Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians: In Five Volumes

The second edition of Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians, edited by John Alexander Fuller Maitland, was published in the early 20th century as a comprehensive expansion of Sir George Grove's original four-volume work. This edition sought to rectify the omissions of the first publication while incorporating the rapid shifts in musicology and the emergence of new composers at the turn of the century. It remains a hallmark of Edwardian-era scholarship, valued for its rigorous, encyclopedic approach to classical music history.

Fuller Maitland, a noted critic for The Times, brought a distinct editorial perspective to the project, emphasizing a structured narrative style that balanced historical accuracy with critical commentary. The five-volume set was designed as a definitive reference tool for professional musicians and libraries, reflecting the intellectual ambitions of British musical society at the time. Its reception established it as the primary authority in the field for several decades, serving as the essential foundation for subsequent iterations of the Grove legacy.