# encyclopedia

> type of reference work

**Wikidata**: [Q5292](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5292)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclopedia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/encyclopedia

## Summary
An encyclopedia is a type of reference work that serves as a comprehensive compilation of knowledge, typically organized systematically to provide confirmed facts on a wide range of topics. It is a tertiary source, consolidating information from primary and secondary sources, and can appear in various formats, including print, digital, and online. Encyclopedias are part of a broader category of reference works, which also includes lexicons, biographical dictionaries, and specialized encyclopedic dictionaries.

## Key Facts
- **Definition and Classification**: An encyclopedia is a type of reference work, classified under genres such as tertiary sources and serials. It is designed to provide verified information on diverse subjects.
- **Parent Categories**: Encyclopedias are part of broader categories including reference works, tertiary sources, serials, and lexicons.
- **Related Types**: Encyclopedias can be specialized, such as medical encyclopedias, or general, like the Encyclopædia Britannica. They can also be online, such as Wikipedia or WIEM Encyklopedia.
- **Historical Examples**: Notable historical encyclopedias include the Encyclopédie (published in Paris between 1751 and 1772), the Yongle Encyclopedia, and the Suda (a Byzantine lexicon from around 1000 CE).
- **Modern Examples**: Contemporary encyclopedias include Wikipedia (founded in 2001), the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, and specialized works like the Encyclopedia of Mathematics.
- **Languages and Regions**: Encyclopedias exist in numerous languages and regions, such as the Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia, the Georgian Soviet Encyclopedia, and the Banglapedia (the national encyclopedia of Bangladesh).
- **Digital and Online Encyclopedias**: Examples include online encyclopedias like Wikipedia, WIEM Encyklopedia, and Wookieepedia (a Star Wars encyclopedia on Fandom).
- **Specialized Encyclopedias**: These include medical encyclopedias, encyclopedic dictionaries, and subject-specific works like the Encyclopedia of the Holocaust.
- **Notable Figures**: Individuals associated with encyclopedias include Jimmy Wales (co-founder of Wikipedia), Levi ben Abraham ben Hayyim (a 13th-century French rabbi and encyclopedist), and Johann Georg Krünitz (a German encyclopedist).
- **Cultural and Historical Impact**: Encyclopedias have played a significant role in preserving and disseminating knowledge across cultures and historical periods, from ancient works like the Suda to modern digital platforms like Wikipedia.

## FAQs

**What is an encyclopedia?**
An encyclopedia is a reference work that provides comprehensive information on a wide range of topics, typically organized systematically. It serves as a tertiary source, consolidating knowledge from primary and secondary sources.

**What are some types of encyclopedias?**
Encyclopedias can be general, covering a broad range of topics, or specialized, focusing on specific fields like medicine, history, or culture. They can also be online, such as Wikipedia, or in print, like the Encyclopædia Britannica.

**What are some historical examples of encyclopedias?**
Historical examples include the Encyclopédie (published in Paris between 1751 and 1772), the Yongle Encyclopedia, and the Suda (a Byzantine lexicon from around 1000 CE).

**What are some modern examples of encyclopedias?**
Modern examples include Wikipedia (founded in 2001), the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, and specialized works like the Encyclopedia of Mathematics.

**What role do encyclopedias play in preserving knowledge?**
Encyclopedias play a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge across cultures and historical periods. They serve as comprehensive repositories of information, making knowledge accessible to a wide audience.

**Who are some notable figures associated with encyclopedias?**
Notable figures include Jimmy Wales (co-founder of Wikipedia), Levi ben Abraham ben Hayyim (a 13th-century French rabbi and encyclopedist), and Johann Georg Krünitz (a German encyclopedist).

**What are some specialized encyclopedias?**
Specialized encyclopedias include medical encyclopedias, encyclopedic dictionaries, and subject-specific works like the Encyclopedia of the Holocaust.

**What are some digital and online encyclopedias?**
Examples include online encyclopedias like Wikipedia, WIEM Encyklopedia, and Wookieepedia (a Star Wars encyclopedia on Fandom).

**What are some encyclopedias in different languages and regions?**
Encyclopedias exist in numerous languages and regions, such as the Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia, the Georgian Soviet Encyclopedia, and the Banglapedia (the national encyclopedia of Bangladesh).

**What is the significance of encyclopedias in education and research?**
Encyclopedias are valuable resources for education and research, providing verified information on a wide range of topics. They serve as starting points for further study and are often used as reference materials in academic and professional settings.

## Why It Matters
Encyclopedias are fundamental to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. They serve as comprehensive repositories of information, making knowledge accessible to a wide audience. From ancient works like the Suda to modern digital platforms like Wikipedia, encyclopedias have played a significant role in education, research, and cultural preservation. They provide verified information on diverse subjects, serving as tertiary sources that consolidate knowledge from primary and secondary sources. Encyclopedias are essential tools for learning, offering systematic and organized information that is crucial for academic and professional development.

