The Osterreichisches Biographisches Lexikon (The Austrian Biographical Encyclopaedia) is the only work of its kind to cover major personalities who were born, lived or worked in the Austrian State of the period, and who died between 1815 and 1950. Inclusion in the work is determined by extraordinary achievements in any field, including science, politics, the fine or performing arts, literature, sport, and the administration of societies and associations. Particular attention is given to less well known or forgotten figures, who are generally sought in vain in works of this kind.