First published as the Pears Shilling Cyclopaedia in 1897 by Queen Victoria’s famous soap-makers to celebrate her golden jubilee, this treasured reference compendium condenses a world of information into one concise volume. Pears is still the only book of its kind to be fully revised and updated annually by a dedicated team of experts, making it the favourite encyclopaedia, crossword lifesaver and quizzing Bible for thousands, year after year.

The quintessentially British almanac, Pears’ Cyclopaedia continues to inform and intrigue generations of readers with its unique mix of solid facts and fascinating gems. Now in its 126th year, this ultimate volume offers clear and concise information on such wide-ranging subjects as global events, Norse mythology and modern cinema.

Updated regularly by editor Chris Cook and his panel of experts, this handy and beautiful edition includes new entries for all major events from 2017-18 and all the traditional favourites - from public figures and celebrities, through medical matters and classical mythology, to a gazetteer of the British Isles and the latest tax advice. This is a world of knowledge rolled into one must-have volume - the Swiss army knife of reference books.