ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Who's Who: A Reference Publication Series

The term "Who's Who" refers to a series of reference publications that provide biographical information about notable individuals in various fields. These works typically have an annual publication cycle, although some editions may be published at irregular intervals.

The concept of Who's Who originated from the English phrase "who is who," meaning "who are they." The first known publication using this title was the British edition, which debuted in 1849 and has since become a renowned reference book on contemporary British personalities. Many other countries have their own versions of Who's Who, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland, Switzerland, and others.

The reliability of biographical information in these dictionaries is relative, as self-declaration notices are often published under the control of the individuals concerned. According to political science doctor William Genieys, it is essential not to rely solely on Who's Who for biographical information but rather to cross-reference data from multiple sources.

Who's Who publications can be categorized by country or theme. For instance, Who's Who in New Zealand has been published twelve times between 1908 and 1991, while Canadian Who'S Who lists prominent Canadians since 1910. Similarly, Who's who in Switzerland was published from 1953 to 1996, followed by Swiss Who' s Who.

In addition to country-specific editions, there are also publications focused on specific themes or professions. For example, Who's Who in American Art profiles notable American artists, while Who is Who of Southern Africa publishes a list of prominent individuals living in the region.

The concept of Who's Who has been adopted by various publishers and companies worldwide. Some notable examples include International Who's Who by Europa Publications, which is an imprint of Taylor and Francis, and Who's Who Among American High School Students, which lists high school and college students who excel academically, extracurricularly, and in community service.

Overall, the Who's Who series provides a valuable resource for individuals seeking information on notable figures across various fields.