Wurzbach

Wurzbach, Constantin von (1818-1893)

Constantin von Wurzbach was an Austrian lexicographer, bibliographer, and writer. He is best known for compiling the Biographisches Lexikon des Kaiserthums Oesterreich, a monumental biographical dictionary of individuals who lived in the Austrian Empire from 1750 to 1890.

Life and Career:

Born in Ljubljana (Laibach), Slovenia (then part of the Austrian Empire), Wurzbach studied philosophy and philology at the University of Lemberg (Lviv). He served as a censor for the press and later worked as a government official in Vienna. His primary focus, however, became the creation of his biographical dictionary.

Biographisches Lexikon des Kaiserthums Oesterreich:

This 60-volume work, published between 1856 and 1891, contains biographies of over 24,000 notable people from all walks of life who lived within the Austrian Empire. These included artists, scientists, politicians, writers, musicians, and military figures. The Biographisches Lexikon remains an invaluable resource for historians and genealogists researching individuals and families connected to the Austrian Empire. Wurzbach's achievement was remarkable, especially considering the scale of the project and the limitations of research resources at the time.

Other Works:

Besides the Biographisches Lexikon, Wurzbach also authored and edited other works, including books on literature and literary history. However, his biographical dictionary remains his most significant contribution to scholarship.

Legacy:

Constantin von Wurzbach's meticulous and comprehensive Biographisches Lexikon established him as a prominent figure in Austrian historical scholarship. His work continues to be consulted by researchers seeking information about the history and culture of the Austrian Empire.