The New International Encyclopedia
A Chronicle of Knowledge: Exploring a foundational American reference work that shaped early 20th-century understanding.
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Genesis of Knowledge
A Scholarly Endeavor
The New International Encyclopedia stands as a significant American reference work, first published in 1902 by Dodd, Mead & Co. It represented a substantial effort to compile and disseminate knowledge during a period of rapid intellectual and industrial expansion. This encyclopedia was not conceived in isolation but rather as the direct successor to the earlier International Cyclopaedia, first published in 1884.
Editorial Visionaries
The initial editorial leadership was entrusted to distinguished scholars of the era. Harry Thurston Peck, Daniel Coit Gilman, and Frank Moore Colby served as the principal editors for the first edition. Their collective expertise guided the scope, content, and scholarly rigor of the encyclopedia, aiming to provide comprehensive and authoritative information for its readership.
Foundational Roots
The lineage of The New International Encyclopedia traces back to the British Chambers's Encyclopaedia. The International Cyclopaedia (1884) was largely a reprint of Alden's Library of Universal Knowledge, which itself was derived from the esteemed British publication. This foundational connection highlights an early approach to knowledge sharing and adaptation across different publishing traditions.
Historical Trajectory
Evolutionary Path
Building upon the foundation of the International Cyclopaedia, The New International Encyclopedia was meticulously developed. The initial 1902 publication marked a significant revision and expansion. Subsequent updates and new editions ensured the encyclopedia remained relevant, reflecting the evolving landscape of knowledge and societal understanding throughout the early 20th century.
Editorial Succession
Following the initial editors, the second edition saw a change in leadership. With Harry Thurston Peck and Daniel Coit Gilman having passed away, Frank Moore Colby was joined by Talcott Williams. This transition ensured continuity while potentially introducing new perspectives and areas of focus, contributing to the encyclopedia's comprehensive nature.
Scholarly Acclaim
The second edition, published between 1914 and 1917, was set from new type and thoroughly revised. It gained particular recognition for its strength in biographical entries, reflecting a commitment to documenting the lives and contributions of notable individuals across various fields. This focus enhanced its value as a comprehensive resource for understanding history and culture.
Editions and Revisions
A Series of Publications
The New International Encyclopedia underwent several revisions and editions, reflecting a commitment to updating its content. The first edition saw numerous reprints and corrections, with a notable expansion to 20 volumes occurring in 1907. The subsequent second edition was a more substantial undertaking, appearing over several years.
Key Editions
The encyclopedia's publication history includes:
- First Edition: Published in 1902, with significant updates and reprints throughout the following decade.
- Second Edition: Released between 1914 and 1917, comprising 24 volumes and representing a thorough revision.
- Third Edition: Published in 1923, largely a reprint with the addition of a history of the First World War.
- Final Edition: Issued in 1935 by Funk & Wagnalls, incorporating updated supplements.
Supplements and Yearbooks
Beyond the main editions, supplements were published to keep the encyclopedia current. A notable example is the two-volume supplement in 1925, incorporated into the 1927 reprint. Additionally, The New International Yearbook provided annual updates from 1908 until 1966, extending the encyclopedia's reach into contemporary events.
Detailed Volume Listings
First Edition (1905)
The initial printings of the first edition were organized into 20 volumes. These volumes covered a vast range of topics, from 'A' to 'Zyrians'. Many of these volumes are preserved digitally, offering valuable access to the knowledge compiled at the turn of the 20th century.
Second Edition (Incomplete Listings)
The second edition, published from 1914 to 1917, expanded to 24 volumes. While a complete digital archive of all volumes may be challenging to find, partial collections and individual volumes are accessible through resources like the HathiTrust Digital Library and Google Books, offering insights into this revised iteration.
Dissemination and Reach
The Annual Compendium
To supplement the main encyclopedia and provide timely updates, The New International Yearbook was introduced in 1908. This annual publication served as a compendium of the world's progress for the preceding year. It was edited by Frank Moore Colby until his passing in 1925, succeeded by Herbert Treadwell Wade, and later by Frank Horace Vizetelly. The yearbook continued its publication run until 1966, outlasting the parent encyclopedia.
A Collective Intellectual Effort
The depth and breadth of The New International Encyclopedia were achieved through the contributions of a vast network of experts. The source material indicates that more than 500 men and women submitted and composed the information contained within its pages. This collaborative approach was characteristic of major encyclopedic projects of the era, drawing upon specialized knowledge from numerous fields.
Enduring Influence
Integration and Adaptation
The intellectual capital and editorial content developed for The New International Encyclopedia found continued life beyond its final edition. Material from this work was incorporated into subsequent publications by Funk & Wagnalls, most notably the Funk & Wagnalls Standard Encyclopaedia. This demonstrates the enduring value and utility of the encyclopedia's content.
A Historical Benchmark
As a product of its time, The New International Encyclopedia serves as a valuable historical document, offering a window into the knowledge, perspectives, and editorial standards of the early 20th century. Its detailed volumes and annual yearbooks provide researchers and historians with primary source material for understanding the intellectual landscape of that period.
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This page was 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 efforts have been made to ensure fidelity to the source material, nuances and historical context may require further academic investigation.
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