American National Biography

Abstract

The American National Biography (ANB) features biographies of more than 20,000 men and women whose lives have shaped American history and culture. From politicians to physicians, missionaries to musicians, social workers to statisticians, cowboys to chemists, and abolitionists to astronauts, the people featured in the ANB reflect the rich diversity of American life from people who lived in pre-colonial times to those who have died only in the last two years. All entries provide consistent biographical information, including date and place of birth and death, educational degrees, major career highlights, challenges as well as accomplishments, and significant awards. Entries conclude with an assessment summarizing the subject’s significance and a brief annotated bibliography. More than 3000 entries are illustrated with paintings, prints, etchings, and photographs drawn from the collections of the National Portrait Gallery, the Library of Congress, and other manuscript repositories.