History of the Encyclopaedia Britannica (LECTURE ON THE GO)

**The Toronto History Walks Explorer Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email
**torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**
for more information or for signing up!**

We have an amazing "Lecture on the Go" series for 2026. New topics and fascinating stories abound! Join us and learn about the world and keep active and warm during the winter months!

I started this walking classroom when we were under that horrible cloud called Covid. This series was popular and helped people get out and back into society and life. The series is back for 2026 with 6 new topics for exploration over the winter and spring months.

The "Lecture on the Go" Series is open only to members who have purchased the YEARLY MEMBERSHIP PASS, it's free for those members. If you wish to attend a lecture and you are not a yearly pass member then the price per lecture is $20.00.

This second lecture is focussed on the search for world knowledge. In the mid 18th century putting together a compendium of the world's knowledge was a monumental task. But it was done and it still around today. Let's uncover some of the facts about this fascinating topic.

Encyclopaedia Britannica got its start in 1768 in Edinburgh, when a group of very curious, ambitious people decided the world needed one big, reliable place to put all knowledge. This was the Enlightenment era, so everyone was obsessed with reason, learning, and explaining things properly.

The early editions were bold, quirky, and packed with everything from science and philosophy to practical advice.

Britannica grew into the champion of encyclopedias. It crossed over to North America, added volumes, and became the go-to reference set in libraries, schools, and living rooms. Having a full set on your shelf once meant you were serious about education—or at least wanted to look that way. The articles were written by experts, which gave Britannica its reputation for authority, even if some entries now feel dated.

Then came the internet, and everything changed. In 2012, Britannica stopped printing its famous books and went digital, trading leather for google. Same mission as always—sharing trustworthy knowledge—just a lot lighter to carry and easier to dust. And I have three full sets, I should know.

Topics upcoming in the 2026 series of lectures are as follows. We are a little behind but catching up.

*Dante; The Hidden Meaning Behind The Divine Comedy
*Hidden Wonders of Canada; Northern Ontario History and Guide
*Philosophy 1: Great Minds of the Western World: Goethe to Kant!
*Philosophy 2: Great Minds of the Eastern World: Chuang Tzu to Dalai Lama

Hope to see you on this "Lecture on the Go!" So book your plans now!

This event is for all levels and walkers, there are a few steps here and there to navigate, but mostly on one level. This event in a non walking event.

The lecture begins on the steps of Old City Hall at the northeast corner of Bay Street and Queen Street West and head into the PATH.

This lecture event has a ticket price of $20.00 per person, and is free with the yearly membership pass. Hope to see you there!

** Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:
**torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**