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The Lexicon of Hellenism

A comprehensive exploration of the Great Greek Encyclopedia (Μεγάλη Ελληνική Εγκυκλοπαίδεια), a cornerstone of modern Greek knowledge.

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Article Status

Verification Needed

This article relies on information from its source material, which itself indicates a need for additional citations to ensure comprehensive verifiability. While efforts have been made to present the information accurately based on the provided text, readers are encouraged to consult the original sources for complete validation. The goal here is to provide an educational overview, but the foundational data may require further scholarly verification.

Introduction

A Foundational Repository

The Great Greek Encyclopedia (Greek: Μεγάλη Ελληνική Εγκυκλοπαίδεια) stands as a significant general knowledge encyclopedia compiled in the Greek language. Its initial publication, spanning from 1926 to 1934, marked a substantial undertaking in disseminating knowledge during a pivotal era for Greece. This work represents a critical effort to consolidate and present a broad spectrum of information, serving as an invaluable resource for scholars and the educated public alike.

Historical Context

Published in the early 20th century, the Great Greek Encyclopedia emerged during a period of national development and intellectual growth in Greece. Encyclopedias of this magnitude were not merely collections of facts but were instrumental in shaping national identity and providing a standardized framework for education and public discourse. Its creation reflects a commitment to scholarly pursuits and the dissemination of comprehensive information to a wider audience.

Founding and Vision

The Genesis of the Encyclopedia

The ambitious project was initiated in 1926 by Pavlos Drandakis (1896–1945). Drandakis envisioned a comprehensive encyclopedia modeled after the esteemed Encyclopædia Britannica, aiming for a similar standard of academic rigor and breadth of coverage. This vision was brought to fruition with the collaboration of numerous distinguished and qualified contributors, resulting in a work widely regarded as excellent.

Editorial Leadership and Contributors

Under the editorial leadership of Iraklis Apostolidis, the encyclopedia benefited from the expertise of approximately 700 individuals who contributed to its writing. This extensive network of scholars ensured a diverse range of topics were covered with depth and authority. The printing commission was awarded to Pyrsos, Ltd., with the first issue released on March 1, 1926.

Competitive Landscape and Legal Claims

The publication coincided with another significant Greek encyclopedia of the era, the Eleftheroudakis Encyclopedic Dictionary. Recognizing the potential financial strain on readers, these two major works were strategically circulated in installments, often sold concurrently. Pavlos Drandakis retained certain rights to the encyclopedia, which he later successfully asserted in court, leading to his descendants publishing a second edition.

Scope and Structure

Comprehensive Coverage

The Great Greek Encyclopedia comprises 24 volumes, totaling approximately 23,000 pages. A dedicated tenth volume is specifically focused on Greece, highlighting its cultural, historical, and geographical significance. The work contains an estimated 280,000 articles, augmented by 37,000 images, paintings, and maps, providing a rich visual and textual resource.

Linguistic Register

The encyclopedia is notably known for its extensive use of Katharevousa, a formal, puristic written form of the Greek language prevalent in scholarly and official contexts during the period. This choice reflects the era's academic standards and the desire for a precise, elevated linguistic register suitable for a work of encyclopedic scope.

Editions and Updates

The First Edition and its Legacy

The initial 24-volume edition, published between 1926 and 1934, established the encyclopedia's reputation. Following legal resolutions that affirmed Pavlos Drandakis's rights, his descendants undertook the publication of a second edition in 1956, collaborating with Phoinix, Ltd. This ensured the continued availability and relevance of the work.

Supplementary Volumes

To maintain currency and expand upon the original content, four additional volumes were later issued. These supplements, collectively titled "Supplement volume I" through "IV" (Α΄ to Δ΄ in Greek notation), effectively increased the total number of volumes to 28. This iterative approach allowed for the incorporation of new information and developments, enhancing the encyclopedia's utility over time.

References

Source Material

The information presented herein is derived from the following source:

  • Papyros Larousse Britannica, vol. 18, page 124, and vol. 44, page 267, 2007

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Great Greek Encyclopedia Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While every effort has been made to ensure fidelity to the source material and to present it in an engaging and scholarly manner, the original source itself notes a need for further verification.

This is not a substitute for primary source consultation. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting the original encyclopedia or academic research. Users are encouraged to engage with primary sources for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.