"Royal Almanac," in England in 1730. Shortly afterward almanacs prepared for the people began to appear, containing, instead of official information, short stories, anecdotes, poems, and all sorts of information.
In England, King James I. gave the monopoly of almanac printing to the Universities and the Stationers' Company, but the former were no more than sleeping partners in the concern.
The first American almanac was that of William Pierce, of Cambridge, published in 1639. The most famous of American almanacs was "Poor Richard's," published in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin under the pseudonym of Richard Saunders.
Some of the almanacs that are regularly published every year are extremely useful, and are indeed almost indispensable to men engaged in official, mercantile, literary, or professional business. Such in Great Britain are Thom's "Official Directory of the United Kingdom," the "British Almanac" with its "Companion," Oliver & Boyd's "Edinburgh Almanac," and Whitaker's "Almanac." In the United States "The American Almanac" appeared between 1830-1861, and a second publication under the same name was edited for several years by Ainsworth R. Spofford. Several of the largest newspapers in the United States now issue almanacs which are marvels of condensed information.
The "Almanach de Gotha," which has appeared at Gotha since 1764, contains in small bulk a wonderful quantity of information regarding the reigning families and governments, the finances, commerce, populations, etc., of the different states throughout the world. It is published both in a French and in a German edition. "The Nautical Almanac" is an important work published annually by the British Government, two or three years in advance, in which is contained much useful astronomical matter. This almanac was commenced in 1767 by Dr. Nevil Maskelyne, astronomer royal. The French "Connaissance des Temps" is published with the same views as the English "Nautical Almanac," and nearly on the same plan. It commenced in 1679. Of a similar character is the "Astronomisches Jahrbuch," published at Berlin. The "American Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac" is issued annually since 1855 by the Bureau of Navigation of the United States.
ALMANSUR ("the Victorious"), the title assumed by Abu-Jafar, the second caliph of the house of the Abbassides, who succeeded his brother in 754. Warfare, treachery, murder were his steps to the throne, and his whole rule was as cruel as its beginning. He especially persecuted the Christians in Syria and Egypt. In war against external foes he had but little success, Spain and Africa falling away from the Eastern caliphate. The best feature in his character was his patronage of learning. He caused the "Elements" of Euclid to be translated from the Syriac, and the famous fables of Bidpai from the Persian. Almansur died in 1775 during a pilgrimage to Mecca, at the age of almost 70.
ALMA-TADEMA, LAURENCE, a distinguished figure painter, born in Friesland, Jan. 8, 1836; elected to the Royal Academy, London, in 1879; officer of the Legion of Honor, 1878; and member of the leading academies of Europe; studio in London. His paintings show a fondness for Greek and Roman subjects, and have won many honors for him. Among the best known are "Roman Dance," "Bacchante," "In the Terpidarium," "Antony and Cleopatra," and "An Audience at Agrippa's." He died in 1912.
ALMA-TADEMA, LAURENCE (Miss), an English writer, the daughter of Sir Laurence Alma-Tadema, Her popular writings include "Love's Martyr," "The Wings of Icarus," "The Fate of Spinner," "Tales from Our Garden." She made a reading tour of the United States in 1907-1908.
ALMEIDA (al-mā´ē-da), one of the strongest fortified places in Portugal, is situated on the river Coa, on the Spanish frontier, in the province of Beira. In 1762 it was captured by the Spaniards, but soon restored. In 1810 it was defended against Marshal Massena by an English officer until the explosion of a powder magazine compelled him to capitulate. Pop. about 2,500.
ALMEIDA-GARRETT, JOÃO BAPTISTA DE SILVA LEITÃO DE, a distinguished Portuguese poet, dramatist, and politician, born in Oporto. Feb. 4, 1799; studied law at Coimbra, and, joining the democratic movement in 1820, became Minister of Public Instruction when scarcely 21, but, on the restoration in 1823, was banished and went to England. He subsequently returned, and experienced many vicissitudes owing to his political activity. As a man of letters he endeavored to free Portuguese poetry from the shackles of pseudo-classicism, and to create a national form. His principal works are "Catāo," a tragedy (1820), among the best in Portuguese literature; "Camōes" (1825); "Dona Branca" (1826); "Adozinda" (1828); "Bemal Francez" (1829); "Auto de Gil
