The Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans
At the dawn of the 20th century, the desire to document the architects of American society led to the creation of a comprehensive reference work. The Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans serves as a detailed record of the individuals who shaped the political, scientific, and cultural landscape of the United States during a period of rapid transformation.
The Origins and Publication
Edited by Rossiter Johnson, this expansive biographical dictionary was published in 1904. The copyright was held by The Biographical Society, with the physical production handled by Plimpton Press, the printers and binders located in Norwood, Massachusetts, United States. The work was substantial in scope, expanding to a total of 10 volumes.
While the initial release was broad, a later 1906 edition was produced as a limited run, consisting of only three hundred fifty numbered and registered copies, making those specific volumes rare collectibles today.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Scope and Content
The dictionary was designed to capture the lives of those "making history" across a diverse array of professional fields. Rather than focusing solely on politicians, the work provides brief biographies of individuals across various sectors, including:
- Authors and Editors
- Administrators and Officials
- Clergymen and Philanthropists
- Engineers and Scientists
- Jurists and Statesmen
- Merchants
Editorial Philosophy and Challenges
In the preface dated December 24, 1903, Rossiter Johnson addressed the inherent difficulty of maintaining accuracy in a massive reference work. He noted that every volume underwent revision to ensure articles were current up to the year of publication. Johnson acknowledged that because the world moves quickly—and fame can arrive overnight—some gaps are unavoidable in such a large-scale project.
Johnson highlighted a specific instance where a contemporary reference work failed to mention presidential candidates because the nominations occurred after the work was completed. He asserted that, despite such challenges, the dictionary aimed to provide the full life stories of its subjects up to late 1903. Furthermore, he emphasized that the portraits and illustrations included in the volumes were intended to supplement the text meaningfully rather than acting as mere ornaments.
Key Facts
- Editor: Rossiter Johnson.
- Copyright Year: 1904.
- Publisher: The Biographical Society (Plimpton Press).
- Volume Count: 10 volumes.
- Limited Edition: 350 numbered copies released in 1906.
- Temporal Scope: Information current to late 1903.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Title | The Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans |
| Location of Printing | Norwood, Massachusetts, USA |
| Primary Editor | Rossiter Johnson |
| Content Focus | Brief biographies of influential Americans |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who edited the Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans?
The work was edited by Rossiter Johnson.
How many volumes make up the dictionary?
The biographical dictionary was expanded to a total of 10 volumes.
What was the purpose of the illustrations in the text?
According to Rossiter Johnson, the portraits and illustrations were designed to supplement the biographical text rather than serving as simple ornaments.
Was there a limited edition of this work?
Yes, in 1906, a limited edition was published consisting of three hundred fifty numbered and registered copies.
What time period does the biographical information cover?
The volumes were intended to contain the life stories of the subjects up to a late date in 1903.