The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Anyone else have the DNB?

It's magnificent. It might just be better than the OED although I acknowledge the ludicrous juxtaposition.

I would've loved to have acquired the DNB, alas space and sanity and probably being ostracised by my family by the shock of the number of volumes in the collection, I can't bear to witness. How are you finding it? Do you find yourself dipping in and out or are you direct in your research.

>2 ironjaw:

It's fantastic. I find it really compliments my reading and provides the backdrop to the life and times of both boks and authors.

>1 LesMiserables:

I used to have the old DNB on a CD-ROM, together with a few update volumes. Nowadays, I just haven't got the space - or the money - for the massive print edition, wonderful though it must be to own it. Fortunately, I do have online access through my wife's former job and I think I could also get the same privilege through my local library, if necessary. I'm still envious, though!

As a physical presence in my library it is a magnificent monument in itself. It has a lifetime of reading within it, even if one was to own no other books.

It is indeed magnificent. I too have access to it (I have just found out) through the local library. What a feat! Amazing resource.

>6 ironjaw:

As I mentioned in the OP, it probably has taken first place between my three big sets: DNB, OED, EncyB.
But they are all different and with varying purposes and comparing them is a little bit of a stretch. In actual fact I wouldn't be without any of them.

On sale now at half price!

Sale here https://global.oup.com/academic/promo/kholidye17/?promocode=HOLIDAY17&lang=e...

DNB here https://global.oup.com/academic/product/oxford-dictionary-of-national-biography-...

So tempting, I must admit. If I had a house I would’ve bought this for £787. I recently moved apartment and being without internet for 10 days could be felt. I was at ease, having no real need to go online but my niece was feeling very uncomfortable and used up all my data on my mobile in one day. And though it felt liberating for me, I was able to spend more time reading naturally after a pleasant dinner. What was missing was the fireplace, an Eames lounge Chair, reproduction of Napoleon’s painting Crossing the Alps and a Chevas Regal.

>9 ironjaw:
Faisel, the DNB is a must if you have the OED and EB. It is the third part of the trinity. I hope you have kept your interest up.

I saw the full set of the OED, in bookcase, in an Oxfam shop in Dublin about 10 years ago. I would have bought it but didn't have €500 to spare at the time.

>10 LesMiserables:

The interest is still there my dear friend and the need to fulfill the prophecy of the trinity. OED and EB is in processions.

>13 LesMiserables:
Glad to hear it. A taster...
https://www.oxforddnb.com/page/Free-ODNB

It's probably true to say that the DNB has become somewhat the inaccessible pinnacle of the multi-volumed classics.

I've read books about those who have read, cover to cover, the EB and the OED, but not the DNB.