Chambers Biographical Dictionary

by Melanie Parry

The publication of the Sixth edition of the Chambers Biographical Dictionary, the most comprehensive and authorative single volume biographical dictionary avaiable, marks the 100th anniversary of the appearance of the first edition in 1897. With the addition of over 3,500 new entries, this new volume has been extensively revised and updated to include an even wider range of entries, giving increased--and unrivaled--coverage in such areas as sports, science, music, arts, literature, politics, television, and film.As well as containing well over 17,500 alphabetically arranged articles describing the nationality, occupation and achievements of each person, there are new features such as the 250 panels which focus on a wide variety of individuals regarded as being particularly important, influential and interesting. The panels also contain bibliographical information and quotations. There are thousands of suggestions for further reading, and a new reader-friendly format which invites browsing and is enhanced by extensive cross-referencing.

Genres: Reference, Dictionaries, Biography

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1897

Reviews

[Karen-Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love dictionaries and history and biographies...this combines all three.

[Tom]

Parry, M. (2011). Chambers biographical dictionary. New York, NY: Larousse Kingfisher Chambers.

Citation created by: Tom Shaw

Call Number: CT103 .C4

Description: Over 18,000 entries of biographic information for personalities spanning the history of the modern world.

Content/Scope: This selection contains international and historical coverage of all areas of human achievement including the arts, science, technology, sport, politics, philosophy and business.

Accuracy/Authority: This book has received positive reviews by reputable review sources.

Arrangement/Presentation: The book is paperback and presented as a biographical dictionary with Miriam Webster-like entries for each personality.

Timeliness/Permanence: This historical reference book was published in 2011, so its content and relevance will change little in the future. New editions are released every 10 to 15 years.

Cost: $29.00


Rational for Selection: This book is a quick and handy reference tool for any student wanting to start a research project that might include one of the personalities contained in the pages.

Professional Review: Booklist, February 1, 1998.

[Coleman Wigger · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an even better book than I thought it would be after reading. I really enjoyed finding out that I knew more people than just a bunch of Actors/Actresses. That was great to know. I remember more from history classes than I thought. A great read for anyone! Tells about Poets, Actors/Actresses, Famous from History, ETc. All the way from early pioneers to astrophysicists.