Biography and Genealogy Master Index indexes current, easily accessible references sources, as well as important retrospective works that cover individuals, both living and deceased, from every field of activity and from all areas of the world. The total number of biographical sketches exceeds 17 million citations and points to more than 2000 publications, covering over 5 million people. The database contains names, birth/ death years, and bibliographic references to books containing material on that person and an indication of which books or articles include a portrait.