Title
A Diderot Pictorial Encyclopedia of Trades and Industry, Vol. 1 (Dover Pictorial Archive Series),New
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Artists, illustrators, collectors, and historians of industry, art, and invention will all welcome this superb republication of copperplates engraved to illustrate Diderot's great eighteenthcentury Encyclopdie. The first work of its kind, the Encyclopdie was the crowning venture of the Enlightenment. In this twovolume set, available for the first time in a paperbound edition, Dover has painstakingly reprinted 485 of the finest plates considered among the greatest achievements of eighteenthcentury graphic art most in full size.Diderot committed his encyclopedia to publicizing trade secrets in the hope it would lead to more rational industrial processes. The plates offer, therefore, a unique and invaluable record of manufacturing and the trades just prior to the Industrial Revolution. Each of the major trades is illustrated in sequences detailing machinery and processes from raw material to finished product. In fact, most plates are so clear and accurate that an engineer could almost use them to construct machines ready to go into eighteenthcentury production. Moreover, the variety of arts, crafts, tools, and trades illustrated here is staggering: 56 plates on agriculture and the rural arts; 40 plates dealing with the iron foundry; 44 plates on metalworking; 67 plates on glassmaking; 28 plates showing masonry and carpentry; 55 plates dealing with textiles; and scores of others amount to a total of more than 2,000 illustrations.This inexpensive edition will serve libraries, students, and teachers as a primary reference on Europe before the Industrial Revolution. In addition, commercial artists, designers, and crafters will find here a wealth of unusual, royaltyfree illustrations for a host of art and craft uses.Extensive, detailed notes, prepared by historian Charles Coulston Gillispie, clearly identify and explain objects, procedures, and techniques of each industry. Mr. Gillispie's Introduction is an extensive essay on the place of the encyclopedia in the eighteenthcentury Enlightenment.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: This book has two hundred thirty-nine pages. It features extensive illustrations and detailed notes that enhance the reading experience.
- Q: What is the binding type of the book? A: The book is paperback bound. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for both reading and referencing.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures nine and one-quarter inches in length, one inch in width, and twelve and one-quarter inches in height. These dimensions make it a substantial volume for detailed viewing.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is Denis Diderot. He was a prominent figure during the Enlightenment and contributed significantly to the field of encyclopedic knowledge.
- Q: What topics does the book cover? A: This book covers trades and industries of the eighteenth century. It includes illustrations of agriculture, metalworking, glassmaking, and more, reflecting the diversity of trades before the Industrial Revolution.
- Q: Is this book suitable for students? A: Yes, this book is suitable for students. It serves as a primary reference for those studying European history and industrial practices.
- Q: What type of illustrations are included in the book? A: The book includes over two thousand illustrations. These range from detailed machinery to processes used in various trades, making it a rich resource for visual learners.
- Q: How can this book be used by artists and designers? A: Artists and designers can use this book for reference. It offers royalty-free illustrations that can inspire various art and craft projects.
- Q: Are there notes included in the book? A: Yes, the book includes extensive notes prepared by historian Charles Coulston Gillispie. These notes explain the objects and techniques illustrated, enhancing the reader's understanding.
- Q: What is the historical significance of this encyclopedia? A: This encyclopedia is historically significant as it publicized trade secrets during the Enlightenment. It aimed to improve industrial processes leading up to the Industrial Revolution.
- Q: Can this book be used as a reference for teaching? A: Yes, this book can be used as a teaching reference. It provides detailed insights into various trades and industries, making it a valuable educational resource.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for collectors? A: Yes, collectors will appreciate this book. It is a republication of significant historical artwork and provides a unique look at trades from the past.
- Q: Does the book contain any essays or introductions? A: Yes, the book contains an extensive introduction by Charles Coulston Gillispie. This essay discusses the significance of the encyclopedia in the context of the Enlightenment.
- Q: Is this book a good gift for history enthusiasts? A: Yes, this book makes a great gift for history enthusiasts. Its rich illustrations and historical context appeal to anyone interested in the evolution of trades and industries.
- Q: How does this book compare to other encyclopedias? A: This book is unique compared to other encyclopedias due to its focus on trades and industries during the Enlightenment. It emphasizes visual documentation, making it a distinct resource.