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
A happy and peaceful Christmas to all our followers.
December 19, 2025 at 9:15 AM
A happy and peaceful Christmas to all our followers.
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
This Thursday! Laugh into this Christmas with Sully O’Sullivan, Chris Brooker, Amit Mistry, Chloe Reynolds and Jonny Addy!
Book tickets: wegottickets.com/event/676968
#stockport #comedy #hazelgrove #theheatons #reddish #offerton #woodsmoor #woodley #edgeley #cheadle #marple #levenshulme
Book tickets: wegottickets.com/event/676968
#stockport #comedy #hazelgrove #theheatons #reddish #offerton #woodsmoor #woodley #edgeley #cheadle #marple #levenshulme
A Laugh In Stockport Comedy Club | 18th December
Join us for our final comedy night of 2025 as we get all Christmassy and welcome another line-up of very funny people to entertain you.
Your host for the evening, Jonny Addy, introduces Sully O’Sulli...
wegottickets.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:13 PM
This Thursday! Laugh into this Christmas with Sully O’Sullivan, Chris Brooker, Amit Mistry, Chloe Reynolds and Jonny Addy!
Book tickets: wegottickets.com/event/676968
#stockport #comedy #hazelgrove #theheatons #reddish #offerton #woodsmoor #woodley #edgeley #cheadle #marple #levenshulme
Book tickets: wegottickets.com/event/676968
#stockport #comedy #hazelgrove #theheatons #reddish #offerton #woodsmoor #woodley #edgeley #cheadle #marple #levenshulme
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
@djbduncan.bsky.social @baindex.org - winning them over one at a time.
A few years ago I read Duncan's *Index, A History of the* and since then I have more respect for the book index.
And now I find myself reading a sample of a book on Amazon that includes the index, and wondering how in the world these topics can be important enough to the subject to be included.
And now I find myself reading a sample of a book on Amazon that includes the index, and wondering how in the world these topics can be important enough to the subject to be included.
December 15, 2025 at 10:07 AM
@djbduncan.bsky.social @baindex.org - winning them over one at a time.
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
Crosswords and indexes involve thinking about what the reader or solver will understand, and pointing them towards a target. And both forms of work are governed by rules - which are sometimes bent. Paula sets puzzles as Pixie, and created a mini crossword for us to solve: buff.ly/o2au3y1
Mini crossword No 187 · MyCrossword
Solve Mini crossword No 187 on MyCrossword. 7x7 grid with 11 clues by Pixie. Published Thu 11 Dec 2025. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.
buff.ly
December 11, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Crosswords and indexes involve thinking about what the reader or solver will understand, and pointing them towards a target. And both forms of work are governed by rules - which are sometimes bent. Paula sets puzzles as Pixie, and created a mini crossword for us to solve: buff.ly/o2au3y1
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
For our last Coffee Morning of 2025 we relaxed with some festive puzzles and games, joined by our friends from @cilipmdg.bsky.social and @@the-ciep.bsky.social. @baindex.org discussed the overlap between cryptic crosswords and indexing, forms of creative writing involving synonyms and definitions.
December 11, 2025 at 1:29 PM
For our last Coffee Morning of 2025 we relaxed with some festive puzzles and games, joined by our friends from @cilipmdg.bsky.social and @@the-ciep.bsky.social. @baindex.org discussed the overlap between cryptic crosswords and indexing, forms of creative writing involving synonyms and definitions.
My alter ego Pixie set a new themed mini cryptic crossword for this morning’s Coffee Morning Zoom with @indexers.bsky.social. You can give it a solve too if you like, thanks to the excellent @mycrossword.co.uk.
www.mycrossword.co.uk/mini/187
www.mycrossword.co.uk/mini/187
Mini crossword No 187 · MyCrossword
Solve Mini crossword No 187 on MyCrossword. 7x7 grid with 11 clues by Pixie. Published Thu 11 Dec 2025. Features annotated solutions and special instructions. Free to solve online.
www.mycrossword.co.uk
December 11, 2025 at 12:05 PM
My alter ego Pixie set a new themed mini cryptic crossword for this morning’s Coffee Morning Zoom with @indexers.bsky.social. You can give it a solve too if you like, thanks to the excellent @mycrossword.co.uk.
www.mycrossword.co.uk/mini/187
www.mycrossword.co.uk/mini/187
Looking forward to @indexers.bsky.social puzzling Coffee Morning Zoom this Thursday. Ruth Martin on jigsaws and Wordle, David Green on anagrams and draughts, and I’m talking crosswords with a brand new mini cryptic from my setter alter ego Pixie.
@indexers.bsky.social invites @cilipmdg.bsky.social members to its final Coffee Morning Zoom meeting of 2025 on Thursday 12th December at 11am.
For the last meeting before Christmas, there is a festive theme of puzzles & games (& their links to indexing).
More at: www.cilip.org.uk/events/Event...
For the last meeting before Christmas, there is a festive theme of puzzles & games (& their links to indexing).
More at: www.cilip.org.uk/events/Event...
December 10, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Looking forward to @indexers.bsky.social puzzling Coffee Morning Zoom this Thursday. Ruth Martin on jigsaws and Wordle, David Green on anagrams and draughts, and I’m talking crosswords with a brand new mini cryptic from my setter alter ego Pixie.
Lovely meet-up for indexing and other talk with @indexers.bsky.social Yorkshire group in Sheffield, including three Chairs of the Society of Indexers, past and present.
December 3, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Lovely meet-up for indexing and other talk with @indexers.bsky.social Yorkshire group in Sheffield, including three Chairs of the Society of Indexers, past and present.
Reposted by Paula Clarke Bain
For today's Talking about the Past session, 18 SI members gathered to discuss dealing with titles of works in indexing. In subheadings, should they be interfiled with general topics or grouped together? The image below shows three possible approaches.
December 3, 2025 at 12:17 PM
For today's Talking about the Past session, 18 SI members gathered to discuss dealing with titles of works in indexing. In subheadings, should they be interfiled with general topics or grouped together? The image below shows three possible approaches.
Indexer back on a train, December 2025. Headed over/through the Peaks and Pennines to meet some of @indexers.bsky.social Yorkshire group in Sheffield. Also attempting to join in today’s ‘Talking About The Past’ Zoom en route.
December 3, 2025 at 9:52 AM
Indexer back on a train, December 2025. Headed over/through the Peaks and Pennines to meet some of @indexers.bsky.social Yorkshire group in Sheffield. Also attempting to join in today’s ‘Talking About The Past’ Zoom en route.