[5] Frederick Martin was its foundational editor, and presided over the book for twenty years,[5][6][7][8] during which time it became established as a leading reference work.

For this purpose, none but official documents have been consulted in the first instance, and only when these failed or were manifestly imperfect, recourse has been had to authoritative books and influential newspapers, magazines and other reliable information.

[citation needed] The cartographic illustration of networks of communication began in 1899 when two maps displayed the railways, navigable waters and telegraphic lines of Africa.

[citation needed] Epstein died in 1946,[5] and his successor Henry Steinberg[5][12][13] was faced with the challenge of producing a new Statesman's Yearbook for an ever-changing world, as new countries came into being and others ceased to exist.

His passion for the task, sharp mind and amiable nature meant that The Statesman’s Yearbook swiftly adapted to the new world order.