Norris McWhirter

British journalist who, along with his twin brother, Ross authored "The Guinness Book Of World Records." They began the company in 1954 with the first issue released the following year. Sales since then have surpased 100 million, making it the world's best selling copyrighted book.

His twin Ross was murdered in 1975 after he offered a reward of 50,000 pounds for information leading to the arrest of Irish Republican Army bombers. Both men were conservative in their poltiical and social views, and in the late 1990s, Norris became a leader in opposing Britain's close ties to Europe.

The twins' father was editor of several newspapers and the boys early on developed an interest in compiling lists of information. They both attended Trinity College at Oxford, were both track stars, and were both members of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in World War II, where they saw mine-sweeping duty.

After he retired as editor of Guinness Records in 1986 he served as advisory editor until 1996.

He died of a heart attack while playing tennis at his home in Wiltshire, England on the evening of April 20, 2004. He was married and had two children.