Description
Hardcovers have some scuffs and are worn around the edges and corners. All books have clean but yellowed pages inside, and discolored outer edges. All books have secure binding.
This comprehensive 20-volume encyclopedia set, published in the mid-20th century, stands as a remarkable testament to the ambition and scope of American reference works of that era. Compiled under the leadership of Franklin J. Meine, a respected scholar and editor, “The American Peoples Encyclopedia” sought to capture the breadth of human knowledge, from the arts and sciences to history and culture.
Despite the visible signs of age and wear, the secure bindings and clean interior pages speak to the durability and care with which these volumes were crafted. The yellowed pages, a natural consequence of the paper’s chemistry over time, lend a warm, nostalgic patina that collectors of vintage reference works often find appealing.
Beyond its physical attributes, this encyclopedic set offers a fascinating window into the prevailing attitudes, beliefs, and scholarly perspectives of its time. As a historical artifact, it provides insights into the intellectual currents and cultural narratives that shaped mid-20th century America, making it a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and bibliophiles alike.