Why Encyclopedias Got Bigger . . . and Smaller

@article{Loveland2012WhyEG,
  title={Why Encyclopedias Got Bigger . . . and Smaller},
  author={Jeff Loveland},
  journal={Information \& Culture: A Journal of History},
  year={2012},
  volume={47},
  pages={233 - 254}
}
  • J. Loveland
  • Published 11 April 2012
  • History
  • Information & Culture: A Journal of History
This article will show that the European encyclopedia’s critical period of growth took place from 1690 to 1840; the size of the largest printed encyclopedias declined or stabilized thereafter. Having established this pattern of change and its importance for encyclopedism, the article will then evaluate the factors determining the change. The early growth of encyclopedias was above all a consequence of competition, perceptions of the market for encyclopedias, and publishers’ and contributors… 
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