Reference Books
Many biographical reference books are shelved in the CT section of Simpson Library's reference collection, including the books listed on this page. The contents of most of these reference books (and hundreds more) can be searched online, using the Biography and Genealogy Master Index.
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American National BiographyCall Number: REFB CT 213 .A68 1999Publication Date: 1999Includes some 18,000 scholarly essays on deceased individuals who have influenced American history and culture. -
The Biography BookCall Number: REFB CT 104 .B87 2001Publication Date: 2001A one-volume work that identifies and assesses biographies of "more than 500 of the most fascinating individuals of all time." Each entry includes a brief biographical paragraph. -
Current BiographyCall Number: REFB CT 100 .C8Since 1940 this popular reference set has striven to provide "objective, accurate, and well-documented biographical articles about living leaders in all fields of human accomplishment." -
Dictionary of World BiographyCall Number: REFB CT 104 .D54 1998Publication Date: 1998Each volume is devoted to a historical era, and biographical essays are divided into the sections Early Life, Life's Work, Summary, and Bibliography. -
Encyclopedia of World BiographyCall Number: REFB CT 103 .E56 1998Publication Date: 1997An excellent multi-volume reference set that provides biographical information on some 7,000 individuals whose "reputations stand the test of time." -
Notable American Women, 1607-1950Call Number: REFB CT3260 .N57Publication Date: 1971Covers the lives of "exceptional women" throughout U.S. history. -
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography by Call Number: REFB DA28 .O95 2004Publication Date: 2004A 60-volume set of biographies of noteworthy British people. Most articles include detailed bibliographies. -
Research Guide to European Historical BiographyCall Number: REFB CT 759 .R47Publication Date: 1993This set, like its American companion series, above, furnishes well-written overviews on major biographies of historical figures.
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St. James Guide to BiographyCall Number: REFB CT 101 .S24 1991Publication Date: 1991As the introduction points out, the editors do not supply biographical data on the persons included in the book, "but rather bibliographical and critical analysis of biographies already available." -
Research Guide to American Historical BiographyCall Number: REFB CT 214 .R47 1988Useful for its critical commentary on principal biographical sources published up to the late 1980s.
