1981-85 (v. 1) (The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives) - Tapa dura

"Not withstanding the lack of the DAB name, SEAL bears a great deal of resemblance to the work it continues to update - not surprising, since it retains the editorial hand of Kenneth T. Jackson, professor of history at Columbia University, as did supplements nine and ten of DAB. As the preface points out, there are several enhancements. SEAL has a photograph of most subjects, a subject listing by occupation in the back of the volume, and a brief opening description for each subject outlining key achievements. This is a particularly refreshing change. Whereas DAB would simply open with the subject's name, birth, and death dates, and a word or two summarizing his or her occupation or avocation, the present volume (SEAL) elaborates with a full paragraph highlighting claims to fame...

Libraries that have invested in DAB will clearly want to add this reasonably priced volume to their collections, and will likely want to continue to add future supplements. Volume 2, available in December 1988 but not received in time for this review, covers individuals who died between 1986 and 1990, among them Ted Bundy, Huey Newton, and Geraldine Page."
-- "Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin" (January 1999)

Presents more than 500 brief biographies of significant American figures, summarizing each figure's family history, education, spouses and marriage history, occupation, cause of death, achievements, and legacy.