Great Soviet Encyclopedia

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia is a prominent Russian-language reference work, one of the largest of its kind, that encapsulates knowledge from the Soviet perspective. Originating in the 1920s, this massive compendium offers a unique window into the Soviet Union's historical, cultural, and scientific landscape.

Background

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia stands as one of the paramount encyclopedic projects undertaken in the Russian language. Its inception dates back to the 1920s, and it offers insights from the perspective of the then-prevailing Soviet ideology.

Years published

Spanning over six decades, the encyclopedia was actively published by the Soviet Union from 1926 up until 1990.

Current status

While the Great Soviet Encyclopedia itself is no longer in active publication or being updated, its legacy persists as it has been integrated into the contemporary Bolshaya Rossiyskaya entsiklopediya.

Content

Functioning as a comprehensive repository, the Soviet Encyclopedia systematically chronicles information in areas such as the social sciences, economics, geography, flora, fauna, applied sciences, as well as a deep dive into the lives, cultures, and histories of the people of the Soviet Union.

Use

Despite facing stiff competition from globally renowned counterparts like the Encyclopedia Britannica, Americana, and Italiana, the Great Soviet Encyclopedia was nonetheless an indispensable resource for the Soviet intelligentsia. The publisher's foreword in its English translation asserts its significance for fostering a deeper understanding of the USSR.

Comprehensive nature

The encyclopedia's standout value emanates from its exhaustive coverage of the Soviet Union, painting a vivid picture of its myriad regions, cultures, and peoples.

Aspects covered

It meticulously catalogues every conceivable facet of Soviet life, spanning its history, economic landscape, scientific achievements, artistic endeavors, and cultural heritage.

Ethnic diversity

The tapestry of the USSR's ethnic diversity finds elaborate representation in the encyclopedia. Detailed accounts of its multifarious languages, cultures, and peoples are accompanied by biographies of notable figures in culture and science.

Marxist bias

While critics have pointed out a pronounced Marxist bias in its content, the encyclopedia nevertheless serves as an invaluable tool for comprehending the Soviet perspective.

Input from public

A remarkable feature of this reference work was its inclusivity. The Chief Editorial Board and Advisory board actively solicited contributions from the general populace. This democratic approach yielded more than 50,000 suggestions, leading to numerous inclusions and enrichments in its content.

Russian history

Scholars and historians concur that, despite its ideological slant, the Great Soviet Encyclopedia remains an invaluable resource for delving into Russian history.

Great Soviet Encyclopedia on Wikipedia

• Wikipedia's article on Great Soviet Encyclopedia

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