Chambers Biographical Dictionary

Chambers Biographical Dictionary provides concise descriptions of over 18,000 notable figures from Britain and the rest of the world.

The publishers, Chambers Harrap, who were formerly based in Edinburgh, claim their Biographical Dictionary is the most comprehensive and authoritative single-volume biographical dictionary available, covering entries in such areas as sport, science, music, art, literature, politics, television, and film.

[1] The centenary edition contained well over 17,500 alphabetically arranged articles describing the nationality, occupation, and achievements of each person, as well as 250 panels which focus on a wide variety of individuals regarded as being particularly important, influential, and interesting.

The 9th edition was published in 2011[3] and has biographies of over 18,000 people, most consisting of about a dozen lines in a two-column page layout.

Entries typically consist of place of birth, a summary on education or career, and achievements or publications.