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The first Who’s Who was published as a 250 page volume in 1849 and had no biographical content but only thirty-nine lists of ranks and appointments and the names of those holding them. These included the Royal Household, members of the House of Peers and House of Commons, judges, archbishops and British envoys abroad.
In 1897 a change of ownership brought about the biographical style that we have today. Bernard Shaw was the first Who’s Who nominee to answer the question “What is your favorite recreation?” It is so highly revered that Winston Churchill intervened during WW II to assure that Who’s Who’s made it to press.
Who’s Who directories have come a long way since those times. In fact, almost every organization or institution also keeps their own who’s who. There’s a who’s who of outstanding students in America as well as a Who Who’s of the most recognized teachers and even a Who’s Who of lawyers and a Who’s Who’ of athletes. Every company has its own roster’s of who’s who and every profession looks within its own ranks to spotlight their most brilliant with a who’s who designation.