Frederic Boase compiles an extensive biographical dictionary focusing on notable individuals who died in England since eighteen hundred and fifty. The work brings together thousands of concise memoirs covering public servants, military commanders, and professionals across diverse fields.
The volume pays particular attention to individuals frequently overlooked in traditional biographical collections, including artists, engineers, inventors, actors, physicians, and eccentric characters. Each entry provides the principal facts of a life, specific dates for births and deaths, and precise references to published works.
A specialized feature of this compilation is the systematic tracking of portrait likenesses found in books, periodicals, and newspapers. The author draws upon church registers, official government records, and private sources to ensure factual accuracy in dates and places.
The inclusion of lesser-known figures, from provincial journalists to country gentlemen, fulfills the desire for the biographies of ordinary people. The comprehensive index compiles initialisms, pseudonyms, and professional lists, making the volume an indispensable resource for historical and genealogical research.
