Gathers information on sightings of ghosts. This work traces the origins of the myths and legends that have grown up around mysterious old places, and compares them with the contemporary accounts of those people who actually spend their waking - and sometimes sleeping.

Covers themes that include the existence of ET civilisations and their interactions with Earth, the nature of the Source of the Universe, the ancient history of humanity, Jesus the Nazarene, environmental issues and humankind's as-yet-unrealised potential for self-awareness.

This is not so much a book as an institution. It's not only the trivia buff's Bible, it even has its own TV show. The fans can be assured: beneath the garish purple cover, the world's most famous reference book is better than ever, with startling pictures, snappy text, and an awesome range of records. From the youngest DJ to the oldest living person, the biggest snail to the fastest goal in first-class football (2.8 seconds), the most cocktails mixed by a robot to the biggest railway station, there's every kind of extreme you could ever want.

This book doesn't just have all the records you'd expect, it has records for things you've never even dreamed of, with blink-because-you-can't-believe-it photos that add enormously to the effectiveness of the text. Check out the shots of the world's longest fingernails (total length 6.15 metres, 20 feet 2.25 inches), the world's fastest furniture (a great image of the happy record-holder speeding along on his motorised sofa) and a winceworthy image of the world's strongest beard (a woman's hanging from it). All the classic records are still there: you can find the tallest, smallest, fastest, slowest, oldest of just about anything--you name it, it's there. For sports fans there's a major section, and other big areas include: the natural world; music, films, TV and other media; wealth, valuables and very rich people; technology; and transport. There's even a page on how to set your own world record and get it onto Guinness's database. Now there's fame. -- David Pickering

Leaving out the traditional scenic trips to the Mississippi River bluffs and the Amana Colonies, this guide takes the adventurous traveler to the birthplace of Captain James T Kirk, the home of the 'Lonely Goat Herder' marionettes from 'The Sound of Music', and the world's largest Cheeto. It includes facts about numerous events in Iowa's history.