World Book wants you to be the Judge: Help Choose the Design for the 2008 Encyclopedia -- World Book invites you to voice your choice for the 2008 World Book Encyclopedia Spinescape through April 30, 2007; eligible voters also will be entered into a drawing to win a set of The 2008 World Book Encyclopedia, featuring the winning Spinescape.

For many years, World Book featured a classic leather binding on its venerable World Book Encyclopedia sets. In 1999, the company revolutionized encyclopedia publishing with its trademark Spinescape, a method of printing a unique image across the spine of the 22-volume set. Now, 90 years after the World Book Encyclopedia was first published, millions of readers will choose the Spinescape for the 2008 edition of The World Book Encyclopedia in World Book's You Be the Judge event, being held online at http://vote.worldbook.com.

CHICAGO (BusinessWire EON) March 19, 2007 -- For many years, World Book featured a classic leather binding on its venerable World Book Encyclopedia sets. In 1999, the company revolutionized encyclopedia publishing with its trademark Spinescape, a method of printing a unique image across the spine of the 22-volume set. Now, 90 years after the World Book Encyclopedia was first published, millions of readers will choose the Spinescape for the 2008 edition of The World Book Encyclopedia in World Book’s You Be the Judge event, being held online at http://vote.worldbook.com.

For decades, World Book has communicated with readers about topics and entries in the encyclopedia

Better than a reality show, because all volumes of the set get to stay, bibliophiles from around the world will vote for their favorite Spinescape among four finalists, each of which draws readers in through rich imagery and encourages them to learn and explore more about their world:

• Face of Culture depicts masks from around the world, including ancient Rome, the Mayan civilization, the Congo region of Africa, and 18^th century Asia.
• Global City showcases a composite urban skyline in honor of the fact that for the first time in history the majority of people on the planet now live in cities.
• Microscopic World captures up-close views of the natural world and brings them to life in a way not possible with the naked eye.
• Urban Travel features such modes of transportation as car, subway, airplane…and foot.

“For decades, World Book has communicated with readers about topics and entries in the encyclopedia,” said Patti Ginnis, chief marketing officer of World Book. “Now, in addition to having input on what goes inside the encyclopedia, readers also will have a voice about the outside imagery.“

Votes can be cast at http://vote.worldbook.com through April 30, 2007. The winning Spinescape will be posted on the World Book site on August 1, 2007. The World Book Encyclopedia 2008 featuring the winning Spinescape will be on sale in August 2007. Voters also can enter a drawing to win The World Book Encyclopedia 2008. See the World Book web site for further detail.

About World Book

Celebrating the 90^th anniversary of the first edition of The World Book Encyclopedia, World Book, Inc. sets the standard in publishing accurate, current, and reliable reference and learning materials for children and adults. Based in Chicago, Ill., World Book is committed to creating learning materials that meet the highest standards of editorial excellence while leveraging the advantages of online delivery. This commitment has culminated in a wide range of products which include the number-one selling The World Book Encyclopedia, and such leading digital products as the World Book Online Reference Center. World Book is a Scott Fetzer company, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.