The Book Of Knowledge
09.11.08 By Derek DahlsadAs you may have heard, the Wifey and I bought a vanload of old books at a rural auction. We have touched pretty much everything we got at the auction, but we’re just getting to looking deeply at our new acquisions. We’ve set aside boxes of ‘cutters’ (damaged or otherwise worthless picture books, for altered art), books for resale, and books to keep. In the end, we found that most of what we got were boxes of encyclopedias — partial encyclopedia sets. Oh, there were a few complete sets. Spread out amongst 3 or 4 boxes we assembled two complete sets of the Teacher’s and Pupil’s Cyclopedia…which I already owned a 
set of. You know you’ve got a book-collecting problem when you own three copies of the same encyclopedia. I may write more about those in the future. The most disappointing partial set we acquired is The Book of Knowledge.
The Book of Knowledge traces its origin back to 1880s England, when writer Arthur Mee was enlisted to write for Sir Alfred Harmsworth’s “Harmsworth Self-Educator“, a magazine of facts and instruction on improving one’s life and knowledge. In editing and compiling the varied and flowering knowledge that filled the pages of the Self-Educator, Mee saw value to compiling an educational library for children. In 1908, Mee released The Children’s Encyclopedia. Today, we visualize an encyclopedia as a alphabetized collection of dry, informational articles that you used to jump-start a gradeschool research paper. Mee’s Encyclopedia was nothing of the sort. The Children’s Encyclopedia was far more magazine-like in structure, having no categorical or alphabetical organization. Categories could be seen, but no individual volume had more or less of any particular type of information than any other. Grab any single volume, and it contains short stories, how-to articles, poetry,
scientific explanations, moral instruction, and historical narratives. Mee’s intent was to include the basis for an entire education in a few dozen books.
In 1912, Mees’ Children’s Encyclopedia was embraced by the 20-year-old Grolier Society, Inc. Grolier was a subscription-based publisher at that time, selling book series door-to-door and selling editions on a monthly basis. The first major change to the Children’s Encyclopedia was a change of name: Grolier released the American edition as The Book of Knowledge.
The Book of Knowledge lent itself well to being purchased in installments: each the unstructured volume stands well on its own, broken up into chapters (called ‘books’) such as “The Book of the Earth”, “The Book of Golden Deeds” , “The Book Of Our Own Life”. Each ‘book’ has several chapters, each a separate, stand-alone article. While the books are intended for children, the basic knowledge isn’t dumbed-down to an insulting level. The books are well-written, readable by 
children and adults alike, and many articles appear written for children and adults to read together. Mee continued his writing, when not revising his Encyclopedia, by publishing The Children’s Newspaper, a periodical extension of the Encyclopedia that is still available online.
It appears that we own the 1912 first US edition, because there is no date later than 1911 on the copyright page. Editions were put out well into the 1960s, after which time Grolier had acquired the Encyclopedia Americana, and revised the Book of Knowledge as the New Book of Knowledge with a more encyclopedic format. In terms of value, there’s a dual market for these books. Collectors, like myself, love the older editions with their classic literature and Edwardian progressive sensibilities, but the other market is a bit more unusual. I was quite surprised to find out that Home-Schooling organizations recommend using the Book of Knowledge in curriculum due to its relevance and ease in education. As I mentioned above, our set of The Book of Knowledge is one of the encyclopedia sets that is, sadly, incomplete. The original set was 20 volumes, and we’ve got about 3/4. It may take some shoppping to get a complete set, but I have every intention of completing this womderful series.
---
Article Tags: books, encyclopedia, grolier, the book of knowledge================
Gotta Collect? Then You Gotta Connect - Join our Collectors’ Community!
October 4th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
We actually have this whole set. We’ve had it in a box for almost 13 years. When we moved from our last house which had built-in bookshelves to this home that did not have book shelves, my husband wouldn’t purchase bookshelves. So … that being said – Would you be interested in these? They have a red cover. It’s the complete set of 20 … 2 volumes per book. I also have The Book of Knowledge Annual 1947, ‘48, ‘49 and ’50.
I also have another series of books you might be interested in – The Nature Library – copyright 1917 and 1926. There are 6 books: Butterflies, Trees, Animals, Garden Flowers, Wild Flowers and Birds.
One other book is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, copyright 1943, by Betty Smith.
Nancy Hehemann
Indiana
October 5th, 2008 at 9:20 am
found this one this guy’s website. I had the complete set as a young girl. Recently, went through some of my mom’s things and found only 1 volume. Can you tell me when these were published? I know I had them around 1965 but don’t know how long before then my mom had them. I am hoping when my sisters and I finish cleaning out my mom’s house, we find the rest of the set.
November 18th, 2008 at 3:39 am
We carry these awesome books when available! See pictures, examples and more information at our website. Finding a “complete” set that is in good condition is a rare treasure to find.
http://www.hstreasures.com/bookofknowledge.html
Do not mistake them for “The NEW Book of Knowledge” set… which are newer and totally different.
