American encyclopaedia designed to meet the curriculum needs of elementary through high-school students. It is published in Chicago, Ill.

The World Book was first published in 1917 and was revised annually from 1925. This 22-volume specific-entry reference work emphasizes geography and biography and gives broad treatment to such subject areas as business, psychology, government, energy, ecology, and criminology. Patterns of use by students are tested continually in classrooms throughout the United States and Canada. Contributors include authorities in the physical, biological, and social sciences and other fields.

The World Book features thorough cross-references, and lists of related articles are included at the end of entries on major subjects. A general index is augmented by some 200 reading and study guides on important subjects. Illustrations and maps are extensive and of high quality. Yearbooks are issued.

By 1995 The World Book had become available in two CD-ROM versions. The World Book Information Finder appears in DOS format and contains the encyclopedia's text and tables. The World Book New Illustrated Information Finder appears in Windows and Macintosh formats and contains several thousand illustrations and maps in addition to text and tables.