Webster's Biographical Dictionary

Webster's Biographical Dictionary contains over 40,000 concise biographies of notable figures throughout history. The entries span ancient times through the mid-20th century, covering individuals from diverse fields including politics, science, arts, religion, and exploration. Each biographical entry provides key facts about the subject's life, accomplishments, and historical significance. The dictionary includes birth and death dates, nationality, occupation, major works or achievements, and other relevant details presented in a standardized format. This reference work maintains Webster's reputation for accuracy and clarity while distilling complex lives into accessible summaries. The biographical entries serve as starting points for understanding influential figures who shaped human civilization across cultures and eras.

Readers value Webster's Biographical Dictionary as a reference tool containing concise entries about historical figures through 1970. Users on Amazon and other review sites note its utility for basic biographical research and fact-checking. Liked: - Clear, succinct entries - Includes birth/death dates and key accomplishments - Covers international figures, not just Americans - Durable binding holds up to frequent use Disliked: - No updates since 1970s editions - Some entries contain outdated or incomplete information - Lacks modern figures and cultural icons - Small print size challenges some readers One reader on Amazon stated: "Perfect for quick biographical lookups, though you'll need supplemental sources for post-1970 individuals." Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (42 reviews) Goodreads: 3.8/5 (5 reviews) AbeBooks: 4/5 (12 reviews) Most common complains cite age of content rather than quality of existing entries.

The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography by Oxford University Press Editorial Staff This comprehensive collection contains 50,000 biographies of notable British figures from ancient times to present day.

The Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia by David Crystal The reference work presents 26,000 entries on historical and contemporary figures from world history, arranged alphabetically with cross-references.

Current Biography Yearbook by H.W. Wilson Company Editorial Staff This annual publication provides detailed biographical profiles of people making news in politics, science, arts, and other fields during each year.

The New Encyclopedia of American Biography by John A. Garraty The single-volume work contains 1,000 biographical entries covering American historical figures from colonial times through the twentieth century.

The Chambers Biographical Dictionary by Melanie Parry This reference book offers 18,000 entries on historical and contemporary figures from around the world, with emphasis on British and European subjects.

🔍 First published in 1943, the dictionary contains over 40,000 biographical entries spanning from ancient times to the modern era 📚 Unlike many biographical collections, it includes living persons as well as historical figures, making it a more comprehensive reference work 🌍 The entries cover individuals from more than 80 countries, representing diverse fields including science, literature, politics, arts, and sports ✒️ The dictionary uses a unique system of pronunciation guides specifically developed by Merriam-Webster for proper names 🎯 Each entry is carefully vetted by multiple editors, with particular attention paid to accurate birth and death dates - a feature that set it apart from many contemporary biographical resources of its time