Encyclopedia Lituanica: The Definitive English Resource on Lithuania
For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of Lithuania and its cultural heritage in the English language, the Encyclopedia Lituanica stands as an unparalleled academic achievement. Spanning six volumes and approximately 3,600 pages, this work serves as the only exhaustive English-language encyclopedia dedicated specifically to Lithuania-related topics.
The project was born out of necessity and resilience. It was published between 1970 and 1978 in Boston, Massachusetts, by Lithuanian Americans who had fled the Soviet occupation following the end of World War II. Their goal was to preserve and disseminate knowledge of their homeland during a period of intense political restriction.
The Origins and Production
The creation of the Encyclopedia Lituanica was closely linked to an earlier, massive undertaking: the Lietuvių enciklopedija. This was a 35-volume general encyclopedia written in the Lithuanian language and published between 1953 and 1966. Later, two volumes of supplements were added, with the final 37th volume appearing in 1985.
Because the Lietuvių enciklopedija devoted roughly two-fifths of its content to Lithuania-specific topics, much of the material for the English version was derived from this source. Consequently, a majority of the entries were originally written in Lithuanian and subsequently translated into English. Despite the complexity of this process, observers have noted the high quality of the translations.
The production process was fraught with difficulty. The editors faced the immense challenge of accessing sources and resources that were located behind the Iron Curtain—the political and military barrier that separated the Soviet-controlled Eastern Bloc from the West during the Cold War.
Leadership and Contribution
The work was published by the Lithuanian Encyclopedia Press, an organization founded and owned by Juozas Kapočius. In recognition of his contributions, Kapočius was awarded the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas in 1995.
Under the editorial guidance of Simas Sužiedėlis, the encyclopedia became a collaborative effort of the diaspora. The final volume credits 197 contributors, the vast majority of whom were Lithuanian, with only a small number of non-Lithuanian scholars participating in the project.
Key Facts
- Scope: Six volumes totaling approximately 3,600 pages.
- Publication Period: 1970 to 1978.
- Location: Published in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Publisher: Lithuanian Encyclopedia Press, owned by Juozas Kapočius.
- Editor: Simas Sužiedėlis.
- Contributors: 197 individuals, primarily Lithuanians.
- Unique Status: The only comprehensive English-language encyclopedia on Lithuania.
Summary of Related Works
| Feature | Lietuvių enciklopedija | Encyclopedia Lituanica |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Lithuanian | English |
| Volume Count | 37 (including supplements) | 6 |
| Publication Years | 1953–1985 | 1970–1978 |
| Focus | General Encyclopedia | Lithuania-related topics |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Encyclopedia Lituanica?
It is a six-volume, English-language encyclopedia focusing on Lithuania and related topics, published in Boston between 1970 and 1978.
Who published the encyclopedia?
It was published by the Lithuanian Encyclopedia Press, which was founded and owned by Juozas Kapočius.
How does it relate to the Lietuvių enciklopedija?
The Encyclopedia Lituanica utilized content from the Lietuvių enciklopedija (a 37-volume Lithuanian work), with many entries being translated from the original Lithuanian into English.
Why was the encyclopedia difficult to compile?
The process was complicated because most of the primary sources and resources were located within the Soviet Union, behind the Iron Curtain.
Who edited the work and who contributed to it?
The work was edited by Simas Sužiedėlis and featured contributions from 197 people, most of whom were Lithuanian.