encyclopedia set
Alphabetized reference library
An encyclopedia set is a multi-volume reference work covering a broad range of human knowledge, typically arranged alphabetically and shelved together.
Before the internet, these were standard fixtures in homes and libraries: We looked it up in the encyclopedia set.
The term evokes a particular era of middle-class aspiration, when families purchased sets from door-to-door salesmen as educational investments.
- volumesAmounts or books
- full setAll components together
- referenceDirecting attention elsewhere
- reference materialTexts consulted for information
- bookshelfFurniture for storing volumes
coffee table · knowledge · Britannica · alphabetical · A to Z · spine · gilt · pages · index · dusty · library · research · articles · entries · binding · collector · old school · vintage
- obsolete techfloppy disk, VHS, dial-up modem, cassette tape, floppy disks
- Referencedictionary, thesaurus, almanac, atlas, handbook
- reference booksdictionary, dictionaries, bilingual dictionaries, thesauri, atlases
- Analog Eratypewriter, rotary phone, record player, phonograph, turntable
encyclopedia setpocket dictionary
Small portable word reference
glossary · pamphlet · leaflet · flash card · cheat sheet
encyclopedia, encyclopedias, encyclopedic, encyclopedist, cyclopedia, reset, unset, preset, inset