Historian, born Xanten, Germany, 1827; died Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, 1891. He was apprenticed to a coppersmith, but was allowed to abandon this trade and follow his aptitude for study. He had a long career as professor of history, devoting his spare time to research. Ill-health prevented his being ordained until 1860. He is the author of many valuable works on historical subjects, the most important of which is his "History of the German People," eight volumes of which have appeared; the last two were published by his friend and pupil, Ludwig Pastor. Owing to the literary and critical merits of his works, he must be placed among the foremost Catholic historians of the 19th century.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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