THE Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (ODNB) has added contemporary figures from the world of literature, sport and broadcasting to its latest edition.
Among the 225 new biographies added last week are the life stories of writer J.G. Ballard, football manager Sir Bobby Robson and Big Brother television celebrity Jade Goody.
The ODNB is a national record of people who have shaped British history and culture. It offers up-to-date biographies written by specialist authors.
The dictionary is published by Oxford University Press and is overseen by academic editors at Oxford University.
Lives of men and women who died in 2009 have been added to the recent update. No living people are included.
Editor Dr Lawrence Goldman said: “As the national record of those who’ve shaped British history, the Oxford DNB’s new edition allows us to reflect on some of the key developments in our recent past.”
The ODNB is extended in three annual updates, which are published each January, May and September.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here