A highly entertaining, illustrated guide to a whole range of firsts, from the worlds of history, science, transport, society, the arts and sport, in a stylish flexibinding. This Collins Gem is being issued in flexibinding, providing the durability of a hardback with the flexibility of a paperback. The stylish cover design will enliven this and 70 other bestselling Gems. Over 300 fascinating firsts from the worlds of science, transport, the arts, society and many others are included in this handy-sized illustrated guide. Do you know when the first fire brigade was established? Or which were the first countries to join NATO? Or when were the first car number plates introduced? Or who was the first travel agent? Or when was the first national daily newspaper published? Or who was the first billionaire? All these questions and hundreds more are answered in this brand-new Gem.