Do you remember World Book Encyclopedia?
I threw our set away a few days ago. We bought it around 1980 when we had four young children, and we’ve kept it all these years. Four moves during that time, two after the kids were gone. But it’s not going to make the move we’re into right now (downsizing to a one-level house).
It still looked great on the shelf. The books were still like new. Some of the information in them is still valid, but some is not – you figure out which! But the value? Worthless. It doesn’t matter how much the set cost or its pristine condition. What matters is, hardly anyone uses paper encyclopedias anymore. All the information in any encyclopedia and MUCH MORE is available online instantly and free.
What an age to live in.
One day ALL of our possessions will have the value of my now tossed out World Book Encyclopedia.
- The things of earth will dim and lose their value
- If we recall they’re borrowed for a while.
- And things of earth that cause the heart to tremble
- Remembered there will only bring a smile. – From “Until Then” by Stuart Hamblen, 1958
…you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. (Hebrews 10.34, ESV)
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. (1 Timothy 6.6 – 8, ESV)
PS I’m shocked to find out that World Book still publishes paper encyclopedias:
As the only general reference encyclopedia still published today, this set provides authoritative content on almost every topic to learners of all ages, from school-age readers to adults.
Whether you are looking up information to understand a subject, writing a research report, or checking a fact for a homework assignment, tens of thousands of index entries make it easy to find information. Abundant colorful photos, illustrations, and maps supplement the easy-to-read text. – from https://www.worldbook.com/world-book-encyclopedia-2025
Yours for only $1,175.00
Nonetheless, my 1980 version has no value.
Wow!! Who would buy them? School libraries? For younger children who might not have phones yet? Or tablets? Does every school today issue tablets? Our district did during COVID so kids could keep up with online school and lessons. Interesting information! I think of children in many poor countries who are learning English and would be delighted with the beautiful, glossy pictures, maps, and fairly simple language. 😰😭 And actually probably in the backwoods areas of our own country! Ross loved poring over them, and occasionally, I would find his light on and him asleep across an open World Book. 💖
My family had a set like that! Thanks for bring back that memory.