DiscussMormonism.com

Joseph wrote:Who actually published the Journal of Discourses? Was it a publication of the LDS church at the time or an independent outfit like Seagull today?

jon wrote:'The Journal of Discourses is not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a compilation of sermons and other materials from the early years of the Church, which were transcribed and then published. It includes practical advice as well as doctrinal discussion, some of which is speculative in nature and some of which is only of historical interest.'
<current statement on LDS.org>

Although 'back in the day' The First Presidency did officially endorse it...
“Dear Brethren—It is well known to many of you, that Elder George D. Watt, by our counsel, spent much time in the midst of poverty and hardships to acquire the art of reporting in Phonography [shorthand], which he has faithfully and fully accomplished; and he has been reporting the public Sermons, Discourses, Lectures delivered by the Presidency, the Twelve, and others in this city, for nearly two years, almost without fee or reward. Elder Watt now proposes to publish a Journal of these reports, in England, for the benefit of the Saints at large, and to obtain means to enable him to sustain his highly useful position of Reporter. You will perceive at once that this will be a work of mutual benefit, and we cheerfully and warmly request your cooperation in the purchase and sale of the above named Journal, and wish all the profits arising therefrom to be under the control of Elder Watt.” (Signed by Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Willard Richards.)
'I Have A Question' Gerald E. Jones, director, LDS Institute of Religion, Berkeley, California
<Quote also taken off LDS.org>

So...it was official and now it's not official - clear now...?

George Q Cannon (then an apostle) wrote:The Journal of Discourses deservedly ranks as one of the standard works of the Church, and every rightminded saint will certainly welcome with joy every number(issue) as it comes forth.

DarkHelmet wrote:Whether it was "official" or not, does anyone doubt the accuracy of the transcribed words? Since they were endorsed by the apostles at the time, can we assume the transcribed sermons actually occurred more or less as written? That's good enough for me.

Simon Belmont wrote:

Joseph wrote:Who actually published the Journal of Discourses? Was it a publication of the LDS church at the time or an independent outfit like Seagull today?

Ever heard of Google?