NEW DICTIONARY OF THE HISTORY OF IDEAS

Azahari Hassim

The New Dictionary of the History of Ideas (6 volumes), edited by Maryanne Cline Horowitz and published by Charles Scribner’s Sons (Thomson Gale), is a landmark reference work that explores the evolution and influence of key concepts, ideologies, and intellectual movements throughout human history.

Key Features:

Comprehensive Scope: Spanning six volumes, this encyclopedia covers over 700 entries, each delving into the origin, development, and global impact of ideas across disciplines—philosophy, politics, religion, science, art, law, and more.

Interdisciplinary and Cross-Cultural: Unlike earlier editions, the New Dictionary emphasizes a global perspective, integrating non-Western thought and cross-cultural exchanges alongside traditional Western intellectual history.

Historical Depth: Entries trace ideas from their ancient roots through to modern interpretations, revealing how concepts such as democracy, justice, individualism, science, and gender have evolved over centuries.

Scholarly yet Accessible: Articles are written by leading historians and scholars in the humanities and social sciences. They are detailed yet designed to be accessible to students, educators, and general readers.

Bibliographies and Cross-References: Each article includes further reading lists and cross-references to related entries, encouraging deeper exploration and connecting themes across volumes.

Ideal for Research: Widely used in academic libraries and institutions, this work is invaluable for those conducting research in intellectual history, cultural studies, and philosophy.

Sample Topics Include:

“Alienation” “Capitalism and Its Critics” “Democracy” “Enlightenment” “Human Rights” “Postmodernism” “Secularization” “War and Peace”

This dictionary provides not only definitions but contextual narratives that explain how and why certain ideas emerged, spread, and transformed cultures.

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