THE GREAT EB: The Story of the Encyclopedia Britannica

by Herman Kogan ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 27, 1958

Told in terms of the men who have been responsible for the famous reference work from its beginning in Edinburgh in 1768 to the present day. This is an informative and lively book that touches upon many subjects other than the great EB. Few people are familiar with the Encyclopedia as a commercial item--and as such it was responsible for saving The London Times, launching American-style advertising in England and selling books on the installment plan. Although due emphasis is given to the Britannica as an intellectual work, particularly to the ninth edition (1875-1889), the majority of the book deals with it as a business venture and as such this is an industrial history enlivened by many colorful characters from Walter Scott to Robert Hutchins.

Pub Date: May 27, 1958

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Univ. of Chicago

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1958

Categories: NONFICTION