The Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia is an exciting, new kind of book - a book which combines the ease of use of an A-Z dictionary with the overview and readability of a thematic encyclopedia. Fully illustrated and with a range of unique features, The Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia features unrivalled coverage of the world's most prominent people, past and present - more than 25,000 individuals - while giving the reader new insights into history, politics, science and culture. This innovative new book comprises: A-Z section: the bulk of the book, uniquely comprehensive with over 15,000 short biographies, international in coverage and clearly written. Contemporaries: an intriguing list of individual achievements from 1500 AD right up to the present day, thus demonstrating which people were living at the same time. Connections section: a highly visual account of 50 topics in key areas of exploration, history, ideas, the arts, science and technology. Ready Reference: information in table form on more than 10,000 people, giving instant answers and enabling relationships and precedents to be better appreciated.