Book of Knowledge

Not to be confused with body of knowledge.
Book of Knowledge
LanguageEnglish
Publication date
1912
Publication placeUnited States
Followed byNew Book of Knowledge 

The Book of Knowledge was an encyclopedia aimed at juveniles first published in 1912, by the Grolier Society.

Originally largely a reprint of the British Children's Encyclopaedia with revisions related to the United States by Holland Thompson, over time the encyclopedia evolved into a new entity entirely. It was published under a policy of continuous revision, meaning that there were no separate editions, but annual printings that were edited and updated by the publisher. Thompson remained editor until his death in 1940. From 1941 to 1960 it was edited by Ellen V. McLaughlin and from 1960 to 1966 by John D. Tedford. In 1966 it was replaced by the New Book of Knowledge.[1]

The number of volumes fluctuated. It was originally a 24 volume set, but other print runs had 10, 12 or 20.;[2] 1919 was a 20 volume set as shown in the image above, as was 1951.[3] From 1949 Grolier also issued a Book of Knowledge Annual.[4]

Encyclopaedia Britannica praised the index system that was introduced by the Book of Knowledge: "much of the success of the work as a reference tool resulted from its splendidly contrived index, which remains a model of its kind.".[5] There was a separate index for poetry.

  1. ^ Walsh, S. Padraig, 1922- Anglo-American general encyclopedias: a historical bibliography, 1703–1967 New York : Bowker, p. 14
  2. ^ Walsh p.14
  3. ^ Complete Set 1952 Book of Knowledge - the Children's Encyclopedia. 20 Volumes in 10 Leather Hardcover Books. Plus School-Subject Guide, Graded Courses of Study, Master Keys, and Character Education Guide. All keyed to the 1952 Edition printing. The Grolier Society, New York. January 1952. Archived from the original on 2022-11-05. Retrieved 2019-09-19.
  4. ^ Robert Collison Encyclopedias: their history throughout the ages 2nd ed. New York and London; Haffner Publishing Company 1966 p.298
  5. ^ "Encyclopaedia - the kinds of encyclopaedias | Britannica". Archived from the original on 2020-06-01. Retrieved 2020-02-05.