Biographies & criticism
Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1774 to Present- Provides biographical sketches of all individuals who served in the Congress.
Contemporary Writers in the UK - Searchable web site contains up-to-date profiles of some of the UK and Commonwealth's most important living writers - biographies, bibliographies, critical reviews, prizes and photographs. Searchable by author, genre, nationality, gender, publisher, book title, date of publication and prize name and date.
Gale's Literature Resource Center (this database can be accessed off-campus only by COCC students and faculty) - This is a wonderful database, replacing the printed versions of the reference series "Contemporary Authors" and "Contemporary Literature." It provides biographical and critical information for literary figures including full-text journal articles from literary journals, critical essays, work overviews, plot summaries and explications, links to authoritative websites, author biographies, and access to Merriam Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature online.
LitLink - This site is a product of the Bedford/St. Martin's publisher and deals with literary research. The main web page presents the different literary genres (fiction, drama, essays, poetry, critical theory), subarranged by author. For each author there is a brief biographical statement and several links to web sites for additional research. LitLinks also includes a "research room" with information on the research process, interactive tutorials, and other research links.
The Nobel Prize Internet Archive - Focusing on past Nobel Laureates, this site can be browsed by Nobel category or searched by name. Besides brief biographical sketches, it also provides links to relevant web sites.
Online Literary Criticism Collection - This is an excellent site for biographical information and literary criticism primarily on British and American authors. This highly selective collection can be browsed by author, by title, or by literary period.
Oxford American National Biography Online (this database can be accessed off-campus only by COCC students and faculty) - Offers biographical information of more than 18,400 people from all eras who have influenced and shaped American history and culture.
POTUS: Presidents of the United States - This is another highly recommended site for information on the U.S. presidency. "In this resource you will find background information, election results, cabinet members, notable events, and some points of interest on each of the presidents. Links to biographies, historical documents, audio and video files, and other presidential sites are also included to enrich this site."