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Cover of Barkham Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889

Barkham Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889

Written by Barkham Burroughs

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About this book

"Barkham Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information" is a comprehensive reference work written during the late 19th century. This encyclopaedia serves as a universal assistant and treasure-house of information for readers of all ages, featuring a variety of practical tips, recipes, and knowledge that are relevant to everyday life, such as advice on writing, cooking, and personal conduct. The opening of the book introduces readers to its structure and purpose, highlighting its wealth of information organized into notable topics. It commences with a motivational piece titled "How Poor Boys Become Successful Men," which offers a series of practical life advice emphasizing perseverance, industry, honesty, and self-reliance as essential qualities for achieving success. Following this, the text delves into subjects like the art of penmanship, detailing techniques and materials for effective writing, and the significance of legibility and neatness in correspondence. The first portion sets the stage for a diverse array of knowledge that spans various practical aspects of life, catering to a curious audience seeking self-improvement and practical skills.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Barkham Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 15 hours
  • intermediate/advanced
  • informative
  • historical
  • curious

Barkham Burroughs' Encyclopaedia of Astounding Facts and Useful Information, 1889 is a unique historical compendium offering a vivid snapshot of popular knowledge, scientific understanding, and societal curiosities at the close of the 19th century. Far from a narrative, it presents an eclectic collection of practical advice, scientific observations, historical anecdotes, and miscellaneous trivia, reflecting the diverse intellectual interests of the Victorian era. It serves as both an educational resource from its time and an invaluable primary source for understanding the cultural and scientific landscape of 1889. The work highlights a period when the line between established science, folklore, and popular marvels was often delightfully blurred, showcasing an earnest yet sometimes anachronistic pursuit of knowledge.

“To the curious mind, no fact is too small, no wonder too great to be recorded.”

Key themes

The Pursuit and Dissemination of Knowledge
This encyclopedia embodies the Victorian era's fervent desire to categorize, understand, and share information across a vast spectrum of subjects. It reflects a belief in the power of compiled facts to enlighten and empower the general public. The very act of creating such a compendium speaks to an era's attempt to master its environment through accumulated data and a widespread thirst for learning.
The Victorian Worldview and Popular Science
The encyclopedia serves as a direct window into the prevailing intellectual climate, scientific understanding, and cultural values of 1889. It showcases a worldview that combined burgeoning scientific rationalism with remnants of folk wisdom, moral didacticism, and a fascination with the exotic and mysterious. It reveals what was considered important, true, and entertaining to the educated populace of the time, reflecting a unique blend of progress and tradition.
Utility and Practicality in Daily Life
A significant portion of the 'Useful Information' is dedicated to practical advice for household management, agriculture, health, and basic mechanics. This theme underscores the Victorian emphasis on self-sufficiency, domestic economy, and the application of knowledge to improve daily living. It reflects a society where practical skills and knowledge were highly valued for maintaining a home, a farm, or a trade in an era before widespread specialized services.

Worth discussing

How does the 'useful information' in 1889 compare to what we consider useful today, and what does this reveal about societal changes?

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