Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, "Coquelin, Benoît Constant" to…
Okay, so this isn't a book in the traditional sense. It's a single entry from the massive 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica. The subject is Benoît Constant Coquelin, a famous French actor of the 19th century.
The Story
There isn't a plot. The entry starts by telling us who he was—a celebrated comedic actor at the Comédie-Française, known for roles like Cyrano de Bergerac. It lists his career highlights, his famous performances, and his influence. But then, it just ends. The final sentence trails off: 'Coquelin, Benoît Constant' to...' And that's it. The rest is missing. The biography is literally unfinished.
Why You Should Read It
It's a unique experience. You're reading a dry, factual biography when you hit that cliffhanger. Suddenly, you're pulled out of 1911 and reminded that this knowledge wasn't always complete or perfectly preserved. That 'to...' is haunting. It makes you wonder what the writers were about to say next. Was it a final thought on his legacy? A scandal? A simple administrative error? It turns a reference entry into a small, personal mystery.
Final Verdict
This is for the curious reader who finds beauty in odd corners. If you like historical artifacts, quirky literary moments, or stories about how information gets lost in time, you'll get a kick out of this. It's a five-minute read that sticks with you, a reminder that even encyclopedias can have secrets.
There are no legal restrictions on this material. You do not need permission to reproduce this work.
Mary King
8 months agoCompatible with my e-reader, thanks.
Ashley Thompson
1 year agoThis book was worth my time since the depth of research presented here is truly commendable. Highly recommended.