Who's Who: The Definitive Record of the British Elite
For over a century, Who's Who has served as the primary reference for academics and historians seeking to identify the members of the British elite. More than just a directory, it is a cultural barometer of eminence, documenting the lives of those who shape the political, scientific, and artistic landscape of the United Kingdom.
From hereditary aristocrats to modern-day athletes, the publication captures a broad spectrum of achievement. Its influence is such that inclusion is often viewed as a "stamp of eminence" on a modern British life, providing a level of prestige that transcends the mere listing of facts.
Key Facts
- Automatic Entry: 50% of new entrants are included automatically based on their office or title (e.g., MPs, judges, peers).
- Discretionary Entry: The remaining 50% are selected by a board of advisors.
- Lifelong Listing: Once included, individuals typically remain in the publication for life, regardless of whether they leave office.
- No Cost: Inclusion does not require payment or the purchase of the book.
- Autobiographical Basis: Since 1897, most entries have been compiled via questionnaires filled out by the subjects themselves.
Inclusiveness and Selection Criteria
The scope of Who's Who is vast, encompassing peers, Members of Parliament (MPs), judges, senior civil servants, writers, lawyers, scientists, academics, actors, athletes, and artists. It specifically includes members of the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies, chief executives of UK cities and counties, and foreign ambassadors accredited to London.
Historically, the directory has reflected the educational trends of the elite. For instance, while Oxford and Cambridge graduates made up less than 20% of entrants during Queen Victoria's reign, they represented a significantly higher proportion of new entrants by 2008.
Despite its comprehensiveness, the publication has faced criticism. Some commentators, including Michael Crick and Martin Rosenbaum, have noted the omission of certain wealthy individuals, solicitors, and high-profile celebrities. Others, such as Jeremy Paxman and Michael Grade, have pointed out the absence of specific figures, ranging from non-British MEPs to actors like Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne.
Compilation and Authorship
The methodology for creating entries shifted in 1897 toward a system of subject-filled questionnaires. This autobiographical approach was intended to increase accuracy, though it introduced a dynamic where the subject controls their own narrative.
This process was not always seamless. Former editor Douglas Sladen famously used "coercive" tactics to ensure recalcitrant figures submitted their forms, sometimes threatening to publish inaccurate or unflattering versions of their biographies to prompt a response. A notable example involved W. S. Gilbert, who only provided a full form after Sladen published a simplified description of his work.
From a legal standpoint, the High Court of Justice in the case of A & C Black Ltd v Claude Stacey Ltd determined that the "author" of the biographies is the compiler, a decision that has since influenced the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Reliability and Accuracy
Throughout the early to mid-20th century, Who's Who received widespread praise for its accuracy from various professional journals, including The Law Journal and Engineering. This reputation for reliability continued into the late 20th century, with endorsements from scholars and professionals through the 1990s.
However, the reliance on self-reporting has led to occasional discrepancies. The most common errors are found in dates of birth, with reported inaccuracies for figures such as Mohamed al-Fayed and Ken Dodd. Some entrants have been accused of being "economical with the truth," such as Jeffrey Archer, whose entry regarding his education at Brasenose College, Oxford, was disputed.
Other notable inaccuracies include James Gulliver's entry, which misleadingly suggested a degree from Harvard University when he had actually completed a three-week marketing course. The publisher, Bloomsbury (which owns A & C Black), maintains that most errors are resolved through mutual agreement with the biographee.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical Content | Full names, birth dates, career history, education, qualifications, publications, and contact details. |
| Selection Process | 50% automatic (by title/office), 50% discretionary (by advisory board). |
| Entry Duration | Lifelong (e.g., the 7th Earl of Lucan remained listed long after disappearing). |
| Submission Method | Questionnaires filled by the subject (since 1897). |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do people have to pay to be included in Who's Who?
No. Inclusion does not involve any payment by or to the subject, nor is there any obligation to purchase a copy of the publication.
What happens to an entry when a person leaves office?
Individuals remain in the publication for life. For example, MPs are not removed from the directory once they leave Parliament.
How are the biographies written?
Since 1897, the majority of entries have been autobiographical, compiled from questionnaires completed by the subjects themselves to ensure accuracy.
How does the publisher handle errors in a biography?
The publisher typically raises inaccuracies with the biographee first. If the individual insists on the original text or fails to respond, no correction is issued.
Who is considered the legal author of the entries?
According to a ruling by the High Court of Justice, the compiler of the work is considered the legal author of the biographies.