Catholic Encyclopedia facts for kids
The Catholic Encyclopedia, sometimes called the Old Catholic Encyclopedia, is a large English-language encyclopedia. It was published in the United States. The first part came out in 1907. The last parts were finished in 1912. A main index came out in 1914. Later, more books were added.
This encyclopedia was made to give full and reliable information. It covers everything about Catholic interests, actions, and beliefs.
The Catholic Encyclopedia was published by the Robert Appleton Company. This company started in New York in 1905. Its only job was to publish this encyclopedia. The five people on the encyclopedia's editing team were also leaders of the company. In 1912, the company changed its name to The Encyclopedia Press.
What was its purpose?
The encyclopedia was made to help the Roman Catholic Church. It focused on information about the Church. It explained things from a Catholic point of view. It also shared the achievements of Catholics. These achievements were in many areas. This included artists, teachers, poets, and scientists.
This encyclopedia was more focused than general encyclopedias. But it was much wider than earlier Catholic encyclopedias. Those earlier ones only looked at Church matters.
It gives deep details about historical and philosophical ideas. It also covers people and events from a Catholic view. This includes topics that separate Catholicism from Protestantism and other faiths.
Since it was first published in 1907, it has not been updated. Because of this, some information might be old. This can be true for general culture or for the Catholic world. For example, it was made before Vatican City State started in 1929. It also came before the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965). This Council brought many big changes to Catholic practices.
How it was made
Work on the encyclopedia began on January 11, 1905. Five editors led the project.
The encyclopedia was made for the Roman Catholic Church. It did not include information not related to the Church. It explained things from the official Catholic beliefs. This was how they were during the time of Pope Pius X. It shared the accomplishments of Catholics and some others. These were in almost all intellectual and professional fields. This included artists, educators, poets, and scientists.
