The International Dictionary of 20th-century Biography

A compendium of 5,650 concise biographies of twentieth-century figures, both living and dead, who have made key contributions in the fields of politics, literature, the arts, the sciences, business, sports, and popular culture

This source provides over 5600 (100-250 word) entries of important historical or famous persons who lived or are living in this century. Howard Cosell, Barry Goldwater, Kim Il Sung, and Marcel Proust are names that illustrate its scope. Biographies are similar to those found in encyclopedias, rather than in the Who's Who books by Marquis. Following the name (as popularly known) are years of birth and death, principal office or claim to fame, and a chronological narrative of major contributions and important events in the person's life. Sources of book-length biographies are cited. Indexes (not in galley) categorize by field of endeavor and nationality. Very current, well written, and fascinating to read, this inexpensive reference is recommended for most libraries. Stanley P. Hodge, Ball State Univ. Lib., Muncie, Ind.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.