The Wikipedia Encyclopedia, conceived as an “encyclopedic yearbook,” differs significantly from traditional A-to-Z reference works because of its strong focus on current affairs and the different weighting of entries and entry texts. With 50,000 entries and explained terms, it records the online encyclopedia’s most frequently researched search terms in 2007/08. The entries reproduce the central information that summarizes or introduces the corresponding online articles.
The publisher aims to reach new target groups with the print edition of the successful online encyclopedia. Beate Varnhorn, Publishing Director at Bertelsmann Lexikon Institut, says: “The Wikipedia Encyclopedia helps carry knowledge into the world and make it available for reference. In its condensed, single-volume print edition, it will reach new target groups that will get to know and participate in the Wikipedia project.”
For Wikimedia Deutschland, the Wikipedia Encyclopedia is an important milestone. “It will be the world’s first printed general reference work based on Wikipedia content,” emphasizes board member Mathias Schindler. “We are very curious about the response and hope it will disprove all those who have already written off printed encyclopedias in the internet age.”
All texts in the Wikipedia Encyclopedia are released under a free license and may be freely reused and distributed within its terms. Bertelsmann Lexikon Institut will donate one euro from each purchase price to the nonprofit Wikimedia Deutschland association.