Guralnik, David B. (David Bernard), 1920-2000

David Bernard Guralnik (1920-2000) was an internationally known lexicographer and the editor of the Webster's New World Dictionary that at the time of his retirement in 1985 had sold over 70,000,000 copies. He was also a leader in Cleveland, Ohio, Jewish communal organizations and activities, particularly known for his work preserving and using the Yiddish language.

Born in Cleveland, Guralnik graduated from Glenville High School and received both his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Western Reserve University. Following graduation in 1941, Guralnik was employed by the World Publishing Company in its dictionary department. With the exception of his military service during World War II, Guralnik worked in that department until his retirement in 1985. He became dictionary editor-in-chief in 1948 directing the production of various editions of Webster's New World Dictionary.

Guralnik was active in numerous non-profit organizations. His interests ranged from libraries and educational institutions to Jewish communal agencies. He served as vice president of the Cleveland Jewish News (1974-1983) and president of the Jewish Community Center of Cleveland (1976-1979). His knowledge and love of the Yiddish language was manifested in talks, radio presentations, and theater, where for a fifty-year period (1948-1997), Guralnik performed in various Yiddish productions staged by the Jewish Community Center.

From the guide to the David Bernard Guralnik Papers, 1935-2001, (Western Reserve Historical Society)

David Bernard Guralnik (1920-2000) was an internationally known lexicographer and the editor of the Webster's New World Dictionary that at the time of his retirement in 1985 had sold over 70,000,000 copies. He was also a leader in Cleveland, Ohio, Jewish communal organizations and activities, particularly known for his work preserving and using the Yiddish language.

Born in Cleveland, Guralnik graduated from Glenville High School and received both his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Western Reserve University. Following graduation in 1941, Guralnik was employed by the World Publishing Company in its dictionary department. With the exception of his military service during World War II, Guralnik worked in that department until his retirement in 1985. He became dictionary editor-in-chief in 1948 directing the production of various editions of Webster's New World Dictionary.

Guralnik was active in numerous non-profit organizations. His interests ranged from libraries and educational institutions to Jewish communal agencies. He served as vice president of the Cleveland Jewish News (1974-1983) and president of the Jewish Community Center of Cleveland (1976-1979). His knowledge and love of the Yiddish language was manifested in talks, radio presentations, and theater, where for a fifty-year period (1948-1997), Guralnik performed in various Yiddish productions staged by the Jewish Community Center.

From the guide to the David Bernard Guralnik Photographs, 1926-1997, (Western Reserve Historical Society)