Autobiography: sport Books

Book SynopsisMatt Seaton’s critically acclaimed memoir about his obsession for cycling and how that obsession was tamed. For a time there were four bikes in Matt Seaton’s life. His evenings were spent 'doing the miles' on the roads out of south London and into the hills of the North Downs and Kent Weald. Weekends were taken up with track meets, time trials and road races – rides that took him from cold village halls at dawn and onto the empty bypasses of southern England. With its rituals, its code of honour and its comradeship, cycling became a passion that bordered on possession. It was at once a world apart, private to its initiates and, through the races he rode in Belgium, Mallorca and Ireland, a passport to an international fraternity. But then marriage, children and his wife's illness forced a reckoning with real life and, ultimately, a reappraisal of why cycling had become so compelling in the first place. Today, those bikes are scattered, sold, or gathering dust in an attic. Wry, frank and elegiac, ‘The Escape Artist’ is a celebration of an amateur sport and the simple beauty of cycling. It is also a story about the passage from youth to adulthood, about what it means to give up something fiercely loved in return for a kind of wisdom.Trade Review'As poignant an elegy as I have ever read. I finished the last chapters of this book just before I went to sleep, and in the morning, with a swoop of grief in my guts, it was the first thing I thought of.'Toby Clements, Daily Telegraph ‘Thoroughly tragic and almost brilliant. The Escape Artist is an achingly sad account of what Seaton now refers to as 'my former life.'Robert MacFarlane, Observer 'A heart-stopping examination of how, why and for what we push ourselves to the edge. I never thought I'd cry about bikes and cycling. It is one of those rare books you could give to absolutely anyone – and one you'll want to keep by you and read again and again.'Julie Myerson ‘This book is, above all, about passion and loss. It's about the passion of life at the very edge of athletic and mechanical achievement that is eventually lost to love of a wife and children, which in turn gives way to the loss of the wise and mother herself. I read and relished this book.'Jon Snow, Guardian

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Ronan O'Gara has been at the heart of Munster and Irish rugby for the past fifteen years. Now, as he comes to the end of a glittering playing career, it is time for him to reflect on those many successes and occasional failures with the straight-talking attitude that has become his trademark. Never one to shy away from the truth, the result is Ronan O'Gara: Unguarded.Packed full of anecdotes and analysis of the teammates O'Gara has been proud to share the shirt with, and of the coaches he has played under - often in controversial circumstances - this is the definitive record of an era when Munster rose to triumph in Europe, and Ireland to win the Grand Slam, before crashing down to earth again. It is simply the must-have rugby book of the year.

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR RUGBY BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS'When I came into the Ulster team,' Stephen Ferris says with typical candour, 'we were crap'. It was, however, preferable to his day job of paving driveways, and that day in 2005 saw the start of an incredible journey for Ferris, Ulster and Ireland rugby. A Celtic League title in his very first senior season with Ulster. A Grand Slam in 2009, followed by a sensational Lions breakthrough. A starring role in Ireland's greatest World Cup win, over Australia in 2011, when Ferris famously picked up Will Genia and carried him ten yards. And leading Ulster from nowhere to the Heineken Cup final.Stephen Ferris had an incredible rugby career, tragically ended by ankle injuries so severe they will never properly heal. He is an inspiration to the population of Ulster, an emblem of the sport that serves as such a positive expression of its culture and identity, and earned the respect and admiration of fans across Ireland for his strength, pace, skill and courage. Fearless, funny and full of an incredible array of stories from behind the scenes of Ulster, Ireland and the Lions, this is the must-have rugby book of the year.Trade ReviewWritten in a colloquial style that reassures you this is Ferris's story in his own words, this is a cracking read... compelling. * Rugby World, Book of the Month *

