Before there was the internet, where you could easily search up an answer and get it within minutes, encyclopedias saved the day. A book full of information on either general topics or even particular interests, many encyclopedias today have collected dust somewhere on a shelf in the basement. But some out-of-print encyclopedias are worth hundreds today. Let’s dive into history and check them out.
5. 1st Edition1879 National Encyclopedia of Business and Social Forms
First edition books are always hard to come by. With only a select number of editions circulating in the world, everyone wants to say they have that in their collection. So the number one entry for out-of-print encyclopedias is this 1879 National Encyclopedia of Business and Social Forms, with a value of around $200. The book includes stunning illustrations and references about embracing the laws of etiquette and good society in business and social environments.
4. 1757 Johann Hubner’s Conversations Lexicon
Sometimes you’ll come across absolute gems while searching for valuable out-of-print encyclopedias, like this Johann Hubner’s Conversations Lexicon encyclopedia. This is a very rare and incredible book that was sold for only $449 on eBay. The illustrated book is stunning with its visuals. Along with that, many scholars consider the Hubner Conversation Lexicon to be essential for understanding 16th and 17th-century German texts.
3. 1972 Encyclopedia Britannica Gold Edition
If you know anything about encyclopedias, then you know that one of the leading brands is Encyclopedia Britannica, which offers complete knowledge on various topics. These include some of the most valuable out-of-print encyclopedias, like these 1972 vintage gold editions in a complete set. Sold for $855 on eBay, this set includes illustrated volumes on a range of topics in the English language. Not only are they informative, they’re stunning additions for any collection.
2. Illustrated Encyclopedia of Post-Revolution Havana Cigars
This out-of-print encyclopedia sold for $1,300 on eBay, with several others up for sale for over $2,000. The encyclopedia has had several editions made over the years, but the first one is more valuable than the rest. The book covers everything you need to know about cigars and is an essential reference for cigar aficionados, collectors, and industry professionals. It covers the history, brands, and vitolas of Cuban cigars that were produced after the 1959 revolution.
1. Encyclopedia Britannica Anniversary Edition
After 244 years, Encyclopedia Britannica announced that it no longer prints physical editions. The news was shattering for collectors, and it only skyrocketed the current physical copies in circulation. That being said, having a first edition or an anniversary edition is something that many might scramble for. Like this Britannica Encyclopedia Anniversary 1st Print Edition, which covers 250 years (1768 to 2018), full of rare knowledge, insights, and history. Not many of these are around, and if you stumble across one, it might be worth over $30,000.
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