Liechtenstein Historical Lexicon: The Journey of a National Record

Liechtenstein Historical Lexicon: The Journey of a National Record

The creation of a comprehensive historical record is a monumental task that requires decades of scholarly dedication. The Liechtenstein Historical Lexicon stands as a testament to this effort, serving as a detailed academic resource inspired by the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland. Its development spanned over two decades, evolving from a solo editorial effort into a government-funded collaborative project.

The Early Years and Academic Foundation

The project's trajectory changed significantly in 1990 when historian Arthur Brunhart assumed the role of editor-in-chief. For over a decade, Brunhart served as the primary driver of the project, acting as the sole editor responsible for its implementation. To ensure academic rigor, he was supported by a scientific advisory board that convened twice annually.

Between 1994 and 1996, Brunhart expanded the project's intellectual reach by initiating four specialized Liechtenstein seminars. These academic gatherings were hosted at prestigious institutions, including the universities of Zurich, Freiburg, Innsbruck, and Salzburg, focusing specifically on the development of the historical lexicon.

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Transition to Government Support

As the scope of the lexicon grew, it became evident that the project required more human resources than a single editor could provide. This led to a pivotal shift in 2000, when the Landtag of Liechtenstein (the national parliament) approved the necessary funding to sustain the work.

Following this approval, the project was transferred to the Liechtenstein government. Starting in 2001, the editorial structure expanded. What began as a team of three historians eventually grew to seven members by the time of publication. This team included distinguished historians such as Peter Geiger and Rupert Quaderer, who helped bring the vast amount of research to fruition.

Publication and Completion

With a completion deadline set for December 2011, the editorial team worked to synthesize years of research into a publishable format. The final result was released in January 2013. The lexicon was published in two volumes by the Swiss publishing house Chronos Verlag.

Summary of the Liechtenstein Historical Lexicon Project
Key Milestone Details
Inspiration Historical Dictionary of Switzerland
Lead Editor Arthur Brunhart (Editor-in-chief from 1990)
Funding Body Landtag of Liechtenstein (Approved 2000)
Publication Date January 2013
Publisher Chronos Verlag
Format Two volumes

Key Facts

  • Arthur Brunhart managed the project as editor-in-chief from 1990 and as project manager from 2001 to 2013.
  • The project was developed through seminars at the universities of Zurich, Freiburg, Innsbruck, and Salzburg.
  • Government funding was secured via the Landtag of Liechtenstein in 2000.
  • The final editorial team grew to include up to seven historians, including Peter Geiger and Rupert Quaderer.
  • The finished work was published in two volumes in January 2013.

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired the creation of the Liechtenstein Historical Lexicon?

The project was heavily inspired by the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland.

Who was the primary editor responsible for the project's implementation?

Historian Arthur Brunhart was the sole editor responsible for implementing the project from 1990 onwards, later serving as project manager from 2001 to 2013.

How was the project funded?

The project was transferred to the Liechtenstein government after the Landtag of Liechtenstein approved funding in 2000.

Which universities hosted the seminars for the lexicon's development?

Seminars were held between 1994 and 1996 at the universities of Zurich, Freiburg, Innsbruck, and Salzburg.

When and how was the lexicon finally published?

The lexicon was released in January 2013 in two volumes by the Swiss publisher Chronos Verlag.