London Encyclopaedia: From Print Volumes to Digital Mapping
Capturing the vast history and complexity of a global metropolis requires meticulous research and a passion for detail. This was the driving force behind the creation of the London encyclopaedia, a comprehensive reference work designed to document the evolution of the city.
The Origins and Print Evolution
The first edition of the encyclopaedia was the result of years of collaborative effort between Ben Weinreb (1912–1999), an antiquarian bookseller, and Christopher Hibbert (1924–2008), a noted historian. Their combined expertise in rare books and historical narrative provided a robust foundation for the work.
Published by Macmillan, the encyclopaedia grew in scope and accuracy over several decades. Following the initial release, revised editions were published in 1993 and 2008, with additional reprints produced for paperback and book club editions to ensure wider accessibility.
Scope and Scale of the Work
The depth of the publication is reflected in its extensive data. The encyclopaedia contains approximately 5,000 articles, providing detailed insights into the city's landmarks, events, and culture. To help users navigate this vast amount of information, the work includes two comprehensive indices: a general index and a dedicated index of people, each containing roughly 10,000 entries.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Authors | Ben Weinreb and Christopher Hibbert |
| Publisher | Macmillan |
| Total Articles | Approximately 5,000 |
| Index Entries | ~10,000 (General) and ~10,000 (People) |
| Revised Editions | 1993, 2008 |
Transition to Digital: London—A City Through Time
In 2012, the wealth of knowledge contained in the print editions was transitioned into the digital age. Heuristic-Media developed an application titled London—A City Through Time, transforming the static text into an interactive experience.
The process of digitization was labor-intensive. In a 2013 discussion with The Guardian, Heuristic-Media partners Toby Evetts and Simon Reeves explained the technical challenges of the project. Specifically, they revealed that 4,500 entries had to be manually plotted onto a guide map to ensure geographical accuracy for the app's users.
Key Facts
- Authorship: Compiled by antiquarian bookseller Ben Weinreb and historian Christopher Hibbert.
- Content: Features around 5,000 articles and two indices with 10,000 entries each.
- Publishing: Published by Macmillan with major revisions in 1993 and 2008.
- Digital Adaptation: Converted into the "London—A City Through Time" app by Heuristic-Media in 2012.
- Manual Mapping: 4,500 entries were plotted by hand for the digital map interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the original creators of the encyclopaedia?
The work was compiled over several years by Ben Weinreb, an antiquarian bookseller, and Christopher Hibbert, a historian.
Which publishing house released the print editions?
The encyclopaedia was published by Macmillan.
How many articles and index entries are included in the work?
The publication contains approximately 5,000 articles and two separate indices (general and people), each consisting of about 10,000 entries.
What is the digital version of the encyclopaedia called?
The digital app developed by Heuristic-Media is titled "London—A City Through Time."
How was the map for the digital app created?
Toby Evetts and Simon Reeves of Heuristic-Media plotted 4,500 entries onto the guide map by hand.