With records spanning from “Longest fingernails on a pair of human hands” to “Fastest motorized shopping trolley”, the latest edition of the self-claimed “biggest-selling annual” does not disappoint. Possessing a lifespan of a whopping 60 years, Editor Craig Glenday opens the book with a brief history of the company, created in the 1950s by Sir Hugh Beaver-“Managing Director of the Guinness Brewery.” Craig explains how the ethos of the company; to “turn the heat of argument into the light of knowledge” has not changed. He praises the ability of the company to “embrace any new habits, fashions or technologies” and attributes its success to staying relevant to “what’s happening around us.” Indeed, the ongoing success of the franchise is evident, with 50,000 new record-claims being made within the past year alone and their attainment of 4,000,000 Facebook fans in April 2014.
Whilst revisiting some of the mind-boggling records submitted over the past 60 years, this publication also introduces some new features. For example, the book can be complemented by the “costless app” which enables the reader to “access a wealth of 3D and interactive animations.” Certainly, the option to have your photo taken with a virtual-version of the first record-holder for “Tallest man ever” is a new and innovative concept!
In celebration of 60 years of bizarre and inspiring records, here is just a few of my favourite feats which you can expect inside the diamond anniversary edition;
1. Most people making heart shaped hand gestures.-Stephen Sutton (UK, 1994-2014) and 553 friends gathered to make a heart symbol with their hands on 4th May 2014 in Staffordshire, UK. Stephen, diagnosed with terminal cancer, made headlines in 2014 with his fundraising efforts, and stated that one of his dreams was to secure a Guinness World Records title.
2. Fastest toilet-'The Bog Standard' consists of a motorcycle and sidecar hidden in a bathroom set compromising of a Victorian-style throne toilet, bathtub, sink and laundry bin. Created by Edd China (UK), this mobile restroom can reach a speed of 68km/h (42.25mph.) A past master in mobile furniture, Edd has also made the fastest garden shed (94km/h; 58mph), bed (111km/h; 69mph) and office (140km/h; 87mph)!
3. Oldest dance troupe-The Hip Op-eration Crew (NZ) are hip-hop dancers whose ages range from 67 to 95, giving an average of 79 years 197 days (as of 10 May 2014). The 23 core members, from the small island of Waiheke, New Zealand, include 12 in their eighties and nineties. Their performances include a guest slot at 2013’s World Hip Hop Dance Championship final in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
