69. Edition of Pierer's Conversational Encyclopedia

Seventh edition, edited by Josef Kürschner with Universal Language Dictionary (according to J. Kürschner's system)
W. Spemann Publishers, Berlin and Stuttgart

It is rare for idealism to be combined with the practical sense that makes it possible to implement it in reality, in life. Indeed, idealism usually despises practicality and then has to suffer the consequences of the latter simply ignoring it as being of no use to them. We see a beautiful collaboration between the two directions in Kürschner's literary endeavors. This man is an idealist, and his diverse literary and editorial activities are thoroughly in keeping with the high level of education of the time; at the same time, he does not lack the gift of making the products of the mind popular and practically useful. Kürschner's “Deutsche Nationalliteratur” is an intrinsically sound work, a collection of lasting value. It is also appealing in every respect, created for the needs of the educated - not just the learned. Now the first issues of the new edition of the old “Pierer” by Kürschner are before us. The thorough revision that the publisher has given the work is definitely in the direction of increasing the intrinsic, factual value of the book. It is intended to meet the demands of the times in every respect, and to utilize the latest achievements in all fields. This is done in a way that excludes all scholarly pedantry. The main principle that is clearly perceptible in the composition of the work is to be at the forefront of science everywhere, but never to “lecture”, but always to do justice to the striving to “inform” oneself about questions of all kinds. While Kürschner's aim is to create a dictionary of conversation that is useful to everyone, the value of the work is considerably increased by the addition of a universal language dictionary, which is certainly welcome. The owner can find out at a glance what any given expression means in twelve languages (Bohemian, Danish, English, French, Greek, Dutch, Italian, Latin, Russian, Swedish, Spanish, Hungarian) or what a German expression borrowed from one of these languages means. It is a well-known fact how often one needs such information. The large number of contributors – over one hundred and sixty – ensures that the work is thoroughly sound. They will make the old “Pierer” a completely new book in every respect. We hope that it will become a household and family book, as Kürschner originally intended. The publisher has made the design very favorable, so that nothing has been omitted to achieve that purpose. We can always talk about individual things after the appearance of the individual volumes, but for now we will only point out the tendency and task of the book.