almanach

An almanac is an annual reference book that compiles practical information and data for a given year. In many languages the form is spelled almanac, almanach, or almanach; almanac is common in American English, while almanach is used in French, German, Dutch, and several other languages.

The term’s origin is tied to medieval and early modern calendar books. The word is derived from a Latin or Old French form such as almanachus or almanach, with the ultimate provenance debated. Some scholars link it to Arabic or Persian calendrical terms that entered Europe through translation and trade. Almanacs emerged in Europe as calendars and astronomical tables and later expanded into yearly handbooks with a broad range of information.

Typical contents include a calendar and annual astronomical data (such as solstices, equinoxes, and positions of visible planets), tides and weather forecasts, planting and harvesting advice, and religious feast days or saints’ days. Many almanacs also offered maps, recipes, notable events, and miscellaneous trivia. Specialized editions accompanied specific communities: nautical almanacs provided navigational data for mariners, while farmers’ almanacs emphasized weather predictions and agricultural tips.

Notable examples include the Almanach de Gotha, a directory of European royalty and nobility; the Nautical Almanac, a long-running source of navigational data; and The World Almanac and Book of Facts, a widely distributed American reference first issued in the 19th century. In the digital era, almanacs persist as annual reference volumes, online databases, and specialized data compendia, often complementing or replacing traditional print formats.