Arba Guide to Biographical Dictionaries - Hardcover

A classified list of 718 biographical reference sources, most selected from reviews in ARBA during the last 20 years. About one-fifth of the work is devoted to universal and national biography (restrospective and current); the rest to collective biographical works in 21 professional/vocational fields from Applied Arts to Sports. Some longer subjects (e.g., literature) are subdivided by language and nationality. Each title receives an annotation or review ranging from about 100 words to one page in length. All are signed, and citations are given for additional reviews. Those selected from ARBA have been re-edited or rewritten. Author/title and subject indexes complete the volume. The selections seem to be broad and judicious, and the brief section on national and universal biography is a useful summary and evaluation. A welcome complement to Robert L. Slocum's Biographical Dictionaries and Related Works (Gale, 1967; supp. 1972; 2d ed. scheduled for 1986). While the price seems high, ARBA Guide to Biographical Dictionaries can be recommended for most public and academic libraries. Harry E. Whitmore, Arrowhead Lib. System, Virginia, Minn.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.