November 25th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I grew up with The Book of Knowledge as my friend and companion. When my parents died, it somehow got lost. I would love to get another copy. My volumes had black covers, and the time I am talking about was the late 1930’s warly 1940’s. I don’t think the actual date is important as long as it retained the same format. How much do you want and are they still available?
December 14th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I have several volumes and would love to GIVE these books to someone who will appreciate them rather than to Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.
Please email and let me know if any of you would like them. Good condition.
I’m moving into a much smaller house and believe in sharing the knowledge wealth!
December 16th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
I have a complete set of the 1912 edition of the B of K. I enjoyed reading them as a kid, especially the Aesop’s Fables that were in every volume. These books have been stored in my garage in the dry New Mexico climate for about 30 years. I would love to sell them to someone for a very reasonable price — make me an offer. I would love to have them go to someone who would appreciate them.
December 19th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Wendy I just read you note of 12/14/08 regarding the Book of Knowledge. I happened to see a few volumes at a furniture store yesterday and was amazed. If still available I would love to have them.
Thank you, Gary
January 3rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I have a set, last date is 1919. I have all EXCEPT 4, 8 and 14. I would love to sell these because I don’t have room to store them. If anyone is interested, please let me know. I’m in Colorado.
January 5th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I also grew up with these books in the 50’s and would love to find all or part of them.I really can only remember the vivid illustrations of the nursery rhymes. Dont know which volume that was?
I am in Tijeras, New Mexico and interested.
ngearhart@networkall.org
January 7th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
I have a complete set of The Book of Knowledge Encyclopedia from 1919. Volumes range from good to poor in conditions. Can you give me a rough approximation of their value? I am willing to sell them.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
we have a set from 1918, all 20 volumes…we want to sell to someone who will appreciate them. these are in very good condition with minimal cracking on a few of the spines, but all are intact and ready to be enjoyed!
January 13th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Karla: I am interested in your set of books… can you email me at cleinbachatcarolinadotrrdotcom ? We have 3 extreme reader children who would love them! Thanks
January 14th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
I have almost a complete set of these books. Mine have a red cover. I am missing volume 18 and 19, and my volume 20 has terrible damage to the cover. The others are in great condition, considering the age of them. I would like to get at least these three volumes to complete my set. I have no idea what these books are worth so I would like to know what each may cost, or if I would have to buy a whole set. I plan on keeping my books – they are neat – and I don’ want to sell, only complete a set.
January 30th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Hi,
This is fascinating to me because my father (born 1914) was an avid fan of the Book of Knowledge, and I recognize the cover picture here as the collection we had when I was growing up in the 1950s. My dad was in a wheelchair for a year and a half as a young teen and read the ENTIRE collection (all volumes) TWICE. He was like a walking encyclopedia of historical, natural and literary information, and I can see now why. It seems this was more than an encyclopedia, more literary and poetic, and would have appealed to his creative mind. He later wrote poetry and when I was a child, he seemed to know answers to everything.
I’d be most interested in seeing a few volumes (don’t need the whole set) just to refresh my mind what it was like and what inspired my dad. Anyone willing to sell some partial sets?
Linda
February 1st, 2009 at 5:37 pm
I also have come across 1919 books of knowledge 1,2,3,8,11,13,18,19,20
I am interested in selling part or whole they are in ok condition some wear and tear.
contact me @ kemos45@gmail.com
February 8th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I have 15 of the Book of Knowledge for sale. I have volumes: 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 and 18. They are in pretty good condition, no missing pages, but covers are slightly worn. valeriej@live.ca
February 14th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I just cleaned my closet and I have a 1911 set (missing one volume-9) would love to sell. also have a complete set of a 1935 Illustrated world history, a 1896 copy of The writings of Mark twain. a two 1883 bibles. mary.logan1@verizon.net
February 20th, 2009 at 6:58 am
I was just up in the rafters of my parents garage. My father passed away 8 mo. ago and I wanted to see what was up there. I found boxes of books that belonged to my fathers mother. My Grandma died in 1981, my dad must have stored her things up there and forgot about them. I have The Amalgamated Press (1922) Limited. copywrite 1908. Volumes 3,10,15 & 17. They have the blue hard covers with gold writing. They are in excellent condition. If you are interested please e-mail me. I also have Encyclopedia YearBook. The Story of our Time. The years 1949,1951,1952,1954,1955 & 1956. Also in excellent condition.
March 8th, 2009 at 1:14 am
I have the complete set (20 books) of the 1935 Books Of Knowledge, blue cover. Any idea of what it is worth?
March 24th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I bought a complete set of The Book of Knowledge for $7.00. I think they’re from 1919–they have a burgundy cover with gold printing and the pages have gold edges. The symbol on the front is of a lamp (think Aladin) in front of an open book. Most of them are in really good shape, considering their age. In fact, they look like they’ve hardly been used. A few are worse for the wear. Any ideas on value?
