The Dictionary of National Biography is a standard work of reference on notable figures from British history, published since 1885. The updated Oxford Dictionary of National Biography was published on
Title page of the first volume of the Dictionary of National Biography (1885)
George Murray Smith conceived of the DNB, subsidized it, and saw it finally into print before he died in 1901.
Some volumes of the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
David Cannadine
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Sir David Nicholas Cannadine is a British author and historian who specialises in modern history, Britain and the history of business and philanthropy. He is currently the Dodge Professor of History a
Dictionary of National Biography
…Association awarded the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography its prestigious Dartmouth Medal. A general review of the dictionary was published in 2007. Sir David Cannadine took over the editorship from October 2014. William Whyte will succeed Cannadine as general editor from August 2026. List of contributors to the…
Cannadine in 2026