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Book SynopsisOlympic gold medallist Darren Campbell is one of Britain's most successful and popular athletes, yet the real story behind his success has not been made public, until now. Track Record, his long-awaited autobiography, reveals how a boy from painfully humble beginnings in Moss Side, Manchester, and who suffered bullying at school, was inspired by Carl Lewis at the 1984 Olympics to harness his athletic ability and break out of a cycle of misbehaviour and petty crime to enjoy huge success in sport, business and as a broadcaster. Despite his early promise as a young sprinter Darren explains how, totally disillusioned with the use of performance-enhancing drugs in athletics, he turned to football where he played at a semi-professional level for Cwmbran Town, Weymouth FC and was offered a contract at Plymouth Argyle. His realisation, however, that he could either continue to be a decent lower league footballer, or return to the track and become a world class sprinter, saw him link-up with coach Linford Christie and achieve great success, winning a host of gold, silver and bronze medals at major championships, including silver in the 200m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and gold in the 4 x 100m at the 2004 Athens Olympics Spurred into finally telling his story after suffering a life-threatening condition in 2018, Track Record is the heart-warming and inspirational life-story of a talented, principled and determined man who overcame economic poverty and racial prejudice to triumph on the athletic tracks of the world.Trade Review‘Darren has provided more than just a highly readable account of his life and athletics career, he also gives a fascinating insight into him as a person, and has shared with us all how the many events in his celebrated life were shaped by a background that has created resilience and integrity, both on the track and off it.’ Denise Lewis OBE; ‘I first met Darren when he was 14 years old and he had the ability to charm everyone he met and make them believe that he would be good at whatever he set his mind to. Over the years, I realised that there was a deep thinker behind that smile and the only person who could stop him achieving his goals was himself. At a time when Ron Roddan and I coached Darren, we were working with a hugely talented group of athletes who pushed, supported and motivated each other into achieving their goals and some of my proudest moments in athletics have been helping Darren achieve his dreams. He is family and always will be.’ Linford Christie OBE; ‘Olympic gold and silver medals are but part of the story. Few of us can relate to the elation generated by the unforgettable sprint relay glory of Athens in 2004, just as the murder of a friend brings a darkness too scary for most of us to comprehend. Some have been tempted to describe a dropped baton in a relay race as a tragedy. Darren Campbell knows better.’ Mike Costello, BBC Radio 5LiveTable of ContentsPreface by Mike Costello Foreword by Denise Lewis Acknowledgements Prologue: Running in the Wrong Direction 1. Moss Side 2. Sale Racecourse 3. Newport 4. Wilderness 5. Atlanta 6. Budapest 7. Sydney 8. Manchester 9. Athens 10. Retirement 11. Coach Epilogue: The Toughest Race of My Life Record of Achievement

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Book Synopsis'I, Steven Paul Fenwick, have a revelation to make that may surprise many readers. My first international representative rugby union honours were playing for England. There I was, in the line-up up for the English national anthem, in full regalia and the red rose on my chest representing England. I know this may come as a shock and it still feels as odd now as it did all those years ago, but bear with me, don't judge me quite yet!' An icon of Welsh rugby and one of the stars of the great Wales team of the 1970s, Steve Fenwick won three Triple Crowns, two Grand Slams and played in all four Tests of the 1977 Lions tour to New Zealand. He is also one of the very few members of that illustrious team to not have told his story, until now. Witty and engaging with a very dry sense of humour, Steve Fenwick's autobiography tells the story of the schoolboy from Nantgarw who became one of the most celebrated players in the rugby world, and his hilarious anecdotes and recollections of a glittering career during a golden age of Welsh rugby will delight and enthral readers in Wales and beyond.Trade Review'A player I would go to war with.' JPR Williams; 'On and off the field there was no fiercer or more determined competitor.' Brynmor Williams; 'It was that marvellous quick pass from Fenwick that gave Phil Bennett that superb try.' Bill McLaren; 'One of the outstanding centres of the 1970s.' Willie John McBride; 'Steve was an exceptionally talented centre and a tremendous goal-kicker. If I had to pick a team, Steve would be an automatic choice in my rugby union and rugby league teams.' Tom David; 'One of the most unselfish players I ever played with, who possessed a golden match-winning talent for creating a last-minute try or taking long-range goal-kicks which inevitably split the posts.' Gareth Davies; 'Steve was a fine rugby footballer in both codes, a reliable kicker and solid in defence.' Jim MillsTable of ContentsForeword by Brynmor Williams Prologue 1. Wearing the Red Rose 2. Schoolboy 3. Taff's Well RFC 4. Working and Playing 5. Beddau 6. Bridgend 1974-77 7. Bridgend 1978-81 8. Start of international career 9. Wales 1976-77 10. 1978 Grand Slam and 'the Dive' 11. Playing for Wales 1979-81 12. Playing for the Lions 13. Invitational Rugby Tours 14. Crossing the Great Divide 15. My return to rugby 16. No more rugby - what now? Epilogue

