Tagore, Rabindranath (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1922)

What it is

This is an entry on Rabindranath Tagore from the 12th edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, published in 1922. It describes his family, the Tagores of Bengal, noted for their work in literature, art, religious reform, and philanthropy.

Why it matters

Reference works like this show how Tagore was being introduced to English-speaking readers soon after he became internationally famous. The entry places him within a wider family history, including his grandfather Dwarkanath Tagore and father Devendranath, showing that his achievements built on generations of reform and public service.

Look closer

• Why does the entry spend so much time on Tagore's family before describing him?
• What kind of audience was this encyclopedia written for, and how might that shape its tone?
• What does the entry leave out that a modern biography might include?