The Hutchinson Encyclopedia was first produced in 1948 as Hutchinson's 20th Century Encyclopedia. The editor, Walter Hutchinson, had recognised that a new encyclopedia was needed to reflect the immense changes that had occurred since the end of the Victorian era.

This brand new edition is an encyclopedia for a new age, packed with over 17,000 full-length articles - including genetically modified foods, the situation in the Middle East, globalization -and much more, making it a foundation stone for 21st century knowledge.

Brim-full of newly commissioned artwork and photographs, fact boxes, timelines, quotations, and web links, The Hutchinson Encyclopedia also contains Focus Features, including the Mars landings, and the latest updates on the situation in the Middle East.