We got a set of Encyclopedia Britannicas when I was young, and I read that sucker a whole lot. Unfortunately, the writing was way above my reading level and I couldn't understand a lot of it for a few years. We finally got a World Book at a garage sale, but that was just too remedial. It was kind of the USA Today of encyclopedias.

I wish there had been something in between the two. We could have called it something like "Wikipedia." I feel jealous of kids who are growing up with access to so much encyclopedia awesomeness.

The encyclopedias did have a big impact on my life, by exposing me to great historical figures that helped me aspire to achieve something one day. Still working on that one, but they definitely impacted my life. Plus they saved a trip to the library for basic research reports.

Did you read the encyclopedia growing up? Which encyclopedia did you read, and how did it impact your life?