Encyclopedia Lituanica

Quick Facts: Who was Encyclopedia Lituanica?

Subject:

Encyclopedia Lituanica

Known for:

A comprehensive six-volume English encyclopedia dedicated to Lithuanian history and culture.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Encyclopedia Lituanica (likely named after Encyclopædia Britannica or Encyclopedia Americana) is a six-volume (about 3600-page) English language encyclopedia about Lithuania and Lithuania-related topics. It was published between 1970 and 1978 in Boston, Massachusetts by Lithuanian Americans who fled Soviet occupation at the end of World War II. To this day, it remains the only such comprehensive work on Lithuania in the English language. The encyclopedia was compiled and published by the same individuals who had published Lietuvių enciklopedija, a 35-volume general encyclopedia in the Lithuanian language, in 1953-1966.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Later, two volumes of additions and supplements were added and the 37th and last volume was published in 1985. The undertaking was made extremely complicated by the fact that most sources and resources were behind the Iron Curtain in the Soviet Union. Some of the entries in Encyclopedia Lituanica come from this earlier work, which had about two-fifths of its content devoted to Lithuania-related topics. Thus a majority of entries were first written in Lithuanian and later translated into English.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

However, observers note a good quality of translations. The encyclopedia was published by Lithuanian Encyclopedia Press, founded and owned by Juozas Kapočius. He was awarded the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas in 1995. It was edited by Simas Sužiedėlis, and at the end of the last volume it lists 197 contributors; only a handful of them are non-Lithuanians.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1953: 1953 Milestone — The encyclopedia was compiled and published by the same individuals who had published Lietuvių enciklopedija, a 35-volume general encyclopedia in the Lithuanian language, in 1953-1966.
2. 1970: 1970 Milestone — It was published between 1970 and 1978 in Boston, Massachusetts by Lithuanian Americans who fled Soviet occupation at the end of World War II.
3. 1985: 1985 Milestone — Later, two volumes of additions and supplements were added and the 37th and last volume was published in 1985.
4. 1995: 1995 Milestone — He was awarded the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas in 1995.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Encyclopedia Lituanica

True or False: “The Encyclopedia Lituanica was published entirely using sources available outside of the Soviet Union's control.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Many entries were originally written in Lithuanian from resources within the Soviet-controlled area and later translated into English.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alan Moore — Historical peer (Born in 1953) (1953): Pioneering British comic book writer celebrated for deconstructing genre tropes.
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• A. R. Rahman — Historical peer (Born in 1966) (1966): Visionary Indian composer celebrated for blending global sounds with cinematic emotion.
• Abdus Sattar (president) — Historical peer (Died in 1985) (1985): Bangladeshi statesman who served as President of Bangladesh (1981-1982).
• Aiko Kayō — Historical peer (Born in 1985) (1985): Japanese singer and actress known for her work on the Avex Trax label.

Frequently Asked Questions about Encyclopedia Lituanica