I did not pay for inclusion nor did I buy the book.
Some information gleamed from various websites
The original Who's Who in America was founded and published by Albert Nelson Marquis in 1899 to serve as an accurate, concise source of biography for notable Americans. Marquis wanted to create a reference source that would reflect America's unique ethic of hard work and success. Significant contribution to society through achievement or position earns a place in Who's Who. Wealth, notoriety, or social status alone do not.
Today, Marquis' Who's Who is often imitated but never duplicated. Its standard of admission, based on demonstrated achievement, ensures its place as America's foremost biographical reference. While other references may use the name "Who's Who," only the name Marquis Who's Who is the registered trademark that denotes the original reference work. The name Marquis Who's Who assures accuracy, authority, and quality.
The editors of Who's Who in America identify and chronicle the achievements of men and women who have become the leaders in our society's political, cultural, and economic affairs. The stringent selection process results in fewer than four persons in 10,000 being selected for inclusion in this widely-distributed reference work. Selection for inclusion is based solely on reference value. Marquis Who's Who does not sell its listings, does not require that biographees buy a book, and charges no fees of any kind whatever for inclusion. Rather, individuals are listed because of the positions they have attained or because of noteworthy achievements that have proven to be of lasting value to society.
Marquis' Who Who is supposedly the original. Back about 20? yrs ago, a spate of copycats came out and this one was renamed to reclaim its rightful place as the original.
