From Library Journal Except for a fair amount of updating and additional biographies, this third edition of the well-known Random House Encyclopedia remains the same as the 1983 second edition ( LJ 4/1/84). Changes are heaviest in articles on politically volatile areas such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Most of the revision is in the "Alphapedia" section (short alphabetically arranged entries) in the various country articles. There are three new "Colorpedia" (two-page topically arranged articles) entries: on the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, and Canada. First published in 1977, the one-volume encyclopedia contains some three million words augmented by 13,500 illustrations, most in color. Its contemporary spirit and innovative use of visuals set the book apart from competing works, such as the new Cambridge Encyclopedia ( LJ 9/1/90) and the older New Columbia Encyclopedia ( LJ 7/75; it is currently being revised). However, its basic organization--"Colorpedia" and "Alphapedia"--makes the encyclopedia difficult to use for quick reference. Better for home than library.-Kenneth F. Kister, Tampa, Fla.Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. Read more
R**Z
A Spectacular Encyclopedia
I had the first edition and recently I purchased the third edition for just a few bucks. Amazing. This is the best one-volume encyclopedia ever published. It contains a topical section, organized very logically, followed by an alphabetic section, and then an atlas. The color drawings and photographs are spectacular. I'd say that if I could pick only one book to take to a deserted island, out of all the books in my library, this would be that work. I also think that it should be the standard work for all high school students (of course supplemented with problems, etc.). Anyone who reads through this book carefully will be very well educated and be able to read any specialized monograph without difficulty. Highly recommended to practically everybody on the planet--especially at the very low Amazon used prices.
R**A
Great read!!!
Just as described! Good condition! Perfect transaction!Thank you!
L**E
Random House Encyclopedia
Excellant product and transaction. I ordered this for a friend, and he's extremely satisfied.Thank you!
User
The best one volume reference book ever published.
It has been said that an encyclopedia contains a little bit about everything and not much about anything. Never has anything been more true about a single volume work. Containing the world's basic knowledge, the Random House Encyclopedia is a breathtaking collection of over 11,000 color pictures, paintings, photographs, diagrams, illustrations, drawings, maps and charts. Divided into two sections, The "Alphapedia" provides a standard text and black and white photo mini encyclopedia. It also provides a quick factual alphabetic index to the book's better half, the "Colorpedia." It is within the "Colorpedia" section that the Random House editors have created an extraordinary collection of text and images of the world's basic knowledge. Its unique organization by grand themes such as "The Universe," "Man," "History And Culture," "Man and Science", "Man and Machines" makes the spectrum of human knowledge unfold in an entertaining, colorful, and cohesive manner. Each subject, presented in a double page spread, can be read by itself, yet a "connection" section on the page relates to topics that precede and follow. The result is a book that allows you to turn to any page and have your mind receive information in a natural, visual, thematic way. This is simply the best one volume reference book I have ever encountered
G**W
First-rate on-hand summary of knowledge
Imagine yourself as an obsessive Web-browsing knowledge hound: This reference book gives you an edge, because of the concise descriptions and easy access to related articles. The colorful illustrations and well-rounded explanations go right to the brain.Having used an earlier '70's edition in my youth, this reference book became a major gateway to my education. If you have a child, it is an astonishingly good tool to fuel the thirst for knowledge. My Random House Encyclopedia is used regularly, never seems to get old, and offers years of fascination for the hungry brain. For decades it has been one of the major reference books in my collection. This product is an amazing bang for the buck.
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