|
Review from: American Reference Books Annual
2005
This reference standard continues to shine as one of the
best biographical reference sources for major figures in American life and
culture. The Yearbook is a cumulation of entries from the Current
Biography monthly publication, but the entries are revised and sent to the
biographees for corrections and suggestions before they are entered into
the annual publication.
The depth and breadth of many of the entries is
outstanding. Information is gathered from newspapers, magazines, other
reference books, the Internet, and press releases from government and
private agencies. Notables covered include professional athletes, singers,
and actors as well as governors, scientists, journalists, and business
leaders. Pictures accompany each entry, along with a list of suggested
readings, a contact address, and even a list of books and recordings by or
about the biographee. A large obituary section ends the volume, and each
obituary refers the reader back to the original entry in the Yearbook as
well as the available obituary in The New York Times. An index by
profession and a 2001-2003 cumulative index round out the publication.
One criticism of this source has always been that it
focused too much on Americans. Now, Current Biography Yearbook
appears to be only U.S. figures (although not necessarily Americans).
Since 2002 the publisher has also issued a new annual publication entitled
Current Biography International Yearbook, which treats international
figures exclusively. If the international volume matches up to its U.S.
counterpart in quality and depth, both will be essential reference tools
for years to come. |
