The 2005 World Book Encyclopedia

Universe Binding (Black covers with gold lettering and gold-gilded top edges).
22 volumes, ISBN:0-7166-0104-4

Librarians, teachers, and parents consistently rank The World Book Encyclopedia the best on the market. Its easy-to-use and highly illustrated format appeals to a broad range of readers.

World Book editors present thorough information in a clear, direct style that makes each article both substantive and understandable. Articles start with relatively basic information and advance in depth as they progress.

Awards and Reviews

"The World Book continues to be current, accessible, easy to use, and well illustrated. The 2005 print edition has 77 new articles. They include Broadband communication, Geothermal energy, Hamas, Hybrid car, Patriot Act, and Trans fats. J. M. Coetzee, Hamid Karzai, Condoleeza Rice, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Lemony Snickett are a few of the people covered in new biographical entries. More than 230 articles have been extensively revised or rewritten. These include Bankruptcy, Kwanzaa, Great Barrier Reef, Government, and Mass spectrometry. More than 440 maps have been added or revised, and 350 new photographs have been added. The editors have revised 300 bibliographies.

Although it has an earlier revision deadline than other encyclopedias, The World Book generally does an excellent job of staying up-to-date. The new Afghan constitution and government, new members of NATO, and the terrorist attacks in Beslan and Moscow are covered. The article on Space exploration includes information about the Mars rovers. Articles on marriage and homosexuality mention the controversy over same-sex marriage. The article on U.S. history notes the sinking popularity of the war in Iraq and the fact that no weapons of mass destruction were found there. The index is detailed and easy to use, including page numbers for illustrations and maps. The "Research Guide" is useful for students who need help organizing a project.

Offering high-quality information in an attractive package, The World Book is a first choice for libraries, schools, and homes."

- Booklist, September 15, 2005.