Pears Cyclopedia is a very popular one-volume reference book which packs all sorts of topics into a handy format. There's a potted history of world events; a list of famous people; and an atlas. Explanations of general knowledge, plus science in the form of chemistry, medicine, computers, and the environment. Ideas and beliefs cover the major world philosophies, the myths and legends get a section of their own, as does a Biblical glossary. Difficult to put down, once you start browsing. Useful for all subjects.

Click here for details & orders at Amazon.co.uk