The Century Dictionary And Cyclopedia
The Century Dictionary ... Prepared Under The Superintendence Of William Dwight Whitney ... Rev. & Enl. Under The Superintendence Of Benjamin E. Smith
By: William Dwight Whitney, Benjamin Eli Smith
This extensive dictionary and encyclopedia was overseen by two highly respected scholars of the late 19th century. Its entries cover a wide range of topics, from English language usage and etymology to science, literature, and history. A valuable resource for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the era. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
AI Overview
"The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia" is a monumental reference work compiled under the superintendence of William Dwight Whitney and Benjamin Eli Smith. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes and Content
Universal Reference: The work is designed to be a comprehensive universal reference, covering all departments of knowledge. It includes a dictionary, a cyclopedia, and an atlas, making it a vast repository of information.
Etymology and Lexicography: The dictionary is renowned for its thorough coverage of American English, including etymology. It contains more than 200,000 main entries and 500,000 definitions, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technical terms.
Cyclopedia of Names: The cyclopedia includes personal and geographic names, famous works of art and literature, and other significant entities. This section supplements the dictionary with encyclopedic information, making it a valuable resource for historians and researchers.
Atlas: The atlas, added in 1897, provides geographical information and extends the cyclopedia's geographical material. It features over 100 colored atlases in Volume X, making it a detailed and serviceable reference for geographical names and related information.
Plot Summary
The book does not have a narrative plot in the traditional sense. Instead, it is structured as a reference work with various entries and definitions. The dictionary and cyclopedia sections are organized alphabetically, providing detailed information on words, names, and concepts. The atlas section is similarly organized, presenting geographical information through maps and descriptions.
Critical Reception
Historical Significance: The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia is widely regarded as one of the greatest dictionaries ever produced. Its historical significance lies in its comprehensive coverage of American English and its emphasis on etymology, scientific, and technical terms.
Academic Value: It has been a valuable reference for etymologists, lexicographers, and historians long after it went out of print. The work's thoroughness and encyclopedic method make it a unique resource in its field.
Modernizations: The original work was updated with modernizations such as the "New Century Dictionary of the English Language" (1952) and the "New Century Cyclopedia of Names" (1954), which reflect the ongoing relevance of the original work's methodology and content.
Editions and Revisions
First Edition: The first edition was completed in 1891, with the cyclopedia section published in 1894. The atlas was added in 1897, and partial revisions were made over the years to include the latest information.
Later Editions: A 12-volume edition was produced in 1911, which included revisions and updates. The work has been continuously referenced and updated, reflecting its enduring value in academic and research communities.
In summary, "The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia" is a monumental reference work that has stood the test of time due to its comprehensive coverage of American English, its emphasis on etymology and technical terms, and its encyclopedic approach to names and geographical information. Its historical significance and ongoing academic value make it a crucial resource for scholars and researchers across various disciplines.