Moby-Dick is now considered a great classic of American
literature and contains one of the most famous opening
lines in fiction: “Call me Ishmael.” Initially, though, the
book about Captain Ahab and his quest to catch a giant
white whale was a flop.

Its author, Herman Melville was born in New York City in
1819. As a young man, he spent time in the merchant
marines, the U.S. Navy and on a whaling ship in the
South Seas.

Herman Melville
(August 1, 1819 – September 28, 1891)

The home seen in "The Brady Bunch" originally hit the
market for $5.5 million.  It was purchased by a Brady
Bunch fan, Tina Trahan for only $3.2 million. Instead
of moving in, Trahan said she plans to use the space
for fundraising and charity events.
(Anthony Barcelo / Fox News)

Tina Trahan and husband Chris Albrecht.

ROSS SIMPSON

On August 27, 1955, the first edition of “The Guinness Book of
Records” was published in Great Britain; it quickly proved to
be a hit. Now known as the “Guinness World Records” book,
the annual publication features a wide range of feats related
to humans and animals.

The inspiration for the record book can be traced to Sir Hugh
Beaver, managing director of the Guinness Brewery in Dublin.

Compiled by sports journalists Norris and Ross McWhirter

The very first Guinness Book of World Records.

Sir Hugh Eyre Campbell Beaver
(4 May 1890 – 16 January 1967)

CAMILLE BOHANNON