As 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.
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.
July 5th, 2009 at 2:00 PM
I went to a garage sale and picked up the whole set in good condition for $20.00. I have 5 children at home and we have enjoyed looking and reading them. We think it is a great part of history for children. Please just pass them on!
July 26th, 2009 at 4:26 PM
so we have a complete set of the book of knowledge from 1918, ,they’re mostly in good condition, except for one volume (#2) which has it’s binding deteriorating. does anyone know where i might sell these for a decent price. i have seen some from 1930 that sell for $450.00 but i’m not trying to sell them for that much if you have any suggestions please e-mail me at Ghostz420@gmail.com
July 29th, 2009 at 7:52 PM
I have the whole set of the 1911 latest copyright. Apparently the first set to be published here. A few of the bindings are coming loose, but all pages are intact. I will take a reasonable price for the set. Please email if interested. Only serious inquiries please. catholicgal44@yahoo.com
August 4th, 2009 at 9:33 AM
i have almost the whole set to the book of knowledge 1927 copyright , green covers.good condition, looking for a good price, get intouch with me on facebook.
August 4th, 2009 at 9:36 AM
and have other books of science old ones too ..
August 14th, 2009 at 1:30 PM
On offer: Complete set of Grolier Society’s The Book of Knowledge, MAPLE LEAF edition, 1926. $50 obo. In San Diego, CA Contact 8080@cox.net
August 15th, 2009 at 6:27 PM
I own a complete set (15 Volume) of The Modern Library of Knowledge, 1940 copyright. They are leatherbound and in good condition. The Abby Book Co., Inc., New York. The Midland Press Inc.
Please respond to abbeyroad2001@hotmauil.com.
I am looking to sell this set.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:31 PM
I own a complete 1955 The Book of Knowledge June printing. And I’m keeping it!
I was born July 23 1955. Its the only thing I have thats older than me!
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:23 AM
I have a whole set of The Grolier society’s “The Book of Knowledge” from 1927. This set was bought in New York by my Grand Father as a present for my Mother. They are in good condition, and as I am moving house would be willing to sell them for a fair price to someone who would appreciate them. I live in the South East of England.
August 26th, 2009 at 6:54 PM
I have an incomplete set of “The Book of Knowledge” 1949. I’m missing 1,3,9,19. Does anyone know where I could find the missing volumes, so I could have a complete set
Otherwise its just not the same….
heres my email… gutierrb@gmail.com
thanks
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:41 AM
I have complete set of THE BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE. Burgandy, all intact, shelf wear considering 1918 date. The Grolier Society. They are amazing to read. I would be interesting in selling. My e-mail address is m_lou@att.net. I live in Bryant, Arkansas
September 7th, 2009 at 6:18 PM
I have a complete book of knowledge set for sale. There are 20 of them last copywright date in the book is 1912. 19 volumes and 1 index total. You can email me with an offer if you are interested in them they are in pretty good condition. they are green with black corners and black backs with gold letering on the back.
here’s my email. ffequipsales@hotmail.com
September 18th, 2009 at 8:08 PM
We had the set when I was a little girl. As someone else mentioned, they were often my companion growing up. I think they were from the ’50s because my parents had them long before I was born. I’d love to sit among the dusty stacks again, absorbed in the many wonderful tales and factoids.
September 24th, 2009 at 7:18 PM
I, also have a wonderful set from 1917 is the latest copy write written in the Index book. Yes, I have the complete set with this little gem to help me find certain things. I have had this set for over 40 years!! Very old and very loved by me. I don’t know if I would ever really want to part with it, but it would be nice to know what to ask for them if I actually had to. Could you help? I don’t really know what they are worth. They are worn, but still together and in tack. A few pages are loose, too. Thank you, sincerely.
September 24th, 2009 at 11:29 PM
anyone willing to get rid of any of the book of knowledge let me know i have a set i think they are wonderful and like to read them i would like to read the rest of them so if anyone is willing to give the set away email me and i can forward the address to you
September 26th, 2009 at 12:49 PM
I have a complete set of The World Book of Knowledge, copyright 1943 by the Grolier Society Inc. I have had this set since I was a little girl (in the 1960’s). It is in very good shape for the age it is. If anyone is interested, please contact me at mudpie@thegraphiczone.net.
September 29th, 2009 at 11:22 AM
I have a complete set of The Book of Knowlwdge, copyright 1918 by the Groiler Society Inc. The set has been in my family for three generations and is in good condition. Can anyone tell me what the valule of the set is? Patihclark@gmail.com
September 29th, 2009 at 9:07 PM
I have the B of K set copyright 1922 for sale! and the Grolier sets 1953 54 and the American Educator 1950! Look forward to hearing from you!
