# Pierre Larousse

> French grammarian, lexicographer and encyclopaedist

**Wikidata**: [Q313709](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313709)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Larousse)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pierre-larousse

## Summary
Pierre Larousse was a French grammarian, lexicographer, and encyclopedist renowned for his foundational contributions to French reference literature. He is best known for creating the *Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle*, a landmark 19th-century encyclopedic dictionary that remains a significant scholarly resource. His work laid the groundwork for modern French lexicography and continues to influence reference publishing.

## Biography
- Born: October 23, 1817
- Nationality: France
- Education: Studied at several institutions including the University of Paris and École Normale Supérieure
- Known for: Founding Éditions Larousse and authoring the *Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle*
- Employer(s): Éditions Larousse, Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, Collège de France, Conservatoire national des Arts et Métiers
- Field(s): Lexicography, grammar, publishing, encyclopedias

## Contributions
Pierre Larousse is most notably recognized for founding the publishing house Éditions Larousse in 1852, which became a cornerstone of French educational and reference publishing. His crowning achievement was the creation of the *Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle* (Universal Dictionary of the 19th Century), first published in 1866. This comprehensive reference work was revolutionary for its time, combining linguistic precision with encyclopedic scope. Larousse also contributed significantly to grammar and language education through works such as *Grammaire de la langue française* and *Dictionnaire de la langue française*, both of which became standard texts in French education. His publications were widely adopted in schools and universities, shaping generations of French readers and writers.

## FAQs
**What did Pierre Larousse publish?**  
Pierre Larousse published several major works, including the *Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle* (1866), *Grammaire de la langue française*, and *Dictionnaire de la langue française*. He also founded Éditions Larousse, which became a leading publisher of educational and reference materials.

**Where did Pierre Larousse work?**  
Larousse worked primarily in Paris, where he established Éditions Larousse. He was also affiliated with institutions such as the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, Collège de France, and Conservatoire national des Arts et Métiers.

**Why is Pierre Larousse important?**  
Pierre Larousse is important for revolutionizing French reference publishing through his creation of the *Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle* and founding Éditions Larousse. His works remain authoritative sources in French lexicography and continue to be used in education and research.

**What is the *Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle*?**  
The *Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle* is a comprehensive French-language encyclopedic dictionary published in 1866. It was one of the most ambitious reference works of its time, combining linguistic definitions with encyclopedic entries on science, history, and culture.

**How did Pierre Larousse influence French education?**  
Larousse influenced French education by producing high-quality, accessible reference works and textbooks, including grammars and dictionaries that were widely used in schools. His publications helped standardize the French language and made knowledge more accessible to the general public.

## Why They Matter
Pierre Larousse fundamentally transformed French reference publishing and education by creating authoritative, accessible works that democratized knowledge. His *Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle* became a cornerstone of French intellectual life and continues to be cited in academic and literary contexts. By founding Éditions Larousse, he established a legacy of educational excellence that influenced generations of scholars, educators, and students. His emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and comprehensiveness set new standards for lexicography and reference publishing, shaping the way knowledge is organized and disseminated in the French-speaking world.

## Notable For
- Founding Éditions Larousse, one of France’s most prestigious publishing houses
- Creating the *Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle* (1866), a landmark in French lexicography
- Publishing *Grammaire de la langue française* and *Dictionnaire de la langue française*, widely used educational texts
- Affiliation with major French academic institutions such as the University of Paris, Muséum national d'histoire naturelle, and Collège de France
- Establishing a legacy of rigorous, accessible reference works that remain influential in French education and culture

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Pierre Larousse was born on October 23, 1817, in France. He pursued his education at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Paris, École Normale Supérieure, and other academic centers such as the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle and Collège de France. His early academic focus was on language, grammar, and natural sciences, which laid the foundation for his later work in lexicography and publishing.

### Career and Publishing Legacy
Larousse began his career in education and writing, eventually founding Éditions Larousse in 1852. This publishing house became a major force in French educational and reference publishing. He was deeply involved in producing grammars, dictionaries, and encyclopedias that were both scholarly and accessible to the general public. His works were widely adopted in schools and universities, making him a central figure in 19th-century French intellectual life.

### Major Works and Publications
- **Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle** (1866): A monumental 19th-century French encyclopedic dictionary that combined linguistic definitions with encyclopedic entries. It was one of the most ambitious reference works of its time and remains a key resource in French lexicography.
- **Grammaire de la langue française**: A foundational grammar text that became a standard in French education.
- **Dictionnaire de la langue française**: A widely used dictionary that helped standardize French vocabulary and usage.

### Affiliations and Institutional Connections
Pierre Larousse was connected to several major French institutions:
- **Éditions Larousse**: The publishing house he founded, which became synonymous with high-quality French reference works.
- **Muséum national d'histoire naturelle**: An institution where Larousse was involved in scientific and educational publishing.
- **Collège de France**: A center of higher learning where his works were influential.
- **Conservatoire national des Arts et Métiers**: Another institution with which he was associated, particularly in technical and scientific education.

### Influence on French Education and Culture
Larousse’s works had a profound impact on French education. His dictionaries and grammars were widely used in schools and helped standardize the French language. The *Grand dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle* was especially significant in shaping public access to knowledge and became a reference for scholars and educators alike. His legacy continues through Éditions Larousse, which remains a major publisher of educational and reference materials.

### Legacy and Continuing Impact
Pierre Larousse’s contributions to lexicography and publishing remain influential. His emphasis on clarity, accuracy, and accessibility helped democratize knowledge in 19th-century France. His works are still cited and used in academic and educational contexts, and Éditions Larousse continues to publish under his name, maintaining his tradition of excellence in reference publishing.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Library of the World's Best Literature
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. SNAC
8. Find a Grave
9. Babelio
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
12. GeneaStar
13. Roglo
14. AlKindi
15. Croatian Encyclopedia
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index10.html)
18. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line