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Compton's Encyclopedia

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description Compton's Encyclopedia Overview

Compton's Encyclopedia is a general reference work designed for students and home use, originally published in 1922 under the title Compton's Pictured Encyclopedia. Founded by F. E. Compton and Company in Chicago, it was created to provide accessible, visual educational information to younger audiences.

Over the decades, the encyclopedia expanded into multiple print volumes and eventually transitioned into digital formats to keep pace with modern research needs. It remains a recognized educational resource for primary and secondary school environments.

help Compton's Encyclopedia FAQ

When was Compton's Encyclopedia first published?

Compton's Encyclopedia was originally published in 1922 under the name 'Compton's Pictured Encyclopedia' by the F. E. Compton Company. It was designed to be a highly visual reference set specifically aimed at the school and home market.

How is Compton's Encyclopedia different from other encyclopedias?

Unlike dense adult-focused sets like the Encyclopaedia Britannica, Compton's was specifically targeted toward elementary and high school students. It was famous for utilizing a high volume of photographs and illustrations very early in its print runs.

What is the 'Compton's Encyclopedia Fact-Index'?

The Fact-Index was a unique feature of the encyclopedia that served as a continuous stream of brief, easily readable facts and statistics. It functioned as an index, a quick reference, and a supplement to the longer main articles in the other volumes.

Does Compton's Encyclopedia still exist today?

While print editions are no longer actively published, the encyclopedia's digital content was absorbed and maintained by the online reference platform Britannica Online. The brand is currently owned by Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.

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