Origin: Scotland
Year Founded: 1768
Biography: The Encyclopaedia Britannica, first published in 1768, is one of the most well-known and respected encyclopedias in the world. It began as a three-volume set in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has since evolved into an extensive online resource. Britannica covers a wide range of topics, from history to science, and has become synonymous with reliability and accuracy in reference materials.
Origin: United States
Year Founded: 1917
Biography: The World Book Encyclopedia, first published in 1917, is an American encyclopedia aimed at younger readers and families. Known for its concise and easily understandable articles, World Book has been a popular choice for students and educators. It has expanded into digital formats, offering an online version for easier access to information.
Origin: United States
Year Founded: 2008
Biography: The Encyclopedia of Life (EOL) is a free, online resource launched in 2008 that aims to document all living species on Earth. It offers scientific information about organisms, from their biology to conservation status, and connects users with current research on biodiversity.
Origin: United States
Year Founded: 2001
Biography: Wikipedia, launched in 2001, is a free, web-based, collaborative encyclopedia created by volunteers worldwide. Unlike traditional encyclopedias, Wikipedia allows anyone to contribute and edit articles, making it the largest and most frequently updated reference source available online. It covers virtually every subject imaginable, though its open editing model has sparked both praise and controversy.
Origin: United States
Year Founded: 1895
Biography: The New York Public Library Digital Collections is a digital archive that houses an impressive array of reference materials, including encyclopedic entries, historical documents, and visual resources. It offers access to millions of digitized objects, providing a wealth of information for researchers and educators.
Origin: United States
Year Founded: 1902
Biography: Collier's Encyclopedia was first published in 1902 and was known for its comprehensive coverage of a wide array of subjects. It was one of the most authoritative sources of information in the 20th century before its online version ceased publication in the early 2000s. Despite its closure, it remains a historic and valuable resource.
Origin: France
Year Founded: 1751
Biography: The Encyclopédie, edited by Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d'Alembert, was a groundbreaking French publication that began in 1751 and was completed in 1772. This 35-volume work aimed to summarize all human knowledge and was a major influence during the Age of Enlightenment, shaping intellectual thought across Europe.
Origin: United Kingdom
Year Founded: 1884
Biography: The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a comprehensive dictionary of the English language, with a historical approach to the development of words. First published in 1884, the OED offers definitions, etymologies, and historical quotations, providing a detailed history of the English language over time.
Origin: France
Year Founded: 1852
Biography: The Larousse Encyclopedia, originating from France, is an influential series of encyclopedias that covers a wide range of topics, including history, science, and culture. Larousse, founded in the mid-19th century, has been a trusted source for knowledge, with editions translated into multiple languages for global audiences.
Origin: United States
Year Founded: 1940
Biography: The Encyclopedia of World History, originally published in 1940, is an authoritative source on the events, figures, and movements that have shaped global history. It is widely used by students and scholars alike for its thorough analysis of historical events and its detailed timelines.