The Britannica is the oldest English-language encyclopaedia still being produced (currently only in the online version). It was first published between 1768 and 1771 in Edinburgh, Scotland. In 1901, after it was taken over by an American firm, the Britannica shortened and simplified articles to broaden its appeal in the North American market. Although publication has been based in the United States since 1901, the Britannica has largely maintained British spelling.