As the 1960s end, Marquis editors take stock of their library of publications. To complement the flagship directory Who’s Who in America, a variety of titles were added over the years: the Who Was Who in America series, Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in Finance and Industry, and four titles covering the regions of the United States. Now, the editors determine that it is time to take on the challenging task of covering the biographical achievements of prominent individuals the world over.

The result is the first edition of Who’s Who in the World, which contains the biographies of approximately 25,000 luminaries from more than 170 countries. Included are all Heads of State, prominent figures from business, top scientists, and chief ecclesiastics of the larger religious denominations.