Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Encyclopedia of Universal Knowledge 1931 Complete 25 Volume Set

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Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Encyclopedia of Universal Knowledge is a complete 25 volume 1931 reference set in matching red cloth hardcovers with gold spine lettering.

The compact volumes cover a broad range of subjects in alphabetical order and include text, reference information, and line illustrations throughout. The matching red bindings also make this an appealing shelf set for a home library, office, or vintage book collection.

Details

  • Item: Complete 25 volume hardcover encyclopedia set
  • Title: Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Encyclopedia of Universal Knowledge
  • Editorial Direction: Frank H. Vizetelly, Litt.D., LL.D.
  • Publisher: Funk & Wagnalls Company
  • Publication Places: New York and London
  • Copyright Year: 1931
  • Volumes: I through XXV, 25 volumes total
  • Format: Red cloth hardcover set with gilt spine lettering and decoration
  • Dust Jackets: None
  • ISBN: None shown. This set predates the ISBN system.
  • Size: Each volume approximately 6 x 4 x 1 inches
  • Special Features: Compact matching reference set with alphabetical entries and line illustrations

Condition Grade: Good

Positives

  • Complete run of 25 volumes from I through XXV is shown.
  • Pages are clean according to seller inspection.
  • Gold spine titles and decorative elements remain readable across the set.
  • Bindings appear intact and usable.

Issues / Wear

  • Red cloth covers and spines show rubbing, fading, and surface wear from age and shelving.
  • Several volumes show wear and small areas of fraying at spine ends and cover edges.
  • Some variation in color and fading is visible from volume to volume.

See all photos for detail. Sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key

  • Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
  • Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
  • Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
  • Fair: Shows significant wear. Readable or usable but clearly used.

Collector's Notes

Early twentieth century encyclopedia sets were made as working household reference libraries. Today, a complete matching set like this works both as a usable period reference and as a strong visual group of compact red and gold books for shelving.

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Disclaimer
All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece, please review them carefully, as they are part of the description.

Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40 to 50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.

How Reading Vintage sources and grades every book

Good to Know Before You Buy

Yes. Every photo on this page is the actual item you will receive. Not a stock photo, not a similar copy. What you see is what ships.

Honestly. This is vintage, so expect some age. When I find wear, writing, stains, loose pages, chips, or missing pieces, I note them and show them in the photos. Some marks add character. Some are just flaws. I tell you which is which so you can decide if this is the right one for you.

With care. Old books and fragile pieces are wrapped and boxed so they arrive the way they left me. Careful packing is one of the things buyers mention most in their reviews. Orders of $35 or more ship free.

Probably not. Everything here is one of a kind, and I rarely find the same item twice. Once it sells, it is gone. Vintage does not restock neatly.