The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (ODNB) is a comprehensive and authoritative reference work that provides detailed biographies of notable figures in British history. Here’s a quick overview:
What is the ODNB?
- Full Name: Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
- Publisher: Oxford University Press
- Scope: Biographies of over 60,000 individuals who shaped the history of the British Isles—from ancient times to the 21st century.
- Subjects: Includes monarchs, politicians, scientists, artists, writers, and many more.
- Time Range: From the earliest recorded times up to people who died in the 21st century.
- Eligibility: Only deceased individuals are included.
Accessing the ODNB
- Subscription: It’s a subscription-based resource, but:
- Often free through university libraries or public libraries in the UK.
- Many UK public library cards allow remote access with your library login.
Features
- Updated regularly with new entries and revisions.
- Includes:
- Detailed life histories.
- Contextual analysis.
- Sources and bibliographies for further reading.
- Portraits and visual content.
Example Use Cases
- Historians researching specific periods or individuals.
- Writers and journalists seeking biographical details.
- Students working on historical essays.
- Genealogists tracing ancestry connected to notable figures.