Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle

The Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle is a 15-volume French encyclopedia published between 1866 and 1876, with two supplement volumes released in 1878 and 1888. Pierre Larousse created this comprehensive work as both a dictionary and an encyclopedia, combining linguistic information with detailed articles on history, geography, literature, arts, sciences and biography. The encyclopedia contains over 200,000 entries across approximately 23,000 pages, featuring contributions from numerous scholars and experts of the period. It stands as one of the most extensive French language reference works of the 19th century, incorporating illustrations, maps, and technical drawings throughout its volumes. The work reflects the intellectual and cultural landscape of France during the Second Empire and early Third Republic periods. Its scope extends beyond traditional encyclopedia entries to include contemporary events, social movements, and technological developments of the era. The Grand dictionnaire represents a milestone in French lexicography and encyclopedic writing, expressing the period's positivist philosophy and belief in the power of knowledge to advance society. The volumes remain a valuable resource for understanding 19th-century French perspectives on world knowledge and culture.

This historical dictionary has limited reader reviews available online, as it is a specialized 19th century reference work primarily found in research libraries and institutions. Readers value: - Comprehensive scope of entries covering culture, biography, literature and science - Original illustrations and engravings - Reflects French society and values of the time period - Writing style blends information with opinion and commentary Reader criticisms: - Physical size (15 volumes) makes it impractical for personal use - Some entries show political bias or dated social views - Complex cross-referencing system No ratings are available on major review sites like Goodreads or Amazon. Academic reviews note its significance for research but acknowledge it is "more a work of documentation than consultation" (historian Jean-Yves Mollier). The full set is primarily accessed through libraries and digital archives rather than individual ownership, limiting availability of public reader feedback.

Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert This 18th-century French encyclopedia compiles knowledge across sciences, arts, and trades with a similar comprehensive scope and cultural perspective as Larousse's work.

Dictionary of the English Language by Samuel Johnson The dictionary combines definitions with literary quotations and cultural commentary in the manner of Larousse's encyclopedic entries.

Encyclopedia Britannica, First Edition by William Smellie This foundational reference work presents knowledge through detailed articles that blend facts with philosophical discourse.

Conversations-Lexikon by Friedrich Arnold Brockhaus This German encyclopedia established a model for combining cultural commentary with factual information that influenced Larousse's approach.

American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster Webster's dictionary incorporates etymological research and cultural context in its entries, reflecting a similar scholarly methodology to Larousse's work.

🔖 The dictionary took 11 years to complete (1866-1877) and contains 15 volumes plus two supplements, totaling over 23,000 pages of text. 📚 Pierre Larousse worked himself to exhaustion creating this massive work, continuing to write and edit even after suffering a stroke, until his death in 1875 before its completion. 🌟 Unlike traditional dictionaries of its time, it included biographies of living persons and contemporary events, making it both a dictionary and a living encyclopedia of the 19th century. 📖 The work was considered controversial for its liberal, anti-clerical stance and inclusion of slang terms, leading to condemnation from the Catholic Church. 🎨 The dictionary featured over 20,000 illustrations, including detailed technical drawings, maps, and artistic renderings, making it one of the most visually comprehensive reference works of its era.