World Almanac
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The World Almanac and Book of Facts is a well-known American published reference work which conveys information to the general public about such subjects as world changes, tragedies, sports feats, etc. The almanac can be found in homes, libraries, schools, businesses, and media outlets throughout the United States and to a more limited degree in other parts of the world.
It has been published yearly since 1886. The 2006 edition has over 1,000 pages with a suggested U.S. price of $12.95. (ISBN of 2006 version: ISBN 0-88687-964-7).
[edit] History
The World Almanac was first published in 1868 by the New York World newspaper. After being suspended in 1876, Joseph Pulitzer revived it in 1886. In 1894, the name was changed to The World Almanac and Encyclopedia until 1923 when it became The World Almanac and Book of Facts.
From the late 19th Century to 1934, the New York World Building was prominently featured on the cover of the almanac.
Calvin Coolidge's father read from The World Almanac when he swore his son into office. Since then, photos have shown that Presidents John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton have also used The World Almanac as a resource.
The World Almanac used to be bundled with the purchase of the video game, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego.
The World Almanac For Kids has been published annually since 1995.
The World Almanac is now produced by the World Almanac Education Group, which is owned by The Weekly Reader corporation. The World Almanac is distributed by Simon and Schuster.
Some lists published are:
- "World Almanac's Ten Most Influential People of the Second Millennium", 2000
- "World Almanac's 25 Most Influential Women in America" (includes Helen Thomas, Gloria Steinem, Jane Bryant Quinn, Mary Cunningham Agee, Erma Bombeck, Phyllis Schlafly, ...)
