This study analyzes biographical entries about Russian scientists in British and American reference books published during the 20* century, including general encyclopedias, as well as subject and biographical dictionaries. Particular attention is paid to scientists of the imperial period (18* to early 20* century). The author describes the evolution of the image of Russian science in connection with trends in international relations, the general level and prestige of science, and public stereotypes. Comparative linguistic analysis with the body of Russian language reference books reveals differences in how the concept of «intelligentsia» was understood and represented.