Australian Dictionary Of Biography (Five-Volume Set)

Author: John Ritchie; Diane Langmore; Christopher Cunneen
Binding: Hardback
Published: Melbourne University Press, 1993

Condition:
Book: Very good
Jacket: Worn/faded, no tears
Pages: Good
Markings: No markings

This five-volume set of the Australian Dictionary of Biography: 19401980, edited by John Ritchie, Diane Langmore, and Christopher Cunneen and published by Melbourne University Press, presents a comprehensive biographical reference for mid-20th-century Australia. It chronicles the lives of influential figures across politics, science, the arts, law, and public service, illustrating the evolution of national identity during a period of rapid social and institutional change. The editors argue for biography as a critical tool of historical understanding, instructing readers through meticulously sourced entries that reflect Australias post-war transformation. Each volume presents authoritative accounts of individuals whose contributions shaped modern Australia, offering insight into the cultural and civic foundations of the nation. As a continuation of the foundational ADB series, this set remains essential for scholars, institutions, and collectors seeking depth and precision in Australian biographical scholarship.