Dictionary of World Biography: The 20th century, O-Z

This comprehensive reference work delivers exactly what serious students need: authoritative, in-depth biographical essays on 250 pivotal figures who defined the twentieth century, from political leaders and scientific innovators to cultural icons and social reformers. Unlike superficial who's-who directories, each entry combines essential biographical data with thoughtful analysis that connects individual achievements to broader historical currents, providing crucial context for understanding how these figures shaped modern global history.

What sets this biographical dictionary apart is its commitment to substantive historical analysis rather than mere fact-listing, making it particularly valuable for advanced high school researchers and college students developing thesis arguments about twentieth-century global developments. The carefully curated selection of figures ensures coverage of both widely recognized leaders and less-celebrated but equally influential individuals across diverse fields and regions. Readers will emerge with not just names and dates but a nuanced understanding of how these biographical subjects collectively transformed politics, science, culture, and society throughout this transformative century.