Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Haydn, Joseph
HAYDN, JOSEPH (d. 1856), compiler of dictionaries, is well known as the author of the ‘Dictionary of Dates,’ 1841 (19th edition, 1889), and of the ‘Book of Dignities,’ 1851 (3rd revised edition, 1894). The ‘Book of Dignities’ was a modernised form of Beatson's ‘Political Index,’ but omits the lists of holders of many important offices. He also edited Lewis's ‘Topographical Dictionaries.’ His name is used in the ‘Haydn Series’ of dictionaries, which are on the same lines as those compiled by him. He does not, however, appear to have taken any part in their actual compilation. They are the ‘Universal Index of Biography,’ edited by J. B. Payne, 1870; ‘Bible Dictionary,’ edited by C. Boutell, 1871 (2nd edition, 1878); ‘Dictionary of Popular Medicine and Hygiene,’ edited by Dr. E. Lankester, 1874 (2nd edition, 1878). For a short time before his death, on 18 Jan. 1856, Haydn had been in receipt of a small pension of 25l. granted by the government. It was continued to his widow.
[Annual Register, 1856, p. 232; Times, 19 Jan. 1856; Gent. Mag. 1856, i. 542.]