Yes. World Book currently lists a 2026 print edition of The World Book Encyclopedia, a 22-volume general reference set. The publisher calls it “the only general reference encyclopedia still published today”—a claim about its category, not proof that no specialist, historical, student, or non-English print encyclopedias remain. The familiar first-person headline comes from a 2023 account of buying the previous edition; the current set has its own specifications and price.
What is the physical encyclopedia still in print?
It is The World Book Encyclopedia. World Book’s catalog lists a 2026 print edition, ISBN 978-0-7166-0126-5, and describes the set as the only general reference encyclopedia still published today. That superlative is the publisher’s characterization; the available information does not amount to an independent survey of every encyclopedia worldwide. World Book’s 2026 product listing gives the edition’s current details.
What the 2026 set contains
World Book describes the 2026 edition as 22 print volumes, with more than 25,000 photographs, illustrations, diagrams, and maps. The publisher says hundreds of articles have been updated, including extensive revisions to entries on adolescent literature, mental illness, Olympic Games, and science. It also names new biographies including Mark Carney and J.D. Vance. These are publisher-supplied product specifications, not an independent count or assessment of the set.
Why does a print encyclopedia still exist?
There is still a market, though its exact scale is not established by the available reporting. In a 2023 interview reported by Ars Technica, World Book editor-in-chief Tom Evans said print sales were “in the thousands” and that the company printed enough copies to meet demand. He gave no precise sales total or reporting period. The article also described public and school libraries as the company’s primary customers.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Evans’s explanation was simple: “Because there is still a demand!” He also said World Book would continue producing print editions while demand remained, supporting teachers, librarians, and students with content in whatever form they require. That helps explain the set’s continuing institutional role, but it does not establish that every school or library needs one.
What makes the paper set appealing—and what does it cost you?
In his 2023 account, Ben Edwards described the appeal as a stable, tangible reference that could be browsed without a screen and kept even if an online service changed or disappeared. A physical volume has no pop-ups or ads inside it. Those are the author’s reasons for buying the 2023 edition, not universal advantages: digital references are easier to search, carry, and update.
The tradeoffs are practical. A 22-volume set takes substantial space, is heavy to move, and cannot be updated as quickly as a digital reference. The current World Book US product page displayed a price of $1,229 and “In Stock” when reviewed; price and availability can change, so check the listing before buying. Those figures apply to the current page listing, not a guaranteed price or stock status.
Edwards’s story is also a reminder that owning an encyclopedia does not ensure children will use it: he reported that his children did not take to the set. Before buying, consider whether the intended readers enjoy browsing print reference books, and whether a household library or classroom would make more consistent use of it.
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Rank #3
- How did Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky get started in politics? How many medals has snowboarder Chloe Kim won so far? Where can I learn more about Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court? These questions and more are answered in the World Book Encyclopedia 2023 edition.
- The World Book Encyclopedia 2023 edition includes timely new biographies and hundreds of article updates including extensive revisions to Homeschooling, Indigenous Peoples of the Americas, Olympic Games, Rugby Football, Sharks, Space Exploration, Telephones, and Television.
- The World Book Encyclopedia 2023 set includes more than 25,000 photographs, maps, diagrams and features hundreds of new and revised articles reflecting changes in current events. Expert contributors, advisors, and subject area specialists ensure the readability and accuracy of The World Book Encyclopedia 2023 set.
- As the only general reference encyclopedia still published today, this provides authoritative content on almost every topic to learners of all ages, from school-age readers (9-18) to adults. Whether you are looking up information to understand a subject or checking a fact for a homework assignment, tens of thousands of index entries make it easy to find information. Abundant colorful photos, illustrations, & maps supplement the easy-to-read text. Bring your questions to World Book for answers!
- In addition to over 17,000 articles, World Book also includes useful advice for elementary through intermediate grades students about best practices for studying and clear report writing. Whether you’re a school-age reader or an adult; there’s something for everyone in The World Book Encyclopedia 2023 set!
How the 2023 purchase differs from the current edition
The headline refers to Edwards’s June 2023 first-person purchase of the 2023 edition, not a review of the 2026 set. His article reported that the 2023 edition had 17,000 articles across 14,000 pages and more than 25,000 images and illustrations. It gave a $1,199 retail price at the time, with occasional Amazon prices as low as $799. Those are historical details, not current prices. The article also reported a $250-per-year online subscription price in 2023; it does not establish the current subscription price.
For a present-day decision, the 2026 product page is the relevant source for the listed print set and its stated contents. The 2023 article is useful for the buyer’s perspective and for understanding why some readers still value a physical reference, but its edition details and prices should not be carried forward to the current set.
Rank #4
Is a current print encyclopedia worth buying?
It may suit readers who want a substantial, screen-free reference for home browsing, or institutions that value a physical collection. It is a less obvious fit if your priority is the lowest upfront cost, portability, quick search, or continuously updated information. World Book’s 2026 edition exists as a current print product; whether it is worth the space and expense depends on how often its particular readers will reach for it.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
