Alphabetical Lives: Early Modern German Biographical Lexicons and Encyclopedias

Authors

Richard G. Cole, Luther College, Emeritus

Publication Date

2008

Keywords

Germany, biographical lexicon, encyclopedia, lexicography

Abstract

Those who appear obvious to us as “major players” in past eras may in part result from an unintended consequence of the work of early modern biographical lexicographers. By the eighteenth century, there were enough printed sources and available archival materials to deluge or even overwhelm historians and biographers with information about past actors of sixteenth century history. Those biographical lexicographers made choices about whom to give prominence and whom to minimize or ignore in their works.

Recommended Citation

Cole, Richard G. (2008) "Alphabetical Lives: Early Modern German Biographical Lexicons and Encyclopedias," Quidditas: Vol. 29, Article 8.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/rmmra/vol29/iss1/8