Universal dictionary

The New Enclopaedia Britannica in its article on Encyclopaedias and dictionaries says on p. 274 that Rees' Cyclopedia or universal dictionary ... was the 'only serious rival to the Britannica' of the day. It was also one of the first encyclopaedias to give 'more than passing reference to contemporary industry and technology ... [and] is one of the most valuable and comprehensive sources of information on manufacturing processes and techniques in the early years of the nineteenth century ...' (Rees: Introduction by Neil Cossons p. ix)

Abraham Rees was trained for the ministry and later was a tutor in mathematics, science and Hebrew, before becoming a Presbyterian minister in the Old Jewry, London. He obtained his Doctorate in Divinity from Edinburgh University. Rees edited Ephraim Chambers's cyclopaedia in the 1770s and the experience and recognition he received from this work (he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society) led him to make a proposal for a new encyclopaedia which would include all the latest advances in science and technology, and would draw upon the expertise of acknowledged leaders in their fields. The first part of the new Cyclopaedia, or universal dictionary ... was published in 1802 and would be issued in parts over the following 18 years and be complete in 45 volumes, including six volumes of plates. It was finally completed in August 1820.

The superb engraved plates of the Cyclopaedia are a feature, with their detail and accuracy with hand-colouring for the natural history plates.

The staff member who suggested this item for the 'staff favourites' exhibition called it a 'little gem'.

Permission to use this item for any purpose, including publishing, is not required from the State Library under these conditions of use.

Buy a high resolution copy.