Description
1920 edition. Cover has some corner wear and a few other dings. Pages are clean and the binding is secure.
This early 20th century reference work, “The Circle of Knowledge” by Henry W. Ruoff, is a delightful artifact from a time when the pursuit of knowledge was seen as a noble endeavor accessible to all. Published in 1920, at the dawn of the modern age, it captures the breadth of human understanding just before specialization fragmented the disciplines. With entries ranging from philosophy and literature to science and world history, this encyclopedic volume is a window into the era’s optimistic belief in the democratization of learning.
Ruoff’s engaging prose brings the various subjects to life, making even complex topics approachable for the lay reader. The well-preserved condition of this copy belies its age, with crisp pages that seem to invite one to curl up and explore the myriad realms of knowledge contained within. For collectors, it represents a high-quality example of the rich tradition of encyclopedic works from the early 20th century publishing world. Bibliophiles and armchair scholars alike will delight in this comprehensive yet charmingly outdated compendium.