Research Guides: How Do I Find?: Biographies

Finding Books and Chapter-Length Biographies

You can find book-length biographies, as well as chapters included in biography collections, by using the UD Catalog and searching by Subject.

Type in the person's last name, first name for best results.

Finding Articles and Images

These databases are good sources for articles and other biographical information on individuals.

Biography Reference Bank
Contains more than 95,000 biographies and obituaries and more than 26,000 photographs of the subjects.
Dictionary of Literary Biography
Provides more than 16,000 biographical and critical essays on the lives, works, and careers of the world's most influential literary figures from all eras and genres.
American National Biography
Offers portraits of more than 17,400 men and women from all eras and walks of life, whose lives have shaped the nation.
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
An illustrated collection of more than 57,000 specially written biographies of the men and women from around the world who shaped all aspects of Britain's past.

Recommended Biography Websites

ipl2 - Reference - Biographies
Searchable, annotated subject directory of Internet resources selected and evaluated by librarians.

Distinguished Women of Past and Present
Biographies of women who have contributed to society. Scientists, educators, politicians, artists, entertainers, and others are included.

The-artists.org
Biographies of 20th century and contemporary visual artists.

White House.gov - The Presidents
Short biographies of all U.S. presidents and first ladies.