What Are Grolier Encyclopedias Worth?
Long considered the premier encyclopedia publisher for children, Grolier is still going strong with Grolier Online, the encyclopedia's most popular version. Grolier was producing updated print editions as recently as 2008. With such an influence on teaching children for so long, it's no wonder there is an active online community looking to buy and sell these treasures of childhood learning.
"The New Book of Knowledge"
A recent edition of Grolier's premier printed encyclopedia in good condition can easily fetch over $100, with the most recent editions being worth the most money. Even an older edition, such as from the 1970s, can be worth over $100 if it's in mint condition. A very old edition, from the 1950s or older, can be worth considerably more than a recent edition --- perhaps upwards of $500 --- if it is in good enough condition to be considered a collector's item.
Software
Grolier encyclopedias are also available in multiple electronic forms. Since Grolier abandoned CD-ROMs in favor of Grolier Online, some CD-ROM editions have become collector's items. Generally, the older the software the more it is worth. The most valuable software program may be "Grolier's KnowledgeDisc," the self-proclaimed World's First Laser Videodisc Encyclopedia. Even though all software is now outdated, it still must be in good, usable condition to be worth anything.
Specialty Items
The Grolier Encyclopedia also came in special editions. The printed "Grolier Student Encyclopedia of Endangered Species" from 1994 in good condition is typically worth about as much as a 1994 "New Book of Knowledge" in similar condition. The CD-ROM "Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia of Science Fiction," from 2002, considered a rare and highly useful item, can be worth over $50 if in working condition.
"Encyclopedia Americana"
Grolier also publishes the "Encyclopedia Americana," the second-largest encyclopedia in English. Like "The New Book of Knowledge," a very new or very old edition in good shape will be worth the most. Generally speaking, these are worth more than editions of "The New Book of Knowledge" from the same year --- a full set can fetch $500 or more.
References
Writer Bio
Derek M. Kwait has a Bachelor of Arts in English writing from the University of Pittsburgh and has been writing for most of his life in various capacities. He has worked as a staff writer and videographer for the "Jewish Chronicle of Pittsburgh" and also has training writing fiction, nonfiction, stage-plays and screenplays.
