Stella McCartney, David Beckham and serial murderer Harold Shipman meet for the first time in the controversial new edition of one of the world's oldest reference books.

Once criticised for too much "devotion to the new naffery and its rather transient personages," the new Chambers Biographical Dictionary boasts 501 new entries, from TV chef Jamie Oliver to Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

The list of more than 17,500 important figures is updated every five years with an eye on national and international "recognition and achievement".

But politicians account for only a quarter of this year's additions, with Peter Mandelson listed for his two resignations in "circumstances of political scandal" and the Taliban leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar, appearing after the war on terrorism.

The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, the German chancellor, Gerhard Schroder, and the US president, George W Bush, all make their debuts - Bush failed to make the 1997 edition when he was governor of Texas.

Footballer David Beckham - writing his second autobiography at 27 - is inserted between an 18th century English art collector and a German chemist. His 17 lines greatly outnumber those in the entry of another newcomer, Tory party leader, Iain Duncan Smith. Victoria Beckham, however, must make do with a small collective entry on her band, the Spice Girls.

The award-winning writer Zadie Smith, and the best selling JK Rowling and Helen Fielding are included, with Jeanette Winterson and Stephen King.

The artist Tracey Emin - who some felt should have been included five years ago - is mentioned for her "confessional work".

Fashion designer Stella McCartney joins her father, Sir Paul. But award-winning designer Philip Treacy is absent.

The ephemeral world of entertainment accounts for the most new entries, including Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman, George Clooney and Russell Crowe. New British actors include Jim Broadbent, who won an Oscar for his role in Iris, although no reference to the award or the film is included. Ewan McGregor, Robert Carlyle and Jane Horrocks - who entered Who's Who in 2000 - all feature.

Osama bin Laden and the UN secretary general Kofi Annan add to an eclectic list.

Una McGovern, the dictionary's editor, who has been compiling new entries for five years, denied the work had dumbed down in favour of Hello! culture.

She said: "We are just reflecting society at large and the cult of personality which has become very strong. Our watchwords are achievement and recognition. Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and all the other television chefs are not only widely recognised, they also top the bestseller lists with their books.

"We have not cut the number of new political entries. Politicians are prominent people who are not only influential in their work, but who are increasingly treated as celebrities by the public. Clearly, the nature of celebrity is changing."

Pop star meets mass murderer

Harold Shipman

The Greater Manchester GP and Britain's most prolific serial killer is defined as an "English mass murderer"

Sam Mendes

The Oscar-winning director of the "engaging" American Beauty stands down as artistic director of London's Donmar Warehouse this autumn

Tracey Emin

The Turner bridesmaid gets a mention for her installation works including the "stained and detritus littered" My Bed

Kylie Minogue

Mentioned for achieving "international stardom" as Charlene in Neighbours, before launching a "sexually alluring" pop career

Bertie Ahern

The Irish prime minister and former accountant is featured as one of the architects of the 1998 Good Friday agreement

Zadie Smith

The 26-year-old Cambridge graduate is included for her bestselling "warm and closely observed" debut novel, White Teeth

John Humphrys

The Welsh broadcaster and familiar voice of BBC Radio 4's Today programme is described as a "tenacious presenter"

Robert Winston

The UK's leading fertility expert and pioneer of IVF treatments is mentioned for his science and presenting "popular" TV series

Nigella Lawson

The former journalist turned TV chef gets less than half the space of her father, the former chancellor, Nigel Lawson

Tim Henman

Britain's leading tennis player and object of the term "Henmania" is called a "favourite with British crowds"