The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography is a collection of 50,000 specially written biographies of men and women who have shaped all aspects of British history, from the explorer Pytheas of the fourth century BC to modern figures (such as Malcolm Bradbury) who died up to 31 December 2000. The stories of these lives - told in substantial, authoritative, and readable articles - have been published simultaneously in 60 print volumes and online. The DNB was published in its earliest form in 1885. For this new Oxford DNB all the original lives have now been rewritten or revised. A special project, completed in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery in London, has enabled the Oxford DNB to publish the largest ever selection of national portraiture. It is an essential work of reference which makes quite fascinating reading.