Lecture on the History of Printed Encyclopedias at Derasat Center

TDT | Manama

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The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) conducted a lecture titled “An Overview of Printed Encyclopedias” as part of its “Think Talk” series on Wednesday, 5 February 2025. The event was presented by Dr. Hamad Ebrahim Al-Abdulla, Derasat’s Executive Director, and attracted a diverse audience comprising representatives from Derasat’s partner organizations and other interested individuals.

Held at the Center’s headquarters in Awali, the lecture provided a comprehensive exploration of the history and development of encyclopedias, tracing their progress from ancient times to the modern era. Dr. Al-Abdulla highlighted the significance of printed encyclopedias in shaping knowledge dissemination and public education.

The presentation focused on four major printed encyclopedias that have made a lasting impact on intellectual thought. Dr. Al-Abdulla began with “Natural History” by Pliny the Elder, an early attempt to compile knowledge across various disciplines. He then discussed Denis Diderot’s groundbreaking “Encyclopédie”, which served as a catalyst for the Enlightenment, promoting reason and critical thinking.

Additionally, the lecture examined the “Encyclopedia Britannica”, renowned for its authoritative contributions to academia, and the “Encyclopedia Americana”, which has played a crucial role in American education and culture. Dr. Al-Abdulla emphasized how these works not only documented knowledge but also influenced societal progress.

The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage with Dr. Al-Abdulla and further discuss the relevance of encyclopedias in today’s digital age. Derasat continues to foster intellectual discourse through its “Think Talk” series, promoting knowledge-sharing and collaboration among scholars and practitioners.

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