G. W. Prothero

George Walter Prothero was a noted historian who served as the Director of the Historical Section of the Foreign Office during World War I. He was responsible for overseeing a series of handbooks intended to provide delegates with a "most convenient form" of information on various countries and islands.

The historical information in these handbooks was compiled by "trained writers on historical subjects" who often provided their services without remuneration. They were assisted by the Intelligence Division of the Admiralty and the War Trade Intelligence Department. Most maps were the work of the Geographical Section of the General Staff of the War Office.

Prothero's leadership ensured that the information provided was not only valuable for the Peace Conference but also useful for "students of history, politics, economics, and foreign affairs". After the conference, the Foreign Office decided to issue these books for public use due to their scholarly value.