First published as the Pears Shilling Cyclopaediain 1897 by the famous soap-makers to Queen Victoria, this treasured reference compendium condenses a world of information into one concise volume. Pearsis still the only book of its kind to be fully revised and updated annually by a dedicated team of experts, making it the favourite encyclopaedia, crossword lifesaver and quizzing Bible for thousands, year after year. What's new in Pearsfor 2012 includes- New words - from Boris bikes to Screenagers Cartography - maps through the ages Drinks - the world of popular wine and beer Current affairs, including the Coalition's record, the global warming debate and the latest tax tables