Grave of Pierre Larousse

Paris, FR

Grave of Pierre Larousse
Grave of Pierre Larousse
Location
Paris, FR
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
48.8395531, 2.3267889
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Grave of Pierre Larousse, located within the historic Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris, marks the final resting place of one of France's most influential lexicographers and encyclopedists. Pierre Larousse (1817–1875) is celebrated for his monumental work, the *Grand Dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle* (Great Universal Dictionary of the 19th Century), a comprehensive reference that profoundly shaped French language and knowledge dissemination. Visitors interested in French literary history, publishing, or simply exploring significant historical figures will find this site a compelling destination. The grave itself is situated in Division 19 of the cemetery, offering a moment of reflection amidst the tranquil, tree-lined avenues of this renowned Parisian necropolis. For those seeking unique places to visit in Paris, a stop at Larousse's grave provides a tangible link to the intellectual heritage of the city, inviting contemplation on the enduring power of words and knowledge.

General information

The Grave of Pierre Larousse, located within the historic Montparnasse Cemetery in Paris, marks the final resting place of one of France's most influential lexicographers and encyclopedists. Pierre Larousse (1817–1875) is celebrated for his monumental work, the *Grand Dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle* (Great Universal Dictionary of the 19th Century), a comprehensive reference that profoundly shaped French language and knowledge dissemination. Visitors interested in French literary history, publishing, or simply exploring significant historical figures will find this site a compelling destination. The grave itself is situated in Division 19 of the cemetery, offering a moment of reflection amidst the tranquil, tree-lined avenues of this renowned Parisian necropolis. For those seeking unique places to visit in Paris, a stop at Larousse's grave provides a tangible link to the intellectual heritage of the city, inviting contemplation on the enduring power of words and knowledge.

Did you know

  • Pierre Larousse's *Grand Dictionnaire universel* comprised 17 volumes, published between 1866 and 1876, and contained over 23,000 pages.
  • Larousse began his career as a teacher, which fueled his passion for creating accessible educational materials.
  • The publishing house he founded, Éditions Larousse, continues to be a prominent name in French publishing today, known for its dictionaries and encyclopedias.
  • Montparnasse Cemetery is also the final resting place for many other notable figures, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Charles Baudelaire.

History

Pierre Larousse was born in Toucy, France, in 1817. His early career as a teacher in Paris exposed him to the limitations of existing educational materials, inspiring him to create more comprehensive and engaging resources. In 1852, he co-founded the Librairie Larousse et Boyer publishing house with Augustin Boyer. His magnum opus, the *Grand Dictionnaire universel du XIXe siècle*, began publication in 1866 and continued even after his death in 1875, completed by his nephew, Jules Hollier. This encyclopedic dictionary was an ambitious project, aiming to synthesize all human knowledge of the 19th century. Larousse's dedication to accessible education and the dissemination of knowledge left an indelible mark on French intellectual history.

Cultural significance

The cultural significance of Pierre Larousse lies primarily in his revolutionary approach to lexicography and encyclopedic knowledge. His *Grand Dictionnaire universel* was not merely a list of words but an expansive compendium of information, reflecting the scientific, social, and philosophical currents of its time. It democratized knowledge, making complex subjects accessible to a wider public and fostering a shared understanding of French culture and the world. The Larousse name became synonymous with reliable reference works, influencing generations of French speakers and learners. His legacy endures through the Éditions Larousse publishing house, which continues to produce authoritative dictionaries and encyclopedias, perpetuating his vision of accessible and comprehensive learning.

Geography and landscape

The Grave of Pierre Larousse is located in Montparnasse Cemetery, one of Paris's three major necropolises, situated in the 14th arrondissement. Established in 1824, the cemetery is known for its serene atmosphere, mature trees, and artfully designed tombs and monuments. Larousse's grave can be found in Division 19, an area characterized by its quiet pathways and a mix of elaborate and modest headstones. The cemetery itself is a sprawling green space, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling city life outside its walls. Its layout is typical of large Parisian cemeteries, with numbered divisions and a network of avenues and paths, making it a significant historical and landscape feature within the urban fabric of Paris.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

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