CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2001 - Citing a strong demand for its printed products in the midst of the digital age, Encyclopaedia Britannica has published a revised printing of its 32-volume encyclopedia, the first revision of the printed set since 1998. The Encyclopaedia Britannica is the oldest continuously published reference work in the English language and has been in print without interruption since 1768. Since the early 1990s it has been available in a variety of electronic forms, but to many people the printed set of books is still the symbol of knowledge and authority. The company says the new printing has already show strong pre-publication sales. Said Dale Hoiberg, senior vice president and editor of Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Despite the benefits of electronic publishing, books remain a remarkably efficient platform for the storage and retrieval of information. But more than that, books are a treasure, a vital part of our civilization. To behold the encyclopedia on the shelf or browse through an open volume are pleasures no other medium can provide.'' For the company, the new printing of the encyclopedia reflects a return to its core historical strengths, according to CEO Ilan Yeshua. "For more than two centuries Britannica has been distinguished by our ability to create the most reliable and comprehensive reference information,'' he said. "Today, in the age of misinformation, the need for trustworthy reference works is greater than ever, and to serve that need we are making significant investments in our editorial operation.''