The Hutchinson Encyclopedia is a comprehensive single-volume A–Z general encyclopedia covering a broad range of subjects including history, science, geography, literature, arts, politics, technology and culture. The Helicon edition was designed as an accessible reference work for home, school and library use.

The 1997 11th illustrated edition contains 1,199 pages and introduced features such as “See Also” panels, special topic features and a quick-reference section containing useful tables.