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58,000 people ... 10,800 portraits ... 67 million words ... 2500 years of history

What is the Oxford DNB? The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography is the national record of men and women who have shaped British history and culture, worldwide, from the Romans to the 21st century. The Dictionary offers concise, up-to-date biographies written by named, specialist authors. It is overseen by academic editors at Oxford University, UK, and published by Oxford University Press. The Oxford DNB was first published in 2004 in print (60 vols.) and online. Since 2005 online updates have extended the Dictionary’s coverage in three annual updates, published every January, May, and September. The Oxford DNB now includes biographies of more than 58,000 men and women who died in or before the year 2008—plus 500 ‘Theme’ articles for reference and research. Who goes in, who writes for, and who should use the ODNB? Read our quick guide.

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The Oxford DNB is a subscription service available worldwide. if you’re reading this in a university or college you probably have access to the 58,000 people in the Oxford DNB. Log in (using a password or library card; or through Athens). nearly all UK public libraries offer free ‘remote access’ anywhere, anytime—as do many other libraries worldwide. How to log-in. personal subscriptions are also available, along with institutional free trials.

If you’d like to sample the Oxford DNB, try our: topical daily life by email or Twitter; plus the Lives of the week selection. monthly free features on the homepage. biography podcast—favourite biographies read aloud, with more than 140 episodes now available. more free tasters on the Public Shelves. Oxford Biography Index: free listing of people in British history. Browse.

the ODNB online is updated every January, May, and September. January updates extend coverage into the 21st century; May and September updates add biographies across all historical periods. Highlights from the latest update are available, plus details of all updates since 2005. as well as new people, updates offer Theme articles for research. Here’s what we’ve added to the Oxford DNB online. the Oxford DNB is also available in print (now 61 volumes and over 61,000 pages). tour the online edition. monthly Oxford DNB news.

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students, teachers, and lecturers: ideas for lessons, study, and research. librarians and archivists: tips for promoting the Dictionary to your readers. local historians and genealogists: find people who lived near you. book lovers and reading groups: who wrote what you’re reading, when, and why? all readers: online help and guides and FAQs. contributors

brief history: from the first DNB (1885-) to the Oxford DNB (2004-) planning the Oxford DNB: Colin Matthew’s 1995 Leslie Stephen lecture introduction to the ODNB’s print edition (2004) editors of the Oxford DNB, 1992- awards and reviews

Who’s Who and Who Was Who American National Biography Oxford English Dictionary More from Oxford Online

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