Biographies of literary figures can be found in a variety of places.  For brief information about authors, use one of print or internet resources listed below. This is just a sampling of resources available in Randall Library that provide good introductions to the lives of literary figures.  For in-depth biographical resources, like books devoted to the biography of an individual, do a subject search for the name of the person in the library catalog.  For more help, use the Instructional Guide.

Academy of American Poets Biographies, photos and other information on more than 200 poets.

African American Writers  REF PS153 .N5 A344 1990

American Writers REF PS129.A55  A great source of biographical information on American Authors. The entries on each author are lengthy and packed with information.

Australian Authors Index An index of biographical information on Australian authors.  Some entries have very comprehensive information, while others are very brief.

Biography & Genealogy Master Index Index to biographical sketches

British Writers REF PR85 .B688   

Contemporary Authors REF Z1224 .C62 This multi-volume work includes thorough information on more than 88,000 current authors, including biography, career information, awards and honors, list of works,  and highlights about the author and a bibliography of critical sources on the author's writings.  To find which authors are covered in which volumes, use the cumulative index or Gale's Literary Index.  

Contemporary Poets REF PN1064 .C63  

Cyclopedia of World Authors II  REF PN451 .C93

Dictionary of Literary Biography REF PS21.D52  An excellent resource for finding comprehensive information about literary figures.  The information is updated in the Dictionary of Literary Biography Yearbook editions.  The Dictionary of Literary Biography Documentary Series provides copies of important primary source documents for the study of literature. 

European Writers REF PN501 .E9

Gale's Literary Index This index provides fast access to many print resources available in Randall Library.  Do a search for an author in this index and find what reference books have information on that person.  Probably the fastest way to locate biographical information on an author.

Lives, the Biography Resource A massive collection of links to thousands of biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, diaries, letters, narratives and oral histories. 

Modern American Women Writers REF PS151 .M54

Scribner's Writers Series

Something About the Author  REF PN451.S6 Use this to find bios of authors who write for children and young adults.

Wired for Books provides RealAudio interviews of authors who spoke with Don Swaim of CBS radio.
Last Update: December 12, 2005