The Riverside Dictionary of Biography

This comprehensive biographical reference offers an authoritative collection of over 10,000 concise entries spanning historical figures, contemporary leaders, and cultural icons across global history. The Riverside Dictionary provides meticulously researched profiles that cover essential life events, professional achievements, and historical significance in accessible, encyclopedia-style formatting. Readers will find substantial coverage of diverse fields including politics, science, literature, arts, and social movements, making it an exceptional resource for students and curious minds alike.

What distinguishes this biographical dictionary is its balanced approach to selection criteria and its commitment to factual accuracy without overwhelming detail. The clean organizational structure—alphabetical arrangement with clear cross-referencing—makes navigation intuitive whether you're researching a specific individual or browsing related figures within a particular era or movement. This reference work serves as an invaluable starting point for academic research or personal knowledge expansion, providing the foundational context needed to understand how these lives shaped our world.