## Notable For
- **Comprehensive Knowledge**: Encyclopedias are known for their comprehensive coverage of a wide range of topics, providing detailed and verified information.
- **Historical Significance**: Encyclopedias have a long history, with notable examples like the Encyclopédie and the Suda playing significant roles in preserving knowledge.
- **Digital Innovation**: Modern encyclopedias like Wikipedia have revolutionized the way information is accessed and shared, making knowledge available to a global audience.
- **Specialized Focus**: Specialized encyclopedias, such as medical encyclopedias and encyclopedic dictionaries, provide in-depth information on specific fields.
- **Cultural Diversity**: Encyclopedias exist in numerous languages and regions, reflecting the diversity of human knowledge and culture.
- **Educational Value**: Encyclopedias are valuable resources for education and research, serving as reference materials in academic and professional settings.
- **Notable Figures**: Encyclopedias are associated with notable figures like Jimmy Wales, Levi ben Abraham ben Hayyim, and Johann Georg Krünitz, who have contributed to their development and dissemination.

## Body

### Definition and Classification
An encyclopedia is a type of reference work that serves as a comprehensive compilation of knowledge, typically organized systematically to provide confirmed facts on a wide range of topics. It is classified under broader categories such as reference works, tertiary sources, serials, and lexicons. Encyclopedias are designed to provide verified information, making them valuable resources for education and research.

### Historical Examples
Historical examples of encyclopedias include the Encyclopédie, published in Paris between 1751 and 1772, the Yongle Encyclopedia, and the Suda, a Byzantine lexicon from around 1000 CE. These works have played significant roles in preserving and disseminating knowledge across cultures and historical periods.

### Modern Examples
Modern examples of encyclopedias include Wikipedia, founded in 2001, the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, and specialized works like the Encyclopedia of Mathematics. These encyclopedias have revolutionized the way information is accessed and shared, making knowledge available to a global audience.

### Digital and Online Encyclopedias
Digital and online encyclopedias include platforms like Wikipedia, WIEM Encyklopedia, and Wookieepedia (a Star Wars encyclopedia on Fandom). These encyclopedias leverage digital technology to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on a wide range of topics.

### Specialized Encyclopedias
Specialized encyclopedias focus on specific fields, such as medical encyclopedias, encyclopedic dictionaries, and subject-specific works like the Encyclopedia of the Holocaust. These encyclopedias provide in-depth information on specialized topics, serving as valuable resources for researchers and professionals.

### Languages and Regions
Encyclopedias exist in numerous languages and regions, reflecting the diversity of human knowledge and culture. Examples include the Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia, the Georgian Soviet Encyclopedia, and the Banglapedia (the national encyclopedia of Bangladesh).

### Notable Figures
Notable figures associated with encyclopedias include Jimmy Wales (co-founder of Wikipedia), Levi ben Abraham ben Hayyim (a 13th-century French rabbi and encyclopedist), and Johann Georg Krünitz (a German encyclopedist). These individuals have contributed significantly to the development and dissemination of encyclopedic knowledge.

### Cultural and Historical Impact
Encyclopedias have played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge across cultures and historical periods. From ancient works like the Suda to modern digital platforms like Wikipedia, encyclopedias have served as comprehensive repositories of information, making knowledge accessible to a wide audience.

### Educational Value
Encyclopedias are valuable resources for education and research, serving as reference materials in academic and professional settings. They provide verified information on diverse subjects, serving as starting points for further study and offering systematic and organized information that is crucial for academic and professional development.

### Related Types and Categories
Encyclopedias are part of a broader category of reference works, which also includes lexicons, biographical dictionaries, and specialized encyclopedic dictionaries. They can be general, covering a broad range of topics, or specialized, focusing on specific fields like medicine, history, or culture. Encyclopedias can also be online, such as Wikipedia, or in print, like the Encyclopædia Britannica.

### Technical Details and Specifications
Encyclopedias are typically organized systematically, providing comprehensive information on a wide range of topics. They serve as tertiary sources, consolidating knowledge from primary and secondary sources. Encyclopedias can appear in various formats, including print, digital, and online, making them accessible to a global audience.

### Notable Projects and Initiatives
Notable projects and initiatives related to encyclopedias include Wikipedia, the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, and specialized works like the Encyclopedia of Mathematics. These projects have revolutionized the way information is accessed and shared, making knowledge available to a wide audience.

### Community and Collaboration
Encyclopedias often involve community and collaboration, with platforms like Wikipedia relying on contributions from a global community of editors and contributors. This collaborative approach ensures that encyclopedias provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on a wide range of topics.

### Future Directions
The future of encyclopedias lies in digital innovation and the continued expansion of online platforms. Modern encyclopedias like Wikipedia have revolutionized the way information is accessed and shared, making knowledge available to a global audience. The continued development of digital and online encyclopedias will ensure that knowledge remains accessible and up-to-date.

### Conclusion
Encyclopedias are fundamental to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge. They serve as comprehensive repositories of information, making knowledge accessible to a wide audience. From ancient works like the Suda to modern digital platforms like Wikipedia, encyclopedias have played a significant role in education, research, and cultural preservation. They provide verified information on diverse subjects, serving as tertiary sources that consolidate knowledge from primary and secondary sources. Encyclopedias are essential tools for learning, offering systematic and organized information that is crucial for academic and professional development.

## References

1. Source
2. Library of Congress Authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
5. Health Sciences Descriptors
6. Nuovo soggettario
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Medical Subject Headings
9. [Library of Congress Linked Data Service](http://id.loc.gov/authorities/classification/AE1-AE90)
10. BBC Things
11. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
12. BabelNet
13. EuroVoc
14. Quora
15. Open Library
16. [Source](http://www.eionet.europa.eu/gemet/concept/2696)
17. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Encyclopedia-5PKP)
18. FactGrid
19. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
20. CC 6
21. AGROVOC
22. KBpedia
23. GF WordNet
24. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)