Research Guides
- University of Washington Libraries
- Library Guides
- UW Libraries
- History
- Encyclopedias
History: Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias help you figure out the who, what & where of a topic. Knowing the who, what & where of a topic is the first step in researching a topic and discovering the "how" and "why". Encyclopedias and dictionaries can provide background information and can be used to identify key people, events and dates which can then be used as search terms for finding additional information. Many also provide a jumpstart on your research by listing related readings.
Major Encyclopedia Collections
Additional encyclopedias focused on specific regions and topics are listed under the various categories in History by Region and History by Topic.
-
American National BiographyStandard biographical dictionary for Americans in all field, only deceased are included
-
Gale in Context: BiographyBiographical information on contemporary & historic figures
-
Brill's Medieval reference library.Includes Brill’s Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages, Encyclopedia of Medieval Dress and Textiles, Encyclopedia of Medieval Pilgrimage & Encyclopedia of the Medieval Chronicle
-
Daily Life OnlineCollection of encyclopedias, primary sources and other works depicting daily life through history
-
Encyclopedia of Empire"Covers empire in ancient, medieval, and modern periods, including European as well as non-European experiences of empire"
-
Oxford African American Studies CenterMajor encyclopedias on African American history including the African American National Biography
-
Oxford Dictionary of National BiographyStandard biographical dictionary for British in all fields, only deceased are included
-
Oxford Reference OnlineMore than 70 dictionaries and encyclopedias covering all subjects
-
Pop Culture UniverseCollection of encyclopedias, primary sources and other works depicting popular culture of the 20th century