RIP Encyclopaedia Britannica

The Encyclopaedia Britannica, the pride of many a study bookshelf since its first publication in 1768, has announced that its flagship 32-volume print edition will cease to exist, Reuters reports.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica collection has been described by the company as being "difficult to maintain" and although the impact of sites like Wikipedia have been played down by the company, we can't help but think that the free editable online encyclopaedia had more than a minor role to play in its demise.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica will continue its knowledge spreading efforts with an annual online content subscription model, but we're still hoping for a completely revised Kindle edition for the ultimate in trustworthy pocketable knowledge. A real-life Hitch Hiker's guide to the Galaxy perhaps?