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Guinness book collector gets Guinness World Record

Martin Tovey was awarded Guinness records for Largest Collection of Guinness World Records Annuals and Largest Collection of Guinness World Records Memorabilia.

By Ben Hooper
Martyn Tovey with his Guinness Book of World Records collection. Photo courtesy Guinness World Records
Martyn Tovey with his Guinness Book of World Records collection. Photo courtesy Guinness World Records

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RADSTOCK, England, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A Guinness Book of World Records fan has secured his own place in the tome by collecting 353 editions of the book from around the world.

Martyn Tovey, 57, of Somerset, England, said his Guinness collection started in 1968 when he won a Book of World Records as a prize at school and he has been receiving annual editions of the book from his mother every Christmas since 1971.

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Tovey said he managed to track down earlier editions and has also added numerous special editions including rare first editions signed by co-founders Norris and Ross McWhirter.

The 353 editions earned Tovey the record for Largest Collection of Guinness World Records Annuals, and his 2,164-strong collection of Guinness promotional items earned him a second record for Largest Collection of Guinness World Records Memorabilia.

Tovey said his collection includes board games, spoons and engraved glasses.

"It has taken many years -- and a great deal of effort -- to put my collection together, and to be recognized by Guinness World Records in this way is absolutely fantastic," Tovey said.

Guinness officials said Tovey's expertise has proven valuable as the record-keeping organization prepares for its 60th anniversary.

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"We've been monitoring record-breaking collections for years, and we cover everything from airline boarding passes to zebras. But it wasn't until this year, when we met Martyn, that we realized we should open a category for the largest collection of Guinness World Records books," said Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of the Guinness book. "Such is Martin's dedication to documenting our history that his incredible collection outstrips even the archive here at Guinness World Records!"

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