The Dictionary of Dates was so popular during the lifetime of the original author, Joseph Haydn, that it went through six editions. By the time the publishers passed the work on to Benjamin Vincent for revision, it was already justifiably famous. This reprinting of the acclaimed seventeenth edition of Vincent’s revision is a delightful reminder of the basic information that was considered so important during the advent of the classic encyclopedias and reference works being produced in the nineteenth century. Arranged alphabetically, this historic work contains hundreds of articles that pertain to important dates and events in human history. This edition was originally revised for the benefit of American readers, as the contents tended to cover events of a more Eurocentric focus. Part dictionary, part calendar, this book was an affordable option for those who needed to discover encyclopedic information on essential laws, institutions, cities, inventions, and events that had made an impact on their world. Still a handy source for quick information, Haydn’s Dictionary of Dates will please any history reader with an interest in what was considered important in the 1800s.

Benjamin Vincent (1818-1899) was a religionist and a noted librarian of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, the venue of much scientific study. In addition to taking over the revision of Haydn’s Dictionary of Dates, he was also an editor of the British Dictionary of Biography.