The Guinness Book of Records is an annual reference book that features a collection of world records, both human achievements and the extremes of the natural world. It was first published in 1955 and has since become a global phenomenon, inspiring people to attempt record-breaking feats. Each edition includes a wide variety of records, from the fastest, tallest, and longest to the most unusual and bizarre. The book is published by Guinness World Records Limited, a company that verifies and documents these records, ensuring they are accurate and credible for readers around the world.