The second edition of the Encyclopedia of World Biography was published in Detroit by Gale in 1998. It is a 17-volume set with supplements.
Typical Question:
“Who was Ghandhi? Virgil? Thomas Jefferson? I don’t want to have to read a whole book. Any pictures?”
Format:
Print. Continued by irregular supplements. It is also part of the Biography Resource Center: http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/glen55457?db=BioRC
Purpose:
It’s an encyclopedia of people.
Scope:
- 7000 persons, both alive and dead
- Articles contain basic biographical facts, commentary on person’s background and character, and an evaluation of a person’s role in history.
- A portrait when possible
- Each article has an annotated bibliography
- Written in a narrative style.
- The second edition is especially good for African and Asian biography, women, and ethnic minorities.
- Each article is 1-2 pages long.
- Includes pronunciation
Audience:
Primarily high school through college. Usually found for use within the library.
Dates of Coverage:
Earliest history through 1998.
How to use:
Arranged alphabetically by name. The index volume includes subject and career access.
LCSH: 1. Biography