The Century Book of Facts: A Library of Ready Reference Embracing History, Biography, Government, Law, Language, Literature, Invention, Science, Domestic Economy, Industry, Finance, Art, Religion, Education, Hygiene, and Useful Miscellany

The Century Book of Facts was first published in the late 19th century, serving as a comprehensive compendium designed to provide middle-class readers with access to a vast breadth of information. Compiled and edited by Henry Woldmar Ruoff, the work emerged during an era defined by the rise of the self-help movement and a growing societal emphasis on formal education. It was intended to act as a singular, accessible library for the household, covering topics ranging from legal principles and domestic economy to scientific advancements and historical milestones.

The design of the volume reflects the utilitarian and encyclopedic aesthetic common to turn-of-the-century reference books, characterized by dense text blocks and structured sections intended to facilitate quick retrieval of data. Ruoff curated the contents to distill complex fields into digestible summaries, positioning the book as an essential tool for the informed citizen. While the work received modest attention as a general reference tool, it is now primarily regarded as a representative artifact of the pedagogical ambitions of the Victorian and Edwardian periods.