The Nuttall Encyclopædia was conceived to provide a concise, condensed, and accessible epitome of universal knowledge for those who lack the means or leisure for bulky reference works. While an up-to-date dictionary explains the vehicle of thought, this encyclopædia seeks to define the subject matter itself, helping the modern reader grasp details from daily newspapers and discussions.
Compiled by James Wood, the volume contains over sixteen thousand terse and original articles spanning history, biography, geography, literature, philosophy, religion, science, and art. The selection prioritizes facts that the majority of readers search for, allowing the book to lie on a desk for instant, ready-to-hand reference rather than remaining locked in a large library.
Biographical entries detail noted people, their nationalities, their active periods, and their achievements, using birth and death dates in brackets. Historical articles outline epochs, important movements, and significant events along with their dates and historical contexts.
Geographical entries describe countries, provinces, and towns, noting their sizes, populations indicated by bracketed numbers of thousands, and notable characteristics. The natural and physical sciences are represented through heavenly bodies, solar system details, and discussions of science, literature, and art linked to distinguished practitioners.
The volume also catalogs human diversity and culture, including races, tribes, mythologies, world religions with their credos, schools of philosophy, and religious or political sects. Sacred and world books, legends, fables, fiction characters, fraternities, dynasties, institutions, and festivals are similarly defined.
Despite the editorial challenges of wide research and the condensation of complex particulars, the work aims to offer succinct definitions while leaving detailed study to specialized authorities. It provides a solid help for newspaper readers, heads of families, tutors, students, and men of business.
