About Who's Who
About Who's Who
Who's Who, published annually since 1849, and by A & C Black since 1897, is the leading source of up-to-date information about over 34,000 influential people from all walks of life, worldwide. Containing continually updated autobiographical listings of people from around the globe who have an impact on British life, including senior politicians, judges, civil servants, and notable figures from the arts, academia, and other areas, it is seen as one of the world's most recognised and respected works of reference.
What makes Who's Who unique is that each biographee provides the details for their entry, and many include contact details. Based on the model of the hugely successful Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, the online edition of Who's Who is built for biographical searching making it a valuable resource for anyone concerned with British history and culture, as well as charities, alumni, and journalists worldwide.
Read the 2012 edition's foreword written by Lord Coe
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About Who Was Who
Subscribers to Who's Who can also choose to subscribe to Who Was Who, an invaluable historical archive going back to 1897, which includes the entries of over 100,000 people, now deceased, who were included in previous editions of Who's Who. The online edition contains links to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography available to subscribers to both resources.
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How are people chosen for inclusion?
An invitation to appear in Who’s Who recognises distinction and influence.
’The unrivalled compendium of the good and the great’ - The Daily Telegraph
The editor of the 1897 edition wrote in his preface that Who’s Who seeks to recognise people whose ’prominence is inherited, or depending on office, or the result of ability which singles them out from their fellows’. In essence, this continues to be the policy for selection into Who’s Who today.
The majority of Who’s Who biographees are included in recognition of the distinction they have attained in their professional lives, and the influence they exert on British society, ranging from politicians and academics to musicians and film directors. Whilst the majority of entrants are British, notable individuals from across the world are included due to their presence and importance in British and international life.
The holders of some posts, such as MPs, senior judges and high-ranking civil servants, are invited to have an entry as a matter of course, when the appointment itself is of general public interest. For those who do not fit into these categories, a Selection Board meets regularly during the preparation for each edition of Who’s Who to discuss potential entrants. The Selection Board reviews those people whose professions are less rigidly structured, such as artists, actors and sportsmen, as well as professors, scientists and business people. Prominent figures in numerous fields are considered by the Board on the basis of their continuing achievements, and ultimately selected due to their exceptional pre-eminence. Where necessary, the Selection Board consults those with specialist knowledge. Who’s Who also includes a comprehensive listing of the holders of UK hereditary titles, from Duke to baronet, who are invited automatically. These entries make up approximately 10% of the total listings.
Nominating people to be included
If you would like to nominate yourself or a colleague for consideration by the Selection Board, please send a brief CV to nominations@ukwhoswho.com or post it to the Office of Who’s Who, 50 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3DP.
Subscriber services include
- Extensive online help and excellent customer and technical support
- Detailed usage statistics
- Training and promotional materials at www.oup.com/online
- Email alerts for the latest news, content and functionality updates, join the mailing list at: www.oup.com/online/emailnews
How to subscribe
Who's Who 2012, and Who's Who 2012 PLUS Who Was Who, are available by annual subscription to institutions worldwide. A combined print/online package is available to individuals.