The Conception of the Guinness Book of Records

As a kid I remember waiting every year to get a copy of the Guinness book of records. The book is still available today but has changed its name slightly to the Guinness world records. The title explains what the book is all about as it chronicles all the world records that have been made such as the tallest man or the fastest cat or many other feats that have been achieved.

The book was originally produced for the first time in 1955 in Great Britain by two Irish journalists by the name OF Norris and Ross McWhirter. What is not commonly known though is that the book is commissioned by the Irish brewery of the same name, the famous Guinness brewery.

Initially it was produced as a way to settle bar bets in the early fifties. By producing a book with their name on it the Guinness Company thought it might be a good way to further promote the Guinness brand.

Back in May of 1951 one of Guinness’s managing directors was having a little argument at one of their shooting parties. Sir Hugh Beaver and another guest argued over what the fastest bird in Europe was. One said it was the Koshin Golden Plover while the other said it was the Grouse.

As Beaver tried to find the answer late that night at his Castlebridge House home he realized that his reference books were a bit useless on this subject.

That got him thinking about the possibility of making a book that you could easily find the answer to such questions.

Since its first publication in 1955 the Guinness book of records has gone on to sell millions of copies worldwide. It seems a little ironic that this book would hold the record for being the best selling book of its genre today. People love to see people do the unthinkable though, and that’s exactly what this publication shows us year in and year out.

What is more ironic is the fact that it also holds the record for being the most stolen book in public libraries in America. You can be sure of the fact that you won’t see them publishing that milestone in their book, as it could only encourage others to contribute to the record by following suit. Despite all this, such a record should be a true testament to the lasting and enduring appeal of a book that constantly continues to amaze us as each new pioneer paves the way in another walk of life.

The Conception of the Guinness Book of Records