BRITAIN: Norris McWhirter, who founded Guinness World Records with his twin brother, turning the book into a global bestseller, has died, aged 78.
Mr McWhirter suffered a heart attack on Monday after playing tennis at his home in south-west England, the spokesman said.
The London-born son of a newspaper director, he was a writer, sports commentator, athlete and political activist, but will be best remembered for co-founding the Guinness Book of Records, now known as Guinness World Records, in 1955.
The book of superlatives topped the British bestseller list that year and has since become a publishing phenomenon, with sales of more than 100 million copies in 100 countries and 37 languages.
It lists every world record, from the breathtaking to the bizarre - such as the world's fastest chicken plucker.
Mr McWhirter's family said in a statement: "Norris cared passionately about Great Britain, democracy and the rule of law, and was always active in politics, but usually behind the scenes."
Mr McWhirter and his brother, Ross, were active politically and founded the Freedom Association, a right-wing group that campaigned against British involvement in the European Union.
Both held strong political views. Ross was assassinated by the IRA in 1975 for his outspoken opinions on Northern Ireland. Norris McWhirter leaves a wife and two children.