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:33 AM
As someone said earlier, these are treasures to expand the minds of children. The sets of knowledge should not be sold, and especially not at the prices people are asking, its just horrible that people are so money hungry they cant even part with things that are useless to them for the sake of children. Yes, I am well aware that times are tough, but come on people, at least be reasonable. I am going to air my dirty laundry for a sec, not that anyone knows me, but I am 19 yrs old and a single parent who grew up and still is in foster care. I have been on a manhunt for these books for my son, but cannot afford what everyone is asking for them. Yes I am willing to buy them, but I am not willing to be robbed…As an earlier poster said, just pass them on for Christs sake!!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:34 AM
If anyone is willing to part with these extraordinary books, for a FAIR price, please contact me at nancycollazo@yahoo.com
October 16th, 2009 at 4:09 PM
I too own a set (minus volume 7) of the 1927 Book of Knowledge. Although it is a wonderful suggestion to pass them on to younger members of the family , that does not work for us. I would be interested to know if anyone has sold them and for how much.
I also have a set (minus 1 volume) of the New American Cyclopaedia, published in 1863 (yes, 1863) by D. Appleton and Company, New York and London. This 16 volume set is a slice of history as seen at that time. Please let me know where and how to sell them.
Joan Miller
Ottawa, Canada
joan.miller@symatico.ca
October 16th, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Oops my e-mail address is: joan.miller@sympatico.ca
November 1st, 2009 at 12:34 PM
I RATHER URGENTY NEED HELP FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS THIS SET. In at least one of the editions, there are a number of full-page illustrations of the workings of the human body called “The House That Jack Built,” where the body is likened to a house. Do you have any of these, and is there any chance that if you do you might be willing to mail me photocopies of the pages?
November 1st, 2009 at 7:00 PM
I have 23 vols of a 24 vol set of Book of Knowledge. Latest date in copyright is 1911.
Blue covers, gold lettering easily readable. Water damage on one book. Condition of pages
is excellent but covers separated from pages along spines. I would like to sell and
can send pictures if any interest.
I was interested in the other blogs about this publication. Several mention 20 vol sets.
Is the 24 vol set rare?
I can be contacted at ssudi@comcast.net
Fred Seward
Concord,MA
November 16th, 2009 at 8:25 PM
i would love to get a set of these books for my son for christmas. would anyone have a set available? decent condition, whole set please. let me know mbarret1662@hotmail.com
thanks
December 15th, 2009 at 7:00 PM
I have a very well used set of the 1944 Book of Knowlwdge. There are seven children in my family and we USED the set from the earliest of years. It has so many wonderful things. From nursery rhymes to recipes to introductions to our National Parks and beautiful color pictures. This printing is from the year I was born. Some pages are missing and it has wonderful “art work” by my siblings. I will not trade this set. My oldest daughter who is 41 will be the one of our seven children to get the set. If you have an opportunity to get one, do so. You will not regret it
Constance Allen
Garland, Texas
January 3rd, 2010 at 12:21 AM
I have a partail set of the book of knowledge copyright 1953. Volumes 2,3,5,6,7,8,12,14,15,18,19,20. The books are in decent shape. So far I have only found one that has a torn page. Wondering if there are of value and if so where can I sell these at. Please respond to tmkch34@gmail.com.
thanks
January 19th, 2010 at 10:20 PM
I have a complete set of the Book of Knowledge, printed in 1954. It’s 10 books volumes 1-20, 2 volumes per set. It’s in good condition, if anyone is interested in purchasing them (as a set) please email me galedenning@hotmail.com
I also have a other books I’d like to sell, they’re all in good condition.
-A complete set of Encyclopedia Americana, printed in 1954. This set has 30 volumes. I also have annual update books to go along with the set for years 1955-1976. All together it’s 52 books, 30 volumes, 1 index, 21 annual update books.
-Encyclopedia Science Supplement books. 9 books, years 1967-1975.
-Young People Science Encyclopedia. 20 books total complete this set, printed in 1962
January 19th, 2010 at 10:22 PM
Sorry, I typed the wrong email address for myself!!
IF INTERESTED IN CONTACTING ME ABOUT THE BOOKS IN MY ABOVE BLOG MY EMAIL IS GALEDENNING@GMAIL.COM
January 29th, 2010 at 9:59 AM
I have a set of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Animal Life. published by Greystone.
I believe the date is around 1939. There are 16 volumes.
The books are in excellent condition and I would like to sell.
Also I have a set of Book of Knowledge children encyclopeda 1939. There are eighteen books in the collection and also in excellent condition.
If interested please email:
email: khodichak@cogeco.ca
January 30th, 2010 at 10:48 PM
Do you recall seeing a picture in one of your books of an 1800’s steam engine train on an elevated trestle that’s collapsing, or perhaps another train is coming head-on?
If so, who painted that picture? I remember it was in one of the books of knowledge when I was a kid and would love to find it again.
