Encyclopaedia Britannica, or a Dictionary of Arts and Sciences (Hardcover)

Originally sponsored by "a Society of Gentlemen in Scotland," this was in fact simply an Edinburgh trio of the editor William Smellie, the engraver Andrew Bell, and Colin Macfarquahar the printer. Amazingly, this milestone in the history of encyclopaedia making was first issued in one hundred parts in less than three years. Inspired by the success of Diderot's Encyclopedia, the three Scotsmen hoped to imporve on its short-comings. It was the first English-language compendium to be called an encyclopaedia, and unlike rival publications it was published in quarto rather than the usual octavo or folio format. The encyclopaedia was compiled on a completely new plan, alphabetically arranged, combining easy reference to individual items, terms and minor topics. It was a pioneering way to organize and disseminate learning. Given the speed of publication and the small jack-of-all-trades team involved, the first edition could not hope to rival the elaborate and lavishly-produced editions that continue to this day.

General

Imprint:	Routledge
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Series:	Early Sources in Reference
Release date:	December 1996
First published:	1997
Dimensions:	216 x 138mm (L x W)
Format:	Hardcover • Hardcover • Hardcover
Pages:	2459
ISBN-13:	978-0-415-14956-3
Categories:	Books > Reference & Interdisciplinary > Encyclopaedias & reference works > General encyclopaedias Promotions
LSN:	0-415-14956-8
Barcode:	9780415149563

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