LibGuides: History Research: Where to Start?

Dictionaries & Encyclopedias

Why use them?

Dictionaries and encyclopedias like the ones listed here can be important sources of background or other information to assist you with research on your term papers. If your interests are broad, this information may help you focus on a manageable research topic. These sources may also suggest books or articles which contain more information on your chosen topics.

Recommended Sources from our Reference Collection

Look for these and others on the first floor of the library next to the Research Center:

Cold War America
REF: E741 .G76 2003

Dictionary of the Middle Ages (13 v.)
REF: D114 .D5 1982

Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Culture
REF: E169.12 .E49 2001

Encyclopedia of Historians and Historical Writing (2 v.)
REF: D14 .E53 1999

Encyclopedia of the Renaissance (6 v.)
REF: CB361 .E52 1999

Recommended Online Sources

Canadian Encyclopedia Online
Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online
Encyclopedia of Evolution
Articles on essential concepts and theories, present methods, models and findings, covering both the history of the field and current controversies.
Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment
Includes not only Western Europe but also North America, Brazil, and Iberian, Russian, Jewish, and Eastern European cultures.
Encyclopaedia of Islam Online
Full-text to the Encyclopedia of Islam (English), volumes I to XI and Supplement (Volume XII). Search for keyword or browse the Table of Contents.
Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages
All aspects of the period from the fifth to the fifteenth century.
Oxford Encyclopedia of British Literature
History of literature in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in the major literary languages (Anglo-Saxon, English, Welsh, Scots, Irish, and Latin).
Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium
1,100 years of Byzantine history.
Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt
The social, political, religious, cultural and artistic history of the 5,000-year civilization.
Oxford Encyclopedia of Latinos and Latinas in the United States
Over 900 articles addressing such broad topics as identity, art, politics, religion, education, health, and history.
Oxford Encyclopedia of the Reformation
Covers not only issues of church polity and theology but also developments in politics, economics, demographics, art and literature.
Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance
Covers the art, literature, science, culture, philosophy, religion, economics, history, and conflict of the period.