Guinness World Records

As of the 2026 edition, Guinness World Records has been published annually for 71 years, with editions in over 100 countries, 40 languages, and maintaining more than 53,000 records in its database.

In November 2008, “Guinness World Records: The Videogame” was released for Nintendo DS, Wii, and iOS, expanding the brand into interactive digital entertainment.

In the year 2000 (2001 edition, published September 2000), the book’s official title changed from The Guinness Book of Records to Guinness World Records, reflecting modernization and rebranding efforts.

In 1986, Norris McWhirter retired as editor‑in‑chief of Guinness World Records after decades of service following his brother’s death, marking a transition in leadership and editorial direction.

In 1976, a museum dedicated to Guinness World Records opened in the Empire State Building, New York City, featuring life‑size exhibits and demonstrations, bringing the brand into the experiential domain beyond the printed page.

On November 27, 1975, co‑founder Ross McWhirter was assassinated by the Provisional IRA in London, while offering a reward for information leading to capture of IRA members. His death marked a tragic chapter in the book’s history.

In 1974, Guinness World Records—still known as Guinness Book of Records—became the best‑selling copyrighted book in history, reflecting its remarkable global popularity and influence.

In 1956, the Guinness Book of Records was introduced in the United States by publisher David Boehm, selling tens of thousands of copies and beginning the book’s global expansion.

On August 27, 1955, the first edition of The Guinness Book of Records, a 198‑page annual reference book compiled by twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, was published and quickly became a bestseller in the United Kingdom by Christmas.

On November 30, 1954, Guinness Superlatives, Ltd. was incorporated in London to publish the record book, with its office established on the top floor of Ludgate House, 107 Fleet Street. This marked the formal beginning of what would become Guinness World Records.

On November 10, 1951, Sir Hugh Beaver, then managing director of Guinness Brewery, was at a shooting party in County Wexford, Ireland, when he missed a golden plover and engaged in an argument over whether the plover or the red grouse was Europe’s fastest game bird. Unable to find a reference to settle the dispute, he conceived the idea of creating a reference book to resolve pub arguments.