Robert Pershing Wadlow (USA, 1918–1940) is formally recognised as the Tallest Man Ever, reaching an astonishing height of 2.72 m (8 ft 11.1 in) when last measured on 27 June 1940 in Alton, Illinois — and he was still growing. He remains the tallest human being in recorded history, for whom there is irrefutable evidence. Beyond his singular height, Wadlow also holds records for the Largest Hands Ever (32.4 cm) and Largest Feet Ever (size 37AA). His extraordinary stature was caused by hyperplasia of the pituitary gland, yet he remained a gentle, good-natured individual throughout his brief but remarkable life — a true monument of human scale.