World Book Encyclopedia cost early 1970's?

[the addster]

Can anyone tell me how much a set of World Book Encyclopedias cost in the early 1970's?

Current editions cost apx. $1000.00, inflation calculators give me a cost of $190.00 in 1972.

Seems like I remember my dad bitching that they cost more than that, but I'm not sure, and he can't tell me.

Anybody have any idea?

 

[IceCreamEmpress]

I'd ask them.

 

[alleycat]

My parents bought a set sometime in the 1960s. Seems like they were more than $190 then.

Just making a complete guess, but I think in the $400-500 range in the 70s would be in the ballpark. I don't think people buy encyclopedias like they once did (and aren't sold by pushy door-to-door salesmen like they once were), so they probably haven't kept up with the rate of inflation.

 

[the addster]

I'd ask them.

Tried that, then tried again.

Just tried again with my best voicemail hell avoidance mojo.

I'm on hold.....

 

[johnnysannie]

My grandparents bought a set for all of the many grandkids to use for research and school, etc. in that time period. I'm thinking it was $500-600, maybe even a bit more.

 

[the addster]

OK, got it.

3 different bindings available in 1972, $315.00 to $520.00.


Thank you, ICEmperess and others.

 

[RJK]

I recall a salesman trying to sell me a 24 volume set for $380. You could buy a yearbook (update) for $20 each year. Hard to believe that was the general public's prime source of knowledge back then.