Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle
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The Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle (Great universal dictionary of the 19th century), often called the Grand Larousse du dix-neuvième, is an encyclopedic dictionary, a work of Pierre Larousse. Its publication in 17 volumes of 1500 pages each extended from 1866 to 1878.
[edit] Description
Volumes 1-15, covering A-Z, were issued from 1866 to 1876. Volumes 16-17 (i.e. the two supplements) were issued in 1877 and 1878. Larousse also published further supplements in the form of a magazine called Revue encyclopédique (1891-1900) then Revue universelle (1900-1905).
Unlike Émile Littré's contemporary dictionary, the Grand Larousse is primarily an encyclopedia. It is opinionated and has a distinctive and personal style.
One such instance of subjectivity appears regarding emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. For Pierre Larousse, what the Republic's general had done until the coup of 18 Brumaire was virtuous and glorious, but the coup and the subsequent rule of the consul and emperor were a tyrant's doings. Hence, the Grand Larousse du dix-neuvième had two entries: one for Bonaparte, Napoleon, who, according to the article, died on the 18 Brumaire (9 November 1799); and one for Napoleon referring to the consul and emperor. Though it is true that Napoleon Bonaparte "changed" his name for Napoleon I, he only did so at his crowning as emperor, not after the 18 Brumaire coup.
[edit] External links
- Digitized version on Gallica, the Bibliothèque nationale de France's digital collection.
- A digitization project Includes much background material and bibliography on 19c French dictionaries and encyclopedias. In French.
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