This work provides short biographies of 50 historical figures in cycad biology. It covers those starting in the early 17th century through the 21st century.  Each of the biographies covers a career including birth and death, schooling, places of employment, travel in field work, publications, place of their cycad type specimens, list of species described and list of species named for them. The latter two items are illustrated along with any honorific items such as currency, stamps, and so on. Additionally, each entry has a portrait. The purpose of this work is to bring together in one place treatments on the lives, work, publications, illustrations, and type specimens of the historic figures in cycad biology.  It will be of interest to researchers in cycads but also to the large, amateur community of cycad enthusiasts and others interested in gymnosperms and the history of botany. The book will be featured at the triennial meetings on cycad biology at New York Botanical Garden.