Finding Background Information

Reference books (encyclopedias, handbooks, chronologies) are valuable sources of information.

Brief overviews
Important concepts, names, and dates
Lists of sources for further reading
Free photocopying at Reference Desk
Do not generally count as required sources

Cambridge Histories Online Under Databases on library website

Complete text of over 350 scholarly texts in the Cambridge History Series. Each title is also listed individually in the library’s online catalog. Dates vary. Some titles are available in print.

Biographical Sources

American National Biography Ref CT 213 A68 1999

Biography and Genealogy Master Index Under Databases on library website

Encyclopedia of World Biography Ref CT 103 E56 1997

European Historical Biography Ref CT 759 R47 1992

Great Lives from History: The 19^th Century Ref CT 119 G69 2007