On 14 November 1952, the New Musical Express published the first British singles chart. In the 65 years since, 21922 records have entered the top 40. This book lists the 1000 biggest of those hits. The list is calculated solely from chart positions, not sales figures. These are the biggest chart performers, not the biggest sellers. Indeed, "Candle In The Wind 1997" by Elton John, the biggest selling single ever in the UK, is only at no. 182 in this list.
The ranking is compiled from the weekly charts starting with that first chart in November 1952 up to the last chart published before the 65th anniversary, the one dated 16 November 2017 and first revealed on 10 November.