The Knowledge Book: Everything You Need to Know to Get by in the 21st Century

I bought this and read 4-6 pages a day, underlining all the important points. It has really helped my understanding of history and the world and serves as a guidepost for future study. High recommended!

For any adult who, as the years go by, realizes that there are knowledge topics that (a) one did not study, or (b) one does not remember all that well. To address those gaps, this is a compact, concise compendium that should fulfill anyone desiring to acquire a better understanding and more up-to-date knowledge. I commend the editors, particularly on the topics of philosophy and religion, for material that is presented factually and without reflecting any of the author's value bias.

I bought this book for myself about a year ago, and occasionally pick random things to read. I am very happy with the amount of material and breath. I decided to get one for a gift, and found the "Most Helpful Customer Review" from F.J. Logan from somewhere new on the planet (New Zeakand). I just couldn't understand why there are so many bad reviews. I started to read my copy and compare it to those listed. I might have a revised copy, but the date is 2007. In part as a response to FJ, my page 106 is titled "Reptiles", and 107 is titled "Birds" so, even though I don't have the same "when THEY hatch, THE PARENTS feed the chicks . . . ." in my copy... I can figure that the page is all about birds. Also, as FJ points out "we learn (p. 114) that panda bears are predators although they are herbivores." I think he may be confusing the term predator with carnivore. Last one from FJ - Page 66: ("EVERY SINGLE THING [my emphasis] that occurs throughout Earth history leaves its traces behind in rocks." This last pronouncement, were it not almost too stupid to comment on, might earn a sharp contradiction by any competent) FJ seems to be keen on stopping mid sentence. It continues, and leaves no question to my mind. All in all, this is a 500 page book that can't compare to volumes of encyclopedias, but for a current price of $23.10 for HC, this book is a bargain. Anyone that doesn't buy it based on any review is missing out on something great.

The book was exactly what I wanted. It's a big book full of interesting information on pretty much any topic. Fun to just pick up and read. I bought it for myself but it would make a great gift too.

This book is a wonderful mini encyclopedia about a number of different subjects known to man. It's a great gift to give a young child (or even adults) to give them a reason to expand their knowledge about different subjects! I truly recommend this book for someone who wants to know a basic understanding of the most important topics that has happened in recent history.