The Guinness Book of Records, August 1955, First Trade Edition, First Impression

A copy of the very first printing of the Guinness Book of Records, which went on to became a worldwide publishing phenomenon. Initially produced as a promotional tool for the Guinness Breweries, an initial 1,000 copies were distributed for free to pubs across Britain and Ireland in 1954, aimed at settling typically pub arguments over widely debated world records. It proved so popular that it was decided that a copy for the public would be produced for general sale, and the first printing was in August 1995, of which this was one.

SOLD

The Guinness Book of Records. No credited authors, but the concept was created by Sir High Beaver and the twin brothers, Norris and Ross McWhiter compiled the book. Foreword by the Earl of Iveagh, Chairman of Guinness.

Published by Guinness Superlatives Limited, London. Preface dated to August 1955, which denotes this first trade printing. It proved so popular that it was already being reprinted in September, and the preface date was updated to show that.

A good hardback with green cloth over boards and gilt titles and Guinness harp motif to front. Covers are rubbed and soiled with darkened spine. Soundly bound. 

Text is good overall. Largely bright and clean, but with some usage marks and occasional minor flaw such as small page nick or corner crease. Fore edge with slightly raised front cover. But overall a very usable copy of this increasingly scarce first impression.

Text in English.

vi + (4pp) + 198pp.

Dimensions: approximately 252mm  x 190mm x 22mm.

Weight: Approximately 694g (unpacked).