The B.B.C. published an annual book, showing the licence payers what they had enjoyed, what their fee was paying for and forthcoming events and technological updates. This annual book changed its name throughout the corporation's history; known as the Handbook in 1928, 29, 1938-42 and 1955-87, the Year book from 1930-34 and 1943-52 and also the Annual from 1935-37; it has changed with the times.

There was a publication break in 1953 and 54.

From 1987 to the present day, the title has evolved again to Annual Report and Accounts, concentrating more on figures and costings.
The 1928 issue contains many plates with illustrations from the works of Heath Robinson, Audrey Hammond and Arthur Watts.