Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Gyantse" to "Hallel" / Volume 12, Slice 7

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

38401

Title

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Gyantse" to "Hallel" / Volume 12, Slice 7

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume of the Eleventh Edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica offers authoritative entries on a diverse range of subjects, from the Tibetan town of Gyantse and the Lydian king Gyges to Danish novelist Thomasine Gyllembourg-Ehrensvärd and American Civil War general Henry Wager Halleck. Written by various experts, the text provides concise historical, geographical, and biographical overviews with a tone of scholarly neutrality.

Summary up to 500 words

This slice of Volume XII of the Eleventh Edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica offers a comprehensive survey of global knowledge spanning history, geography, literature, science, and law. The collection begins with Gyantse, a strategic Tibetan trade hub besieged by British forces in 1904, highlighting its pivotal role in regional commerce. It transitions to ancient history with profiles of Gyges, the Lydian king who seized power through assassination, and Gylippus, the Spartan general whose leadership turned the tide at Syracuse. Literary figures are also featured, including Thomasine Gyllembourg-Ehrensvärd, a Danish author who published anonymously for decades before her identity was revealed, and Ida Hahn-Hahn, an aristocratic German novelist known for works depicting high society. The volume further explores Swedish statecraft through Johan Gyllenstjerna, a key advisor to Charles XI, and Indian military sports known as Gymkhana. Geographical and cultural entries cover diverse subjects, from the Jewish Talmudical scholar Hai and the Haida people of British Columbia to the port city of Haifa and the mineralogist Wilhelm Karl Haidinger. Scientific topics include detailed explanations of hail formation and the geological characteristics of Hälleflinta rock. The text also addresses legal and social terms such as 'Haiduk,' originally meaning robber but evolving into a term for mercenary soldiers or servants in various European contexts. Historical cities like Halle, Germany, are examined for their rich history involving salt trade, religious reform, and political strife. The collection concludes with entries on Hallel, detailing its liturgical significance in Jewish tradition as Psalms of praise recited during Passover and other festivals. Throughout the volume, the tone remains objective and encyclopedic, providing concise yet thorough overviews that reflect 19th-century understanding across disciplines. The entries collectively serve as a vital reference for historical events, cultural practices, scientific discoveries, and literary achievements of the era.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Encyclopedias