Here are the ten most popular F1 books on Amazon last month. Find out which ones you should buy, and which ones you should avoid…
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1. Winning is not Enough: The Autobiography (Jackie Stewart, 2007)
Jackie Stewart’s autobiography is a first class read about a man who gave much more to the sport than just his incredible talent. The added extra DVD makes the cover price especially good value. (Also, does anyone else think there should now be a biography of Nigel Mansell called “Whining is not Enough”?)
2. It is what it is: The Autobiography (David Coulthard, 2008 paperback edition)
It’s perhaps a bit early for Coulthard to be putting out an autobiography, but it’s much better than the Hamilton one…
3. Lewis Hamilton: My Story (Lewis Hamilton, 2008 paperback edition)
Too early by about 15 years and like reading an extended press release. If you want a good book on Hamilton read Mark Hughes’ or Andrew van de Burgt’s.
4. ITV Sport Grand Prix Guide (Bruce Jones, 2008)
Not reviewed.
5. Classic Motorsport Routes (AA Illustrated Reference Books) (Richard Meaden, 2007)
Fancy taking a tour of the great old venues of F1’s heritage? You’ll want to take this cracking, well-illustrated book with you.
6. Brands Hatch: The Definitive History of Britain’s Best-loved Motor Racing Circuit (Chas Parker, 2008)
A thorough history of the circuit with lots of photography and plenty of interest for F1 fans even though the sport hasn’t been there since 1986.
7. The Top 100 Formula One Drivers of All Time (Alan Henry, 2008)
A bit of an awkward read at times but if you treat it as a ‘Who’s Who’ of some of the best Grand Prix drivers you should enjoy it.
8. Lewis Hamilton: My Story (Lewis Hamilton, 2007)
Listen, everyone, you’ve got to stop buying this book. For your own sake.
9. Jim Clark: A Photographic Portrait (Quentin Spurring, 2008)
Not reviewed.
10. The Grand Prix Saboteurs: The Grand Prix Drivers Who Became British Secret Agents During World War II (Joe Saward, 2006)
I’m delighted to see this gripping book still selling so well. A lot of research has clearly gone into assembling the story of Willy Grover and Robert Benoist, Grand Prix drivers and secret service agents. Buy it and take it on holiday with you.
What else are F1 Fanatic readers buying?
As well as the books above Richard Williams’ “The Last Road Race” about the 1957 Pescara Grand Prix and the comprehensive statistical survey “Analysing Formula 1: Innovative insights into winners and winning in Grand Prix racing since 1950” are among the most popular.
How is this list compiled?
This list is based on Amazon’s motor racing books sales chart which I then filter to select titles relevant to F1 fans.
D Winn
1st May 2008, 8:16
Nigel Mansell “Whining is not Enough” – classic Keith.
How about Nigel Mansell "My Whine"
Cooperman
1st May 2008, 9:07
Quite agree with you there, Keith. Jackie Stewart’s book is a masterpiece and I wouldn’t hesitate in suggesting that anyone read this, whether they like their motor sport or not. It’s one of the best autobiographies I’ve come across and I struggled to put it down.
I’ve just finished Coulthard’s book which is very well written and a good read. He really brings his character across well.
Hamilton’s is an incredibly difficult book to get into – there’s no flow to it at all, it’s just a stream of consciousness. Maybe that’s what I only had to pay £2.99 for it!
Dank
1st May 2008, 10:06
Yup, as I’ve said elsewhere on F1-Fanatic, the Jackie Stewart book is brilliant and it’s great to see it’s selling well on Amazon.
Just about to finish reading Eddie Jordan’s autobiography (‘An Independent Man’) and on the look out for my next reading fodder.
Never really read any of the Senna books, might give ‘Senna: The Whole Story’ a whirl.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
1st May 2008, 10:13
Not so keen on Senna: The Whole Story – I think Richard Williams’ The Death of Ayrton Senna is the best on Senna. The title is a bit misleading though, because it’s as much about his life as his death. Today is 14 years since he died, of course.
Alianora La Canta
1st May 2008, 14:35
How come the hardback version of Lewis’ book is selling so well on Amazon when the paperback version is much cheaper? Especially when there are lots of discount copies of the hardback version available. Not that I mind too much, because I’m planning on reading it when it becomes available in a library (yes there are reservation queues for it)…
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
1st May 2008, 14:47
It’s probably being bought as a gift quite a lot and hardbacks make better presents.
Cooperman
1st May 2008, 20:17
I read Jenson Button’s book "Life on the Rollercoaster" that he wrote in the winter after his first season.
What makes young, still wet-behind-the-ears drivers think they’ve gathered up enough experience of F1 after one season to want to write a book on it?
It can’t be the money can it? Hamilton’s earnings won’t exactly eclipse what McLaren give him.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
1st May 2008, 21:27
Oh yeah it’s the money. Harper Collins apparently paid £2m for the rights to the Hamilton book.
Pink Peril
2nd May 2008, 0:08
I second (or is it third) the Jackie Stewart book. One of the best – if not the best – autobiographies I have ever read.