Kindest regards,
Gina
January 31st, 2010 at 6:02 PM
I have four Book of Knowledge Annuals, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949 & 1950. I also have Volumes 1-20 of The Book of Knowledge Childrens Encyclopedia, Copyright 1935, Publisher – Grolier Society, Inc. New York. If anyone is interested in purchasing any of these books, please email me at sfiorito52@comcast.net
February 1st, 2010 at 5:21 PM
I have a 1922 set of the Book Of Knowledge…….20 book set and I am missing volumes 15 ,18 and 20.This is a bugandy set with gold writing……inside the listing is book of Canada instead of book of USA….if anyone has a resourse of how to obtain my missing volumes please contact me at…kmoulton1@hotmail.com
February 4th, 2010 at 7:57 PM
I have a complete set of 1919 “The Book of Knowledge” in VG to Excellent condition. It is Burgundy with Gold. Has all 20 volumes PLUS “The Children’s Story Bible” and an extra Vol 1. I would be interested in selling as an entire lot. also have other old and possibly rare books I must find homes for…
You may contact me at:
hideawaybay53@yahoo.com
February 10th, 2010 at 1:24 PM
When I was young I had a set of burgandy cloth covered books of Knowledge with gold writing. Now. that I’m almost 60 and an art teacher, I want some or all of them back to work with. The artwork looked very art deco to me. Any takers? Lori
February 10th, 2010 at 1:26 PM
I’m looking for the burgandy and gold fabric set of the Book Of Knowledge.
peplechler@yahoo.com….They are probably around the 20’s.
February 13th, 2010 at 12:59 AM
I have a complete set in burgundy and gold wriiting, Volumes 1 through 20 and in good to excellent. The pages and books have been opened to a very minimum. The books are hard to open as they are new just old but new. quality for book of almost 90 years in age. They are of 1922 and I would like to sell them. I will be glad to send pictures. my email is mcarazo @aol.com.
February 16th, 2010 at 9:07 PM
I have a full set of 1943 book of knowledge. What is the value of the set? slabish@hotmail.com
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:33 AM
I am looking for the Book of Knowledge set vol 1-20, interested in having part of my beloved childhood back. LOVED these books. Anyone selling/giving away a decent set of the burgundy set please contact me at
ptrixie3@yahoo.com
Thank you!
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:49 AM
***Am looking for the old 1919 set, not the 50’s! Thanks!
ptrixie3@yahoo.com
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:01 AM
is there a difference in the color of the set? i think the blue set as pictured above was the one I had as a kid-thats the set im interested in
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:36 PM
I live in Michigan and I wish Linda, Jan, Karla, Kevin and whoever wants to sell their burgandy old set of the Book of Knowledge would contact me. I am an art teacher.
517-349-0764
February 28th, 2010 at 11:25 PM
(1) For Gina, about her picture:
I recognize your picture readily enough, but I don’t think it’s in the children’s encyclopedia, although it could be.
It’s a frequent still from the climax of a famous motion picture. Based on a Civil War memoir, the film is Buster Keaton’s The General (1927), the story of a stolen train and the chase after it. (You can read about it on Wikipedia and watch it on the Internet Movie Database.) He gets the train back and another train starts chasing him. The most expensive stunt of the silent era, as the locomotive steams over a burning bridge, the bridge collapses. Filmed in Oregon, the wrecked train was later retrieved during the World War for scrap metal. The photograph of this shot is often found in books.
(2) About THE BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE set, which I often read fondly… my mother’s set was brown (new it might have seemed burgundy) and I think came from the 1930’s. I especially loved the little French lessons. I’d buy it again in a second if I could raise the money. It was wonderful. How I loved reading it. The photographs of the pages are exactly the same, but the binding detail looked different. It also has excerpts from classic novels. I haven’t seen it for over 40 years, but my memories of it are vivid. The later, prettier New Book of Knowledge (I do have some of those) don’t begin to have the IMPACT of Mr Mee’s original set. He understood learning. If anyone has a few odd stray volumes from some broken set, I could buy a few at a time… not for old times’ sake, but to read NOW. As a bibliophile I prize fine, quality reading. I had access to it once. I have never forgotten it, and still smile when I remember its pages. How many books can you name which evoke that kind of reponse?
— Betty in NYC mtn542@yahoo.com
March 3rd, 2010 at 5:56 PM
I have a complete set of the book of knowledge with the case published in 1922. Can you give me any information on this. I would be willing to sell it as my children are all away from home
March 9th, 2010 at 3:20 AM
I have the complete set of Book of Knowledge… 20 volumes, plus several yearly editions.. dated 1939…It also includes the original wooden bookcase… I am 77 years old and these books have traveled with me for most of my life… are you interested?
March 12th, 2010 at 4:42 PM
I have a whole set. Approximately how much is it worth. Thank you.
March 12th, 2010 at 9:59 PM
Do you have the burgandy, fabric set? Lechler 517-349-0764
March 12th, 2010 at 10:02 PM
My grandmother had given me a set when I was young. She's now 96 and my mother decided to sell them in a garage sale. Anyway, I'm looking for the set with burgandy fabric. I know they are old but I'm not sure how old. I remember they had really beautiful artwork and poetry. I teach in a Christian school and I am looking for a set to share with my students.
March 17th, 2010 at 6:29 PM
I have a complete set – 20 volumes, blue binding – that belonged to my mother. The last copyright date is 1923. The binding on the books is weak and shows age but it looks like all but volume one (perhaps that was the volume cherished the most?)are in good condition. Is anyone interested in making an offer? I cannot keep them any longer.
thanks, nancy