Guinness World Records, known from its inception in 1955 until 1999 as the Guinness Book of World Records and in previous US editions as the Guinness Book of World Records, is an annual reference book that lists world records for both human achievement and extreme events. living world.

The brainchild of Sir Hugh Beaver, the book was founded by twin brothers Norris and Ross McWhirter in Fleet Street, London in August 1955. By Christmas 1955, the first edition topped the bestseller list in the United Kingdom. and 23 languages ​​and maintains over 53,000 entries in its database. The international franchise has expanded beyond print to include television series and museums.

The franchise’s popularity has led to Guinness World Records becoming the premier international body for cataloging and verifying a vast number of world records. The organization hires record judges to verify the authenticity of the set and break the records.