description Yongle Encyclopedia Overview
The Yongle Encyclopedia represents a monumental achievement of the Ming Dynasty. Compiled under the direction of the Yongle Emperor between 1408 and 1416, this vast manuscript encyclopedia originally consisted of over 11,000 volumes. It contained comprehensive knowledge across numerous subjects including astronomy, medicine, history, and philosophy. Primarily intended for use by imperial scholars and government officials, it remains a significant historical resource offering insight into the intellectual landscape of early 15th-century China.
insights Ranking position
Yongle Encyclopedia ranks #1 of 280 in the Encyclopedia ranking, ahead of Encyclopædia Britannica.
help Yongle Encyclopedia FAQ
Who commissioned the creation of the Yongle Encyclopedia?
The vast manuscript was commissioned by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The massive compilation project took place between 1403 and 1408, reflecting the emperor's desire to preserve all known Confucian, historical, and scientific knowledge.
How large was the original Yongle Encyclopedia?
When originally completed, the encyclopedia consisted of nearly 23,000 manuscript volumes, making it one of the largest encyclopedias in human history. Unfortunately, the majority of the original text was lost to fires and the ravages of time over subsequent centuries.
Why is the Yongle Encyclopedia so difficult to read today?
The encyclopedia was written using highly formalized classical Chinese characters and covered an incredibly vast array of subjects. Furthermore, it was compiled primarily as a literary repository for the imperial court rather than a practical reference guide for commoners.
Where are the surviving volumes of the Yongle Encyclopedia currently housed?
Only an estimated 400 volumes of the original encyclopedia survive today, scattered across various institutions worldwide. The largest surviving collection is held at the National Library of China in Beijing, with other fragments located in libraries across Europe and the United States.
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