WHO'S WHO in the TOWN OF LUTON in 1842?

IS THIS THE FIRST EVER 'WHO'S WHO?' ?

'WHO'S  WHO in the TOWN OF LUTON in 1842?' begins the title. 'The Question Answered by John Waller' it continues.

Small 8vo (20cm x 13cm), pamphlet style with original, printed pink card covers, pp23.

A quirky and charming directory of the town, identifying all the occupants of dwellings shown and numbered on the tithe plan.

A very early example of the use of the phrase 'Who's Who?' in the title of a publication. If 1842 can be taken as the publication date, then it predates by seven years the best known (and often quoted as earliest) example, which is the standard British 'Who's Who'. Scarce.

Staple rusting causing limited bleeding on the covers and inner margins as may be expected; the pink of front cover is faded but the printing is still strong.