The Century Dictionary ... Prepared Under the Superintendence of W. D. Whitney ... Revised and Enlarged Under the Superintendence of Benjamin E. Smith. (Vol. XI. The Century Cyclopedia of Names.-Vol XII. The Century Atlas.).

The Century Dictionary, first published between 1889 and 1891, was a monumental lexicographical project intended to rival the Oxford English Dictionary in scope and precision. Under the editorial guidance of linguist William Dwight Whitney, the project sought to provide a comprehensive record of the English language, incorporating specialized scientific and technical terminology that had previously lacked systematic definition. It was conceived during a period of rapid industrial and academic expansion, aiming to serve as the definitive reference for the American intellectual class.

The expansion of the work into a twelve-volume set, which included the Cyclopedia of Names and the Century Atlas, underscored the publishers' intent to create an all-encompassing scholarly resource. The design favored clarity and technical accuracy, with extensive illustrations integrated directly into the text. While the dictionary received high critical praise for its etymological depth and encyclopedic breadth upon its initial release, the immense cost of its production and the constant revision required to keep pace with new scientific nomenclature eventually led to the series falling out of print in the early 20th century.