1955 27 AUGUST The Guinness Book Of Records was first published.

Sir Hugh Beaver, managing director of Guinness Brewery, had it written after being unable to agree on a point about the world’s fastest game bird during a shooting party in Ireland. He decided on a book of world records to help settle such disputes – and promote the brewery. Beaver, commissioned twins Norris and Ross Mcwhirter, who ran a fact and statistics collating agency, to compile it.

Initially, The Guinness Book Of Records, now Guinness World Records, was given out free in pubs. But it was soon marketed and became a best-seller. This year saw the release of its 67th edition.