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About the Oxford DNB
58,000 people ... 10,800 portraits ... 67 million words ... 2500 years of history
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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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Get to know 58,000 people ...
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The Oxford DNB is a subscription service available worldwide.
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... or start with our free selection
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If you’d like to sample the Oxford DNB, try our:
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The Oxford DNB today
- 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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The Oxford DNB for ...
History of the DNB and ODNB (from 1885 to the 21st century)
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