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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Who's Who
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A reference book published annually since 1849, listing those considered by the editorial board to have achieved prominence (whether inherited, by office or through ability). Until 1897 it consisted of lists of people occupying specific positions. The present alphabetical format, with a brief biography of each person, was adopted in that year. The book then described 5500 people; in the 1993 edition there are some 29,000. Who's Who differs in two respects from other similar works of reference: the biographies are written by the biographees, and updated each year, with maximum opportunity for self-revelation under the heading 'recreations'; and only death removes an entry, however little may have been achieved after the first year of inclusion. The final entries of those who have died are published every ten years as Who Was Who.
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The ultimate puff on one's own trumpet was perhaps achieved by the Rev. Sidney Swann (1862–1942). Among other sporting achievements the vicar mentions: 'first to cycle round Syria; rode Land's End to John o'Groats, Carlisle to London in a day; rowed home-made boat from Crosby Vicarage down the rapids of the Eden to the sea, and cut the record from England to France, 1911, rowing the Channel in 3 hours 50 minutes; built several flying machines; in 1917, when 55 years old, cycled, walked, ran, paddled, rode and swam six consecutive half-miles in 26 minutes 20 seconds in competition with Lieut. Muller of the Danish Army.'
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