The History Behind The Guinness Book of World Records
The Guinness Book of World Records is a reference book published annually, listing world records both of human achievements and the extremes of the natural world. The brainchild of Sir Hugh Beaver, the book was co-founded by twin brothers Norris and Ross McWhirter in Fleet Street, London, in August 1955.
The History Behind The Guinness Book of World Records
The Guinness Book of World Records, now known as Guinness World Records, has become an iconic reference for extraordinary achievements and accomplishments. From the tallest buildings to the most bizarre human feats, the book has fascinated readers worldwide. This article delves into the origins of the Guinness Book of World Records, its publishers, its rise in popularity, the process of adding new records, discontinued records, and notable disqualifications.
Origins and First Publisher
The idea for the Guinness Book of World Records originated in the early 1950s during a debate between Sir Hugh Beaver, the managing director of the Guinness Brewery, and his companions over the fastest game bird in Europe while attending a shooting party in County Wexford, Ireland. Realizing that there was no definitive source to settle such debates, Sir Beaver had the idea to create a book that would capture and document such records.
In 1954, Sir Hugh Beaver approached Norris and Ross McWhirter, who ran a fact-finding agency in London called Ross McWhirter & Co., with the concept. Impressed by the idea, the McWhirter brothers agreed to compile and edit the book.
Original Publication and Subsequent Publishers
The first edition of the Guinness Book of Records was published on August 27, 1955. It was a slim volume of approximately 198 pages and was given away for free in pubs to settle bar bets and promote the Guinness brand. The book quickly gained popularity and became a bestseller.
The book was intended to be a light-hearted guide to trivia and unusual facts, but it soon became clear that people were also interested in the more serious side of record-breaking. As a result, the book began to focus more on human achievements, such as the tallest man in the world and the fastest runner.
Following the success of the initial edition, the McWhirter brothers continued to publish the book annually. In 1973, they founded the Guinness Superlatives company to manage the publication and other related endeavors. In 1989, Guinness Superlatives was acquired by Diageo, the parent company of Guinness Brewery.
In 1990, Guinness Superlatives was acquired by the media company HIT Entertainment. However, HIT Entertainment faced financial difficulties, leading to the sale of Guinness World Records to Gullane Entertainment in 2001. In 2002, Gullane Entertainment was acquired by HIT Entertainment.
Subsequently, Gullane Entertainment was acquired by Apax Partners, a private equity firm, in 2002. Later, in 2008, Apax Partners sold Guinness World Records to Jim Pattison Group, a Canadian corporation. HIT Entertainment was then acquired by Mattel in 2011. Currently, Guinness World Records is owned by Guinness World Records Limited, a subsidiary of Jim Pattison Group.
Popularity and Global Reach
The Guinness Book of World Records became popular due to its unique and engaging content. People were drawn to the book’s astonishing records, incredible accomplishments, and mind-boggling achievements. Over the years, the publication expanded its scope, covering a diverse range of categories, including human achievements, natural wonders, technological feats, and more.
The book’s popularity soared due to media coverage and the inclusion of record-breaking attempts on television shows. It captured the imagination of people worldwide, inspiring them to pursue their own extraordinary endeavors and discover what was possible.
The Guinness Book of World Records has been translated into over 40 languages and has sold over 140 million copies worldwide. It is one of the best-selling books of all time. The book has been credited with popularizing the concept of record-breaking, and it has inspired people all over the world to try to break records.
Adding New Records
Adding new records to Guinness World Records is a meticulous process. The organization employs a team of expert record analysts who review and validate each submission. The criteria for record-breaking vary depending on the category. Generally, records must be measurable, quantifiable, breakable, and verifiable.
Applicants must provide comprehensive evidence, including videos, photographs, witness statements, and expert testimonials. The review process involves careful scrutiny and may require additional documentation or verification.
Discontinued Records
Over the years, some records have been discontinued due to various reasons. Some records become outdated or are no longer relevant, while others may be removed to make way for new and more exciting categories. The decision to discontinue a record is made by Guinness World Records based on factors such as public interest, cultural shifts, and evolving trends.
Over the years, some records have been discontinued or disqualified. This is usually because the record is no longer considered to be valid, or because it is no longer safe or ethical to attempt.
Disqualified Records
Occasionally, records are disqualified due to rule violations or fraudulent attempts. Guinness World Records maintains strict guidelines to ensure the integrity and authenticity of the records. Disqualifications can occur if evidence is found to be manipulated, if the record violates ethical or safety standards, or if there is a breach of the established rules.
For example, the record for the longest fingernails was discontinued in 2009, after it was discovered that the nails were being artificially lengthened.
The Legacy of The Guinness Book of World Records
The Guinness Book of World Records has captivated audiences around the globe with its fascinating collection of records and achievements. From its humble origins as a pub giveaway to a renowned annual publication, it has evolved into a global authority on record-breaking accomplishments.
With rigorous standards for validation and a dedicated team of experts, Guinness World Records continues to inspire individuals to push the boundaries of what is considered possible, making it an enduring symbol of human achievement.
