By Iain Robertson
Book Reviews
Book review example-driven to crime true stories of wrongdoing in motor racing Whether buying books pre-Christmas for gifts or using up book tokens in the period thereafter, it is always good to know that you’re not buying a ‘lemon’ and Iain Robertson reviews a great one on true crime in motor racing and a second title for adventurers.
By Crispian Besley
ISBN: 978 1 910505 70 0
£40.00
EVRO Publishing
book review example It is fair to state that we all love a little bit of ‘murder-mystery’ but, if Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler cannot move your spirit with fiction, it’s clear that you need to try some real tales from a largely unexpected arena: motorsport.
When you analyze the motor racing scene, it is exciting, can be spectacular, is undoubtedly expensive, and is riven with egomaniacs, all of which combine successfully to create an underbelly of criminality.
Throughout my years of competing, reporting, and spectating it needs to be said that I have heard some extraordinary stories about drug smuggling and fraud, sometimes at the highest levels.
While tax-dodging is inevitable for some international racing teams, until I read this book, I was unaware of the amount of embezzlement and money laundering that takes place, even though I have known several of the perpetrators.
Book-Review-Driven-to-Crime-inside
It took the author, Crispian Besley, several years of research to source 66 different stories and translate them into 480pp of fascinating intrigue. Some of them involve the landed gentry, others the renowned superstars in their respective specialty fields, but all are eye-opening and remarkable and I can guarantee a few dropped jaws too.
For a ‘first-time’ author, who was inspired by former World F1 Champion, James Hunt, into single seater and later classic car racing at the amateur level, it is written in a satisfyingly clear and engaging style that makes for exceptionally easy, if at times ‘uncomfortable’ reading.
You may recall the ‘fake Ferrari’ shenanigans with Lord Charles Brocket but there is a chapter on the father (Jos) of current F1 Champion Max Verstappen that will turn your head.
The Colin Chapman (of Lotus Cars) debacle with De Lorean is already well chronicled but Max Mosley’s dealings in the underworld may come as a surprise for such a public figure. Regardless of the names, the stories are often complex and must have been nightmares at the time for the police to unravel.
Of hardback construction, this book is well presented and contains 90 or so photographs, some of which are monotone, but all of which are excellently reproduced.
I can strongly recommend it, not least because it is so hard to put down and each of the crimes could easily be turned into a TV mini-series. If you are a motor racing fan, ‘Driven to Crime’ will represent excellent value for money.
Book-Review-Trans-Africa-inside
book review example Trans-Africa Land Rover – The story of Philip Kohler and his epic overland adventure
By Martin Port
ISBN: 978 1 913089 29 0
£30.00
Porter Press International
Some people dream of getting away from it all. The human subject of this delightful, large format hardback, Philip Kohler, was a South Australian, who possessed a vision to reach the UK and an insatiable desire to travel in 1955.
Beset by a number of issues, such as the Suez Crisis, his plans were subject to change but the ultimate Trans-Africa solo adventure, including a drive across the Sahara Desert, in his brand-new Series II Land Rover, would commence in 1959.
Fortunately, he was armed with a Leica camera, a mantra of killing only time, taking only photographs, and leaving only footprints, and his dream would be fulfilled.
However, the real truth of this story lies in the author’s fascination for a forlorn Land Rover parked in a London side street, covered in battle scars and lichen. A few very worn decals gave their game away and warranted further investigation. Martin Port is a renowned classic car journalist, with a love of old Land Rovers.
This project was right up his street. Sadly, Mr. Kohler passed away in 2015 but, with the permission of his family, Martin gained access to the most astonishing library of photographs that chronicle a life in pursuit of adventure and a biographical tale of fearless single-mindedness.
Book-Review-Trans-Africa-cover
Book review example Spread over 144pp, in gloriously reproduced Technicolor (and monochrome) images, is the inspirational journey undertaken by an intriguing young man. If you have a love of period images, notably of the 1950s and 1960s, you are going to love this book.
It is fortunate indeed that the multi-award-winning Porter Press, a publishing house renowned for its high-quality reproduction, has created this book, as it highlights the company’s tactile talents yet again.
Port has ensured that the information has been carefully resourced and supported by whatever proofs may be required, including receipts and invoice copies.
Book review example It is written in a disarmingly crisp manner, which more than underscores the author’s passion for the subject material but also illuminates Mr. Kohler’s sense of adventure. It is a superb story, told well, and presented beautifully.
Admittedly, it is possibly more difficult to repeat the exercise today but it serves the purpose of some adventurers to fulfill their own treks of a lifetime. The book represents excellent value for money.
