Reference Books
Some of these sources (and hundreds more) are indexed in the Biography and Genealogy Master Index (see Web Resources listing). Many biographical research works are shelved in the CT section of Simpson Library's reference collection. They include:
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American National BiographyCall Number: REFB CT 213 .A68 1999ISBN: 0195206355Publication 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 2001ISBN: 1573562564Publication 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 .C8ISBN: 9780824211448Since 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 1998ISBN: 0893562734Publication 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 1998ISBN: 0787622214Publication 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 .N57ISBN: 9780674627345Publication Date: 1971Covers the lives of "exceptional women" throughout U.S. history. -
Research Guide to European Historical BiographyCall Number: REFB CT 759 .R47ISBN: 0933833302Publication Date: 1993This set, like its American companion series, above, furnishes well-written overviews on major biographies of historical figures. -
St. James Guide to BiographyCall Number: REFB CT 101 .S24 1991ISBN: 1558621466Publication 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 1988ISBN: 9780933833241Useful for its critical commentary on principal biographical sources published up to the late 1980s.
Using Reference Books
Use Reference books to:
♦ Obtain background material to help familiarize yourself with your topic
♦ Place your topic in historical context
♦ Locate definitions of terms and concepts
♦ Find bibliographies suggesting additional resources on your topic
Citing Sources
While writing research papers, you may need to:
♦ List your sources in bibliographies or works cited
♦ Provide either footnotes or endnotes.
For more help with citations, check this guide out.