Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle

The Grand Dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle (Great Universal Dictionary of the 19th Century), often called the 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 1877.

Volumes 1-15 covering A-Z were issued from 1866-70. Volumes 16-17 and two supplements were issued from 1877-1890. 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 Larousse is primarily an encyclopedia. It is opinionated and has a distinctive and personal style.

One such instance of subjectivity appears regarding Napoleon. 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 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".

External links

* [http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/epc/langueXIX/numlarou/ A digitization project] Includes much background material and bibliography on 19c French dictionaries and encyclopedias. In French.