Harry E. Wedeck: A Comprehensive Bibliography of Works
Harry E. Wedeck was a prolific author, editor, and translator whose body of work spans a remarkable array of disciplines. From the rigorous study of classical languages—the ancient languages of Greece and Rome—to the esoteric exploration of the occult and the complexities of human sexuality, Wedeck's publications reflect a deep intellectual curiosity and a commitment to scholarly preservation.
His career began with a strong foundation in Latin and Greek studies, producing textbooks and essays that served students and scholars alike. Over time, his interests expanded into the realms of magic, spiritualism, and the history of morals, resulting in a series of specialized dictionaries that remain notable references in their respective fields.
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Key Facts
- Diverse Expertise: Authored works ranging from Latin grammar and classical word origins to dictionaries of magic and the occult.
- Academic Contributions: Produced essential educational materials, including Third year Latin and various classical literature readers.
- Translation Work: Translated significant texts from German and Latin, including the medico-forensic study Psychopathia sexualis.
- Collaborative Efforts: Co-edited and co-authored numerous reference works with scholars such as Wade Baskin and Frederick M. Schweitzer.
Books and Monographs
Wedeck's original writings can be categorized into academic studies of antiquity and comprehensive reference guides on esoteric subjects.
Classical and Academic Works
His early academic output focused heavily on the Latin language and ancient humor. Notable works include Humor in Varro, and other essays (1929) and the educational text Third year Latin (1931), which featured a grammatical appendix and vocabulary notes.
Esoteric and Specialized Dictionaries
Wedeck is perhaps best known for his extensive series of dictionaries published primarily through the Philosophical Library. These works cataloged the history and terminology of the unseen and the taboo, including:
- The Occult and Magic: Dictionary of magic (1956), Dictionary of the occult (1956), and the Treasury of witchcraft (1961).
- Religions and Lore: Dictionary of pagan religions (1971) and Dictionary of gypsy life and lore (1973), both co-authored with Wade Baskin.
- Humanity and Morals: Dictionary of aphrodisiacs (1961), Dictionary of erotic literature (1962), and the Pictorial history of morals (1963).
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Other Notable Monographs
Beyond dictionaries, Wedeck ventured into fiction with Mortal hunger (1947), a novel based on the life of Lafcadio Hearn, and explored spiritualism in the Dictionary of spiritualism (1971) and astrology in the Dictionary of astrology (1973).
Editorial and Translation Work
Wedeck's role as an editor and translator allowed him to bring complex ancient and foreign texts to a wider English-speaking audience.
As an Editor
He co-edited several foundational texts for students of the classics, such as Living language, a second Latin book (1934) and Latin poetry (1940). He also curated comprehensive readers on Greek and Roman literature in 1963, as well as Putnam's Dark and Middle Ages reader (1964).
As a Translator
Wedeck provided critical translations of influential texts, including:
- Psychopathia sexualis: A medico-forensic study by R. von Krafft-Ebing, translated from German (1965).
- The Foundation of Life: An abridged translation of Fons Vitae by the medieval Jewish philosopher Solomon ibn Gabirol (1962).
- Late Latin Writers: A translation of Pierre Courcelle's work on Greek sources (1969).
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Summary of Major Works
| Category | Notable Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical Studies | Third year Latin | 1931 | Author |
| Esoterica | Dictionary of magic | 1956 | Author |
| Esoterica | Treasury of witchcraft | 1961 | Author |
| Medical/Psychology | Psychopathia sexualis | 1965 | Translator |
| Religion | Dictionary of pagan religions | 1971 | Co-author |
| Philosophy | The Foundation of Life | 1962 | Translator |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Harry E. Wedeck's primary areas of expertise?
Wedeck was an expert in classical languages (Latin and Greek), the history of the occult and magic, and the translation of academic and medico-forensic texts.
Did Harry E. Wedeck write any fiction?
Yes, he wrote a novel titled Mortal hunger, published in 1947, which was based on the life of Lafcadio Hearn.
Who were some of Wedeck's frequent collaborators?
He frequently collaborated with Wade Baskin on dictionaries regarding pagan religions and gypsy lore, and worked with Frederick M. Schweitzer on the Dictionary of the Renaissance.
Which significant medical text did Wedeck translate?
Wedeck translated R. von Krafft-Ebing's Psychopathia sexualis, a medico-forensic study, from the original German into English.
What types of reference books did he produce for the Philosophical Library?
He produced a wide array of specialized dictionaries for the Philosophical Library, covering topics such as magic, the occult, aphrodisiacs, erotic literature, and pagan religions.