Rakovsky, Ivan A.

[FIRST ENCYCLOPEDIA IN UKRAINIAN] Ukrains’ka zahal’na entsyklopediia: knyha znannia v 3-okh tomakh; bahato iliustrovana, z kol’orovamy tablytsiamy, mapamy ta obrazkamy [Ukrainian General Encyclopedia: Book of Knowledge in 3 Volumes; richly illustrated, with color tables, maps, and pictures], Vol. 1-3 (complete)

Lviv, Stanyslaviv, Kolomyia: Ridna Shkola, 1930-1935. Item #907

Three volumes (663; 659; 720 pages): illustrations, portraits, facsimiles, plates (some color), maps (some folded); 25 cm. Text in Ukrainian. All volumes are in original Quarter leather publisher's binding, featuring gilt-tooled decorations on the spine; housed in the rare original publisher's slipcases.The cardboard slipcase; a very good copy, with some rubbing at the corners of one volume.

It was called the Ukrainian General Encyclopedia, abbreviated as UZE, and among book lovers and historians, it also has the nickname "Kolomyian." The print run was 5,000 copies, with 2,500 subscribers and 2,000 off-the-shelf buyers, leaving 3,000 copies in stock. The Soviets destroyed these remaining copies when they entered Galicia in 1939.

The initial publication was released in monthly installments, each consisting of 128 pages, starting in April 1930. The last issue (number 30) was published in July 1933. It was written using the "Kharkiv" orthography, which refers to a Ukrainian spelling system used primarily during the 1920s and early 1930s, characterized by its alignment with phonetic principles, and was part of broader efforts to standardize Ukrainian literary language during that period. This orthography was developed and implemented primarily in Kharkiv, which was then the capital of Ukraine. The three-volume set was published between 1930 and 1933 in Lviv. The Ukrainian General Encyclopedia is a pioneering work and is notable for being the first encyclopedia in the Ukrainian language. This seminal three-volume set laid the groundwork for the Ukrainian Soviet Encyclopedia that would follow decades later.

Under the stewardship of the editor in chief Ivan A. Rakovsky, the Ukrainian General Encyclopedia was brought to fruition with significant contributions from a distinguished editorial board, including prominent figures such as Volodymyr Doroshenko, Mykhailo Rudnytsky, and Vasyl Simovych, who notably edited the "Ukraine" section. This monumental project also involved over 136 authors, each contributing their expertise across various domains.

The encyclopedia's rich visual elements were sourced from prestigious firms: general illustrative tables were crafted by "F. A. Brockhaus" in Leipzig, enhancing the textual content with high-quality visuals. Additionally, the inclusion of color maps from "Piller-Neiman" and "Unia" in Lviv provided detailed geographical context, and the text illustrations were produced using the "Phototyp" cliché factory in Lviv. These collaborations ensured the encyclopedia was not only a repository of knowledge but also a visually appealing reference work, showcasing a commitment to quality in both content and presentation.

The Ukrainian General Encyclopedia was born out of early 20th-century discussions among Ukrainian intellectuals and educators who recognized the need for an encyclopedic resource to support the education of Ukrainian students. Drawing inspiration from esteemed foreign encyclopedias and employing European methodologies, this work covers a vast array of subjects from geography, science, and mathematics to philosophy, history, and sports. It distinguished itself not only by encompassing a broad spectrum of knowledge but also by integrating vital specifics about Ukraine’s own historical, geographical, and cultural landscape. This blend of comprehensive coverage and a focus on Ukrainian specifics made it an indispensable reference tool, appealing to both specialists and the broader public with its blend of scholarly rigor and accessibility.

Ivan Rakovsky (1874-1949) was a Ukrainian anthropologist, zoologist, educator, and public figure. He was also the head of the important scientific and cultural institution Shevchenko Scientific Society (Naukove Tovarystvo imeni Shevchenka, NTSh).

This publication is a significant bibliographic rarity, esteemed for its contributions to museum collections, scientific research, and historical-cultural studies.

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