Overview

• The first edition appeared on 27 August 1955 after Sir Hugh Beaver commissioned Norris and Ross McWhirter to compile a definitive book of facts.
• The annual compendium now spans print, TV and online in more than 100 countries and is regarded as a record-holder in its own right.
• Editor Craig Glenday marked the milestone by lauding “iconic moments” and the extraordinary achievements verified by the organisation.
• Recent retrospectives spotlight Bertie the tortoise’s 0.28 m/s dash in 2014 and Colin Furze’s 86.04 km/h motorized stroller set in 2012.
• Profiles revisit Jyoti Amge’s recognition at 63 centimeters as the smallest woman, Harnaam Kaur’s 2017 entry as the youngest full-bearded woman, and curiosities from vast Pooh collections to giant hotdogs and eye‑ and tongue‑length records.