Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Banks" to "Bassoon" / Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 3

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27480

Title

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Banks" to "Bassoon" / Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 3

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume offers authoritative entries on diverse figures and concepts, ranging from 19th-century writers and politicians to the history of banking and the evolution of the bassoon. Written in an encyclopedic style, it provides concise biographical sketches, economic analysis, and detailed musical instrument history, appealing to readers seeking factual reference on arts, sciences, and general knowledge.

Summary up to 500 words

This selection from the Eleventh Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica offers a comprehensive alphabetical survey of topics ranging from 'Banks' to 'Bassoon.' The volume begins with biographical entries for several notable figures named Banks. George Banks (1821–1881) is described as a British writer who transitioned from various trades to become a playwright and newspaper editor. Sir Joseph Banks (1743–1820), a renowned naturalist, is celebrated for accompanying Captain Cook on his historic Pacific expeditions, where he secured a rich harvest of botanical and entomological discoveries. Nathaniel Prentiss Banks (1816–1894) is detailed as an American politician and Civil War general who played a pivotal role in the Union victory at Port Hudson and served multiple terms in Congress. Thomas Banks (1735–1805) is recognized as an English sculptor whose works, including the colossal group of 'Shakespeare attended by Painting and Poetry,' are held in prestigious collections like New Place, Stratford-on-Avon. Sir Charles Barry (1795–1860) is highlighted as the architect of the Houses of Parliament, a masterpiece that showcased his preference for Italian architecture. Elizabeth Barry (1658–1713) is noted as an actress who, after initial struggles, became a celebrated performer under the coaching of the Earl of Rochester. The text also provides a detailed economic analysis of banking. It explains that banks function by lending deposited capital to those engaged in reproductive industry, thereby facilitating trade and business development. The article distinguishes between 'exchange banks,' which handle foreign currency, and 'banks of deposits,' which support domestic industries. Historically, it traces the evolution of banking institutions from the 16th century onwards, noting the shift from simple deposit-taking to active participation in national economic growth. The final major section presents a thorough historical account of the bassoon, or fagotto. The instrument's origins are traced from the 15th-century 'pommer' and 'curtail' to the modern keyed version. The entry discusses early inventors such as Sigmund Schnitzer, who crafted large fagottos, and Afranio, whose 'phagotus' design is debated as a precursor to the modern instrument. The text clarifies the etymology of the name, distinguishing between the German 'Deutscher Basson' and the Italian 'fagotto,' the latter derived from the French 'fagot' due to the instrument's bundled appearance. Mechanical improvements by makers like Almenræder and Heckel are detailed, noting how adjustments to key positions and bore sizes produced a clearer, more accurate tone. The bassoon's significance in classical music is emphasized, with specific mentions of its prominent roles in the works of Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, while noting its absence in Handel's compositions. Throughout, the writing maintains a neutral, informative tone, supported by historical documents and contemporary accounts.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Encyclopedias and dictionaries