April 12th, 2009 at 11:26 am
I have a set of the Book of Knowledge missing Vol.13 -red in colour – year 1949 – how much would these be worth – they been in my family since 1949. We used to use them for school projects.
April 18th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
i have complete set of the book of knoekedge limited
April 22nd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
i would like to know how much these book are worth
April 26th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
I have a complete set of book of knowledge dated 1956. all in good to very good condition. Also have annuals 1961 thru 1967 in perfect condition. Would like to know what they are worth. Didn’t want to just throw them out. Can be for sale with right offer. Can send pictures if anyone’s interested.
April 28th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
We have a set of The New Book of Knowledge, blue cover, complete set copyright 1984 by Grolier Incorporated and no longer have children at home. What are the worth? Are there buyers for these sets?
April 29th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Just came across a 1944 The Book of Knowledge Volume 1. Dark red cover with some wear at the corners, all pages intact and no markings.
May 7th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I have a complete set of 1954 Book of Kowledge (in good condition) and have been searching the web for something to tell me what these are worth. If anyone has an idea I’d be thrilled to hear from you. I don’t want to throw them out.
May 8th, 2009 at 10:23 am
I have the complete set of The New Book of Knowledge, blue cover, copyright 1991 by Grolier Incorporated. My children are grown. Trying to find out what they are worth? Looking for a buyer for these. Please advise. Thank you
May 13th, 2009 at 10:18 am
I have a complete set of the Book of Knowledge from 1926, great condition-burgundy with gold writing. Anyone know what these would be worth? I bought the set a while ago at an old store for $75 because I thought it would be interesting.
May 23rd, 2009 at 11:49 pm
I have a complete set of “The Book of Knowlege The Chiildren’s Encyclopedia) ©1922 “The Lone Star Edition” Blue Cover with a star symbol. I am wanting to sell them because I have another copy. My only problem is I can’t find a value for the “The Lone Edition can someone please let me know of the value or someone that knows the value…. Please email at mandystreet98@yahoo.com
May 25th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
I have 1947 thru 1977 annual yearbooks all in good shape plus the full basic set of books of knowlege that went with the original purchase in 1947. Please let me know ifyou are interested.
thanks
Jack
May 27th, 2009 at 11:45 am
i have found a book called book of knowledge it a very old book i found it when i was cleaning an old polish man house . he died and we had the contract to get rid of every think in his house also other book aswell and old maps
this book is very very old i think it could be around 1800
May 27th, 2009 at 11:48 am
i have found a book called book of knowledge it a very old book i found it when i was cleaning an old polish man house . he died and we had the contract to get rid of every think in his house also other book aswell and old maps
please contact me about this book thank you
this book is very very old i think it could be around 1800
May 27th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
hello again i found a date in the book of knowledge
with a signiture of john homes date is october 1802
please call me 07951225716 london stephen
May 27th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
stephens email simpson.anthony1@sky.com
1802 book of knowledge
June 1st, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I have a 20 volume set of “The Book of Knowledge” in good condition. The copyright page says, “Copyright, 1911, 1912, 1918, by The Grolier Society”. I am interested in selling the set. I am accepting offers to purchase.
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
I have 15 of the 20 volumes of the Book of Knowledge in good condition, missing a few title pages, otherwise intact. In all volumes the latest copyright date is 1911. The missing volumes I think are #2, 4, 6, 10, 19.
I also have 4 volumes of the Everyday Library for young people by the editors of the Book of Knowledge. The volumes I have are: Marvels of Industry; Beast, Bird & Flower; Plays, Pictures & Poems; and Men of Mark. Latest copyright date is 1916.
Would appreciate knowing a value or viable resource.
June 21st, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I have the 1945 annual to offer.. condition is a bit shelf-cocked and edge worn..
jack.larue@gmail[dot]com
June 21st, 2009 at 1:16 pm
I have the complete 20 volume set of the book of knowledge, copyright by THe Grollier Society, 1911. The condition is good ? with no missing pages, the covers are slightly faded. I would love to know the value and would sell for a fair price.
Thanks Ed Wilson gideupgo@cox.net
June 29th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Hi all…I have the complete set dated 1911 and they are in very good condition for the age except that some little devil tore several pages out of volume 14. Does anyone have volume 14 that they would be willing to sell?
Thank you and I may be reached @ mudmansevenatcomcast.net. You will need to replace the written seven for the number 7 and replace the written at for symbol (@).
Or perhaps I would sell what I have if my son isn’t interested in them…
don
June 29th, 2009 at 10:49 pm
We have a full set of the older (1912) B.O.K. complete with the wood box they came in and a bookshelf that fits the entire set. They are in good to very good condition. Does anyone know what they would be worth or where I can find out what they may be worth? Thank you.