Dictionary of American Biography
Introduction
The Dictionary of American Biography (DAB) stands as a significant reference work in American historiography, encapsulating the lives and contributions of notable figures in the United States. Published by Charles Scribner’s Sons under the auspices of the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), this multi-volume dictionary has served as a vital resource for researchers, educators, and students alike. Spanning from its inception in the early 20th century to its subsequent updates, the DAB offers a lens through which to explore the diverse tapestry of American life, culture, and history.
Historical Context and Development
The origins of the Dictionary of American Biography can be traced back to a proposal made by eminent historian Frederick Jackson Turner in 1920. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive biographical reference for individuals who shaped American history, Turner sought the support of the ACLS. This initiative culminated in the publication of the first edition, which comprised 20 volumes released between 1928 and 1936. During this period, two to three volumes were published annually, collectively featuring around 15,000 biographies.
Funding for this extensive project was secured through a loan from Adolph Ochs, then publisher of The New York Times, who provided $50,000 annually over a decade. Importantly, Ochs maintained no editorial control over the content of the dictionary, allowing historians and scholars to curate entries based on their scholarly integrity.
Structure and Content
The DAB’s structure was distinctive in its approach to biography. Notably, it excluded living individuals from its pages, focusing solely on those who had passed away and had resided in the United States for a significant duration. This selection criterion ensured that each entry contributed to an understanding of historical context and legacy.
One notable characteristic of the DAB was its uneven representation across geographical regions and social groups. For instance, entries for notable figures such as Mary Baker Eddy and Mark Twain were disproportionately lengthy compared to others; Eddy’s biography spanned eight pages while Twain’s filled six and a half. Conversely, certain states like Arizona had minimal representation in comparison to others like Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Moreover, despite its ambitious scope, the DAB faced criticism for notable omissions. Figures such as Sojourner Truth, Martha Washington, Scott Joplin, Charles Guiteau, and Joe Hill were absent from its pages. Additionally, some early volumes employed terminology deemed outdated or offensive today, referring to Native Americans with terms like “red men” and “savages.” Such quirks reflected both the era’s prevailing attitudes and the evolving standards of biographical scholarship.
Evolution Over Time
As decades passed, the relevance of the DAB began to wane as new research methodologies emerged within historical scholarship. To address this decline in utility, ten supplementary volumes were published between 1944 and 1995. These supplements aimed to include individuals who had died after the initial completion of the dictionary while expanding upon existing biographies.
The first eight supplements were produced under the guidance of ACLS; however, following Macmillan’s acquisition of Scribner’s in 1984, two additional supplements were published without direct involvement from the council. These later volumes covered individuals who had passed away through 1980 but sparked tensions regarding intellectual property rights between Macmillan and ACLS.
Controversy Surrounding Digital Publication
The landscape shifted dramatically in mid-1995 when Macmillan announced plans to digitize the DAB for CD-ROM distribution. This announcement included not only updates to existing entries but also new biographies for individuals omitted from prior editions. The ACLS contested this move vigorously, asserting that Macmillan lacked legal authority to update or supplement the original work without their consent.
A lawsuit ensued in May 1996 when ACLS sought judicial intervention to block Macmillan’s publication efforts. The council expressed concerns about preserving the original work in its intended form without alterations or updates that might dilute its historical integrity. Lawrence S. Robbins, representing ACLS during this dispute stated that their goal was to maintain what they regarded as a treasure—the original form of DAB—unmodified by modern interpretations or additions.
New Directions: The American National Biography
In response to ongoing challenges surrounding digital rights and publication ownership, ACLS sought new partnerships. They signed a contract with Oxford University Press to develop a new series titled American National Biography. This initiative also received financial backing from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Humanities and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Simultaneously, Macmillan proceeded with its own project titled The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives (SEAL), intending to supplement DAB with more contemporary figures while maintaining continuity with past biographical traditions. Kenneth T. Jackson was appointed editor-in-chief for this ambitious endeavor aimed at bridging historical narratives with modern scholarship.
Conclusion
The Dictionary of American Biography remains an essential resource for understanding America’s historical figures and their contributions across various domains. Despite facing criticism over representation and evolving societal standards regarding language and inclusion, it laid groundwork crucial for subsequent biographical dictionaries. The controversies surrounding its later adaptations highlight ongoing discussions about intellectual property in scholarly publishing while emphasizing the importance of preserving historical integrity in biographical representation. As new projects emerge from both ACLS and Macmillan aiming to capture America’s dynamic history through biography, they reflect an enduring commitment to honoring those who have shaped national identity while adapting to modern scholarly needs.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).