Simpson Library: Biographies: Reference Books

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.

American National Biography
Call Number: REFB CT 213 .A68 1999
Publication Date: 1999
Includes some 18,000 scholarly essays on deceased individuals who have influenced American history and culture.
The Biography Book
Call Number: REFB CT 104 .B87 2001
Publication Date: 2001
A 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 Biography
Call Number: REFB CT 100 .C8
Since 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 Biography
Call Number: REFB CT 104 .D54 1998
Publication Date: 1998
Each 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 Biography
Call Number: REFB CT 103 .E56 1998
Publication Date: 1997
An excellent multi-volume reference set that provides biographical information on some 7,000 individuals whose "reputations stand the test of time."
Notable American Women, 1607-1950
Call Number: REFB CT3260 .N57
Publication Date: 1971
Covers the lives of "exceptional women" throughout U.S. history.
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography by Academy Staff (Contribution by)
Call Number: REFB DA28 .O95 2004
Publication Date: 2004
A 60-volume set of biographies of noteworthy British people. Most articles include detailed bibliographies.
Research Guide to European Historical Biography
Call Number: REFB CT 759 .R47
Publication Date: 1993
This set, like its American companion series, above, furnishes well-written overviews on major biographies of historical figures.
St. James Guide to Biography
Call Number: REFB CT 101 .S24 1991
Publication Date: 1991
As 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 Biography
Call Number: REFB CT 214 .R47 1988
Useful for its critical commentary on principal biographical sources published up to the late 1980s.