Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Dodwell, Edward" to "Drama" / Volume 8, Slice 6

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

32758

Title

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Dodwell, Edward" to "Drama" / Volume 8, Slice 6

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume offers a comprehensive reference on diverse topics, ranging from historical figures like Edward Dodwell to detailed entries on dogs, geography, and the evolution of drama. Written with an encyclopedic authority, it blends factual rigor with engaging historical narratives, making it a valuable resource for scholars and general readers alike.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume VIII, Slice VI of the Eleventh Edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica serves as a comprehensive repository of knowledge, bridging biographical history, natural science, geography, and the arts. The volume opens with entries on the Dodwell family, distinguishing between Edward, the English archaeologist who spent his later years exploring Greece and Italy, and Henry, the theologian and classical scholar known for his extensive work on chronology. The text then transitions to natural history with a detailed treatise on the dog. This entry explores the animal's etymology, its descent from the wolf, and its contrasting roles in ancient cultures, ranging from Egyptian veneration—where the dog was associated with the star Sirius—to Jewish ritualistic abhorrence. The volume further examines geography and administration through a profile of County Down in Ireland, detailing its topography, population demographics, and historical antiquities such as pillar stones and monastic ruins. Etymological entries trace terms like 'down' to Old English and Celtic roots. Biographical sketches continue with figures such as Andrew Downes, a classical scholar, and Sir George Downing, a diplomat whose legacy includes the naming of Downing Street. A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the history of drama. It contrasts Roman theatre with Greek traditions, noting the social status of actors, the use of masks, and the influence of oratory on tragedy. The narrative traces the decline of classical drama, highlighting how the separation of dance and song from dialogue led to the rise of the pantomimus. The text analyzes the moral decay associated with these entertainments and the subsequent condemnation by the Christian Church, which ultimately sealed the doom of the Roman theatre. The volume concludes with a scholarly overview of the dramatic canon, listing classical plays and authors from antiquity to the early modern period, maintaining a formal, informative tone throughout.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Encyclopedias and dictionaries