The Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia is one of the books I reference most in writing and research; it is a quick, ready reference that is a wealth of information. It includes biographical entries on people from every culture, every time period, and every disclipine and field of endeavour.
There are four primary sections to the book. The first part, a little over a thousand pages, is the A through Z listing of figures. There are about 16,000 persons highlighted here, from Jeppe Aakjaer (a Danish poet and novelist who died in 1930) to Vladimir Zworykin (a Russian-born American physicist who is considered father of modern television). Each person listed has a paragraph of data, including dates of birth and death, nationality and (as appropriate) changes in the same, and major accomplishments in a snapshot fashion. Key words are highlighted for cross-reference. Some people are listed under nicknames (Leadbelly, a blues musician, is listed under this name, when his real name was Huddie Ledbetter; Voltaire is listed under this pseudonym -- few realise his real name was Francois Marie Arouet). In addition to these shorter listings, there are major entries for several dozen key figures -- religious figures (Jesus, Mohammad), political/royal figures (Victoria, Elizabeth, Bismark), scientists (Einstein), military figures (such as Nelson), artists (Mozart, Chaucer, etc.). Unfortunately, there is no list of these highlighted people, so one must discover them. There is an intentional English-speaking/European bias in the overall selection, as well as the highlighted figures, but care has been taken to be conscious of inclusion of African, African-American, Aboriginal, Maori, and other minority figures.
The average length of entries in this section is 70 words; there are over 250 pictures and illustrations throughout the text. Pronunciation guides are provided as appropriate.
The second section is the Contemporaries section, a short, 16-page list that highlights year by year significant achievements, so that one can put the progress of history in relational perspective.
The third section is Connections, 110 pages highlighting particular major topics, drawing together figures in relation to each other in an historical narrative. There are essays according to exploration (everything from Africa and the New World to space exploration); European history topics (Crusades, world wars, revolutions, etc.); major sections on British and American history; divisions in the arts and intellectual history; and several essays on different sciences and technology. Again, the European bias is apparent here.
The fourth section is the Ready Reference, 145 pages arranging within topics the significant persons (listings of monarchs, political leaders, etc. per country), listing of saints (Eastern and Western), Supreme Court Justices, Nobel prizewinners, Oscar winners, various Olympics and other athletic events winners, and other kinds of prizes. Obviously, these kinds of lists go out of date fairly quickly for the most recent winners, but this is a very good historical record for quick reference. These are complete lists -- Crystal was striving for comprehensiveness; not all those on these lists are included among the biographies.
This is a wonderful reference book.
