Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Library computers have full access to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Library members can also get access from home.

Some of our reference libraries also have the printed dictionary.

What is the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography?

Explore the lives of more than 57,000 people who shaped Britain's past from the 4th century BC onwards, including:

• full text search for people, places and organisations
• themed information such as kings and queens or prime ministers
• 10,800 portrait illustrations.

See 'Today's life' to find out what happened to a famous person on this date in the past.

Use Oxford Dictionary of National Biography at home

Use your library card and PIN to sign into the E-library and go directly to the online reference library page.

After you've signed into the E-library, there will also be a link to the 'Online reference library' on the right of every page.

Library members – full subscriber access

• Sign into the E-library

Non-members – limited access

• Oxford Dictionary of National Biography website

Further information

You can find out more about using the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Online from the Oxford University Press website – short introductions.

Listen to a selection of biographies by downloading the individual life or by subscribing to the fortnightly Oxford DNB podcast.