All the Knowledge in the World

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The encyclopedia once shaped our understanding of the world, crafted by countless scholars and meticulous editors. A quality set conveyed a sense of absolute wisdom, aiding millions of students with contributions from figures like Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, and Marie Curie. Adults believed they had easy access to all explainable knowledge right in their homes. Now, these once-revered volumes collect dust and sell for little online, as we turn to our phones and computers for information. What have we lost in this shift? This work is both a history and a celebration of the remarkable publishing phenomenon that encyclopedias represent. Simon Garfield, known for his engaging enthusiasm, takes us on a delightful journey from Ancient Greece to modern Wikipedia, exploring the evolution from single volumes to the vast 11,000-volume Chinese manuscript. He examines how Encyclopedia Britannica rose to prominence, its competition, and the door-to-door sales tactics that targeted parents. Garfield reveals how encyclopedias mirrored changing societal attitudes toward sexuality, race, and technology, while also exposing the errors and biases within these trusted sources. With his ability to illuminate broad subjects entertainingly, Garfield uncovers a vital aspect of our shared history and questions whether the quest for complete knowledge is an unattainable human ambition.