The history of the Guinness Book of World Records goes back to the 1950s and stretches around the world.
Sir Hugh Beaver
Sir Hugh Beaver, the managing director of the Guinness Brewery, had the initial idea for a book of facts and records from around the world.
The Fastest European Game Bird
The idea for the original book was inspired by a dispute between Sir Hugh Beaver and a guest at a shooting party at his estate in County Wexford, Ireland in 1951. The dispute centered on which was the fastest European game bird. No reference book could give a definitive answer.
McWhirter Twins
Record-breaking British athlete Chris Chataway, a Guinness employee, recommended English twins Norris and Ross McWhirter to compile the book.
First Copy
The original Guinness Book of World Records was published on August 27, 1955.
Worldwide Publishing
Over one hundred million copies of the book have been published worldwide in 25 different languages.
Annual Sales
Over 3 million copies of the book are sold every year throughout the world.
Tags: Book World, Book World Records, Guinness Book, Guinness Book World, Hugh Beaver, World Records