Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The principles and methods of the grangers of the United States.
  • noun The practice of illustrating a book by binding up in it engravings taken from other books, or with independent prints, watercolors, etc.; also, the resulting mutilation of books.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun The practice of illustrating a particular book by engravings collected from other books.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word grangerism.

Examples

  • I have in mind that kind of writing which resembles grangerism: given an atmosphere of indeterminate 'significance,' the reader cooperates by pasting his own meanings into the vacant spaces provided.

    Kindly Shoot Above the Trees Enright, D.J. 1966

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.

  • "The practice of illustrating a book by binding up in it engravings taken from other books, or with independent prints, watercolors, etc.; also, the resulting mutilation of books. The practice became popular when James Granger published, in 1769, his “Biographical History of England,” which incited persons to mutilate other books to illustrate it."

    - The Century Dictionary

    The full title of Granger's book is: A Biographical History of England, from Egbert the Great to the Revolution: Consisting of Characters diſpoſed in different Classes, and adapted to a Methodical Catalogue of Engraved British Heads. Intended As: An Essay towards reducing our Biography to System, and a Help to the Knowledge of Portraits. Interspersed With: Variety of Anecdotes, and Memoirs of a great Number of Persons, not to be found in any other Biographical Work. With a Preface, ſhewing the Utility of a Collection of Engraved Portraits to ſupply the Defect, and answer the various Purpoſes, of Medals. By the Rev. J. Granger, Vicar of Shiplake, in Oxfordſhire.

    See grangerize.

    July 19, 2010