What is the history of Guinness World Records, and how did it become the authority on world records?

Guinness World Records, previously known as The Guinness Book of Records, is a reference book that lists world records and extraordinary achievements. The book is published annually and contains a collection of world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the natural world.

The first edition of the book was published in 1955 by Guinness Brewery's managing director, Sir Hugh Beaver, who was inspired by a conversation he had while hunting. He was unable to confirm whether the golden plover was Europe's fastest game bird, and this led to the idea of creating a book that could settle such disputes.

The book became an instant success, and by 1957, it had become a best-seller in the UK. It was not until 1960 that it began to be published in the US. Since then, it has become one of the most popular and recognized books in the world.

Over the years, Guinness World Records has become the global authority on world records, with offices in London, New York, Tokyo, Beijing, and Dubai. Guinness World Records has a team of researchers and adjudicators who verify and authenticate world records. They ensure that all claims are based on evidence and that all records are broken fairly and within a set of rules. The organization has also expanded beyond the book, with television series, museums, and other media products.