This is a new edition of the Collins Paperback World Encyclopedia, brought up to date and presented in a compact format, providing comprehensive content at an unbeatable value.

This encyclopedia, with its global coverage, provides instant answers to thousands of questions - with over 13,000 entries, each full of information, it provides a wealth of knowledge to answer questions posed by homework, by crosswords, by current affairs and by the complex world in which we live.

* The authoritative encyclopedia for quick reference

* Comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of current affairs, science, technology, sport, the arts, history, geography and much more

* Around 200 maps and 150 diagrams to help explain facts and figures

* Chronologies give key dates in the history of each country and for important subjects

For quick nuggets of information a book provides the fastest domestic answer - go straight to the entry you need with no need to turn on the computer or find the appropriate web page or CD.

The information in the World Encyclopedia is taken from a major encyclopedic database. Within this database care has been taken to ensure that material meets educational expectations. The data is also continuously updated to cover recent developments.

The trade paperback format makes the book handy to use and to have to hand for quick reference.