The Differance between an Encyclopedia and a Cyclopedia?

[tatters]

I hope this is the right topic, could someone tell what the differance is between an Encyclopedia and a Cyclopedia! My boss at work asked me it the other day, and I must confess I hadn't even heard of a Cyclopedia. Then I was in Waterstones yesterday and I saw a Cyclopedia and it is now bugging me as to what one is. Thanks in advance.

[MustafaTickl]

There is no difference, they are the same thing.

[St Germain]

An encyclopedia is usually a set of volumes whereas a cyclopedia is everything in one book.

[kempie]

There is no difference.

They are two terms used for 'a literary work containing extensive information on all branches of knowledge, usually arranged in alphabetical order' and originate from the ancient Greek 'circle of learning - the circle of arts and sciences considered by the Greeks as essential to a liberal education'.