The present invention provides a composite birefringent member including a first birefringent layer and a second birefringent layer. The second birefringent layer is formed on at least one surface of the first birefringent layer. In the wavelength range from 400 to 800 nm, a value of .DELTA.nd.sub.x/.DELTA.nd.sub.550 and a value of Rth.sub.x/Rth.sub.550 of the composite birefringent member as a whole are different from each other. The composite birefringent member satisfies a requirement that the second birefringent layer is formed of a polymer such as polyamide and/or a requirement that .DELTA.nd and Rth of the composite birefringent member satisfy formulae (I) and (II) below. As a result, the composite birefringent member allows a liquid crystal display to achieve a wide viewing angle, compensates birefringence of a liquid crystal cell, and does not cause display coloring of the liquid crystal display. .DELTA.nd.sub.400/.DELTA.nd.sub.550<1 (I) Rth.sub.400/Rth.sub.550>1 (II).