NYT - Julie Bosman: The Britannica, the oldest continuously published encyclopedia in the English language, has become a luxury item with a $1,395 price tag. It is frequently bought by embassies, libraries and research institutions, and by well-educated, who felt an attachment to the set of bound volumes. Only 8,000 sets of the 2010 edition have been sold, and the remaining 4,000 have been stored in a warehouse until they are bought. Interestingly prices of the print edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica on Ebay and Craigslist have jumped. On Ebay the 15th edition ranges from $250 - $950 - with free shipping! On CL, the 15th edition (1974) can be had for about $100. Seen some ads for $200.
The list price for the 2007 print version, the 15th edition, is $1,595. Sale price is $1,099.
Still a bargain if you ask me.
