Books for General Knowledge.

1. Manorama Yearbook 2018- from Malayala Manorama Media, Kerala, India

Anyone preparing for entrance exams for government jobs, admissions to institutions of higher education or wanting to excel in quiz contests can find latest information in India’s most popular general knowledge publication, Manorama Year Book 2018.

Indeed, this book is recommended for students aspiring to enter anything from Chartered Accountancy to Indian Administrative Service or eying a profession in India’s large banking and finance sector.

The comprehensive yearbook is an encyclopedia of the world and India of sorts. It has been published by the Malayala Manorama Media Group based in Kottayam, Kerala since 1959, when it made its debut in Malayalam language.

The book is available in English since 1965, Bengali since 1990 and Hindi since 1991. Regardless whether you are student or retiree, Manorama Yearbook should be an essential in every household.

2. Britannica Ready Reference Encyclopedia- from Encyclopedia Britannica Inc, UK

The full version of Encyclopedia Britannica costs as high as Rs. 29,000. It is considered the most comprehensive publications of its kind in the world covering nearly half a million topics and a larger number of subtopics.

However, a cheaper variant, Britannica Ready Reference Encyclopedia that covers a fewer but very relevant topics on general knowledge can be bought for about Rs.1,500 each.

The distinct advantage by owning this great publication is, you get excellent, verified and comprehensive general knowledge about various topics such as history, science, countries, economy, politics and lots more.

This book is ideal for students and retirees too who wish to broaden their knowledge either for excelling at quiz contests, increasing awareness about various topics or simply for entertainment. The book contains excellent illustration and explanations with footnotes.

3. Random House Unabridged Dictionary – from Penguin-Random House, USA

With nearly 320,000 entries, 2,400 illustrations, 75,000 example sentences, 35 page atlas of the world and 45 boxed charts and tables, the Random House Unabridged Dictionary is worth investing in for anyone who strives for career development.

For students, employees and business persons in India, framing proper correspondence or writing in English often proves a problem. India is not included in the list of 18 native English speaking countries of the world. Local accents and use of archaic terms greatly influence the manner in which English is spoken and written in India.

For a price of nearly Rs.12,000 the Random House Unabridged Dictionary is indeed an expensive to own. However, the benefits of owning one far outweigh the expense you incur.

Since English is commonly used in almost every transaction and all types of communications in India, this dictionary allows you to vastly improve your vocabulary while developing excellent interpersonal skills while dealing with foreigners.

The huge popularity of this book can be gauged by the fact that it is now published in India by a leading UK based media group, Hachette’s local division.

4. Limca Book of Records-2018- from Hachette India

Limca Book of Records-2018 is a comprehensive listing of India’s achievements from historical to modern times. The book is updated every year to include the latest information available at time of going to print.

The publication consists of all developments in India’s education, defense, political, government, entertainment, literature, arts, science, adventure, tourism, wildlife and myriad other sectors.

Additionally, the book also provides a comprehensive listing of various world records in various spheres. The 2018 edition contains more information about technology, business and economy and has easy-to-understand charts, graphs, tables and illustrations as well as graphics.

Real life pictures taken across India and in various parts of the world make it a coveted possession for every knowledge lover.

5. Mathurbhumi Yearbook Plus 2018- from Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Group, Kerala

The Mathrubhumi Yearbook Plus 2018 is excellent for every member of your family. It contains comprehensive information about various issues in India and the world and a listing of eminent personalities, world records, defense and economics related information.

Further, there are also insights into various new policies launched by the Indian government. Often, the Mathrubhumi Yearbook Plus comes with a free CD or DVD that also contains similar but abridged information that can be easily accessed on a computer.

The Mathrubhumi Yearbook Plus 2018 is not similar to the other Manorama Yearbook 2018. Indeed, both these yearbooks complement one another. Hence, it makes good sense to possess both.

However, the Mathrubhumi Yearbook 2018 is available only in English and Malayalam versions from bookstores and online.

India’s Decline in Reading

The reading habit in India has suffered a body blow thanks to mobile Internet and easy availability of affordable smart-phones. An anonymous author once said: “We live in an era of smart-phones and dumb people.” Sadly, Indians seem to be exerting extra efforts towards making this quote a reality.

According to NOP World Culture Score report for 2004-2005, Indians ranked as the world’s most avid readers. Studies by various media groups and independent organizations revealed, on average an Indian spends 10 hours per week or about 1 hour, 44 minutes per day on reading.

This made Indians the most avid readers of the world.

Thailand ranked as second country with people spending average of about nine hours, 24 minutes per week on reading followed by China at eight hours, Egypt with seven hours and 50 minutes, the Philippines at seven hours and 36 minutes followed by Czech Republic with about seven hours and 25 minutes per week.