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Book SynopsisIn this very personal book, Stirling Moss guides the reader through his motor racing life with a fascinating, insightful and often amusing commentary to an unrivalled collection of over 300 photographs, many of which will be unfamiliar to even his most ardent fans. He takes us from his childhood to the height of his fame as 'Mr Motor Racing' and then to the sudden end of his career with that crash at Goodwood in 1962. Along the way we dwell on his finest moments as well as the setbacks, and delight in the sheer variety of machinery - almost 100 different cars - in which he competed during his rollercoaster racing life. This is a book that all motor racing enthusiasts will treasure. Starting in 1948, he made his name in little 500cc Coopers, moving towards stardom in HWM, ERA and Cooper F2 cars, then his own F1 Maserati 250F. The 1955 Mercedes season and its twin highlights a winning the Mille Miglia and the British Grand Prix. His longing to win in British cars was rewarded with two fine F1 seasons at Vanwall (1957a 58), with whom he came very close to winning the F1 World Championship, and sports car successes with Aston Martin.- Rear-engined Cooper and Lotus F1 cars with Rob Walker (1958a 62), including two celebrated Monaco GP wins.- Two-seater variety: the amazing range of sports cars he drove included Jaguars (XK120, C-type and D-type), Maseratis (150S to 450S), Ferraris (250 GT SWB and Testa Rossa) and Porsches (550 Spyder to RS61), plus Frazer Nash Le Mans Replica, Osca, Healey 100S, Cooper 'Bobtail' and more. Ever busy and versatile: rallying with Sunbeams, trialling a Harford special, Bonneville record-breaking with MG EX181, saloon car racing in a humble Standard Ten a and even a kart race. Published to mark the 60th anniversary of Moss' famous win in the 1955 Mille Miglia road race in a Mercedes 300SLR.Foreword by 2014 Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton."

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Book SynopsisEnglishman David Hobbs – `Hobbo’ to his friends and fans – is one of motor racing’s most remarkable all-rounders. In a 41-year driving career he raced in almost every imaginable category: endurance sports racers, touring cars, Formula 1, Formula 5000, Indycars, IMSA, Trans-Am, Can-Am and even NASCAR – he has done the lot. And on top of that he has been a television commentator in America for nearly 40 years, bringing wit and wisdom to the screen, presently as part of NBC’s Formula 1 team. Now, at last, he has put down all his experiences in this highly readable memoir that will be welcomed by racing enthusiasts on both sides of the Atlantic. Early racing years: from his mum’s Morris Oxford in 1959 to Jaguars and a Lotus Elite – and coming to the notice of the racing world. Sports car speciality: Le Mans in 1963 with the Lola Mk6 GT followed by Lola T70 drives and finally the big break; two Ford GT40 seasons with John Wyer’s mighty Gulf-sponsored team bring a win at Monza in 1968 and third place at Le Mans in 1969 – and then a Porsche 917 Le Mans drive in 1970. Single-seaters: coming close to a Formula 1 breakthrough with Honda in 1968, but Formula 5000 in America is where success comes, as 1971 champion. Westward bound: the USA becomes his focus, with early highlights including fifth place in the 1974 Indianapolis 500 with a McLaren and leading the Daytona 500 NASCAR classic in 1976. Criss-crossing the Atlantic: returning to old haunts to take up opportunities, including racing Jaguar’s famously fragile XJ coupé in 1976 and many more Le Mans outings, topped with another third place in 1984 driving a Porsche 956. Another championship title: ever versatile, he becomes Trans-Am Champion in 1983 driving a Chevrolet Camaro and winning four races. Sports cars galore: racing all the way to 1990, in all sorts of machinery but majoring on those all-conquering Porsches of the period – 935s, 956s and 962s.

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Book SynopsisImagine being so good at football that your legs get insured for a million pounds – at the age of 11. In the 1990s, Sonny Pike had it all. A glittering future in the professional game beckoned. Dutch ‘Total Football’ giants Ajax swooped and flash soccer agent Eric Hall signed him up. Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Paul Smith queued up to sponsor him. He appeared on TV shows like Fantasy Football and Blue Peter, featured in Hello Magazine and even had his own rap song. Billed as English football’s ‘next Diego Maradona’, everyone loved the baby-faced young superstar. And then, through no fault of his own, it was all taken from him. Controversially banned from football, the spotlight faded. Agents turned their backs. Sponsors withdrew their deals. TV and the media moved on. Even his dad disappeared off the scene. Lost and desperate, Sonny searched for an answer, dabbling in crime, landing in court and even behind bars. The promise of fame and fortune had turned to nothing and there seemed no way back . . . Sonny Pike: The Greatest Footballer That Never Was is a remarkable tale of exploitation and reckless ambition, exposing the worst side of our game in an era when it was evolving in to the multi-million pound industry we know today. Sonny’s story is captivating, at times harrowing, but ultimately inspirational. As thousands of young footballers dream of football stardom, it is more relevant now than ever

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for The Telegraph's Sports Book Awards - Autobiography of the Year, 2019Longlisted for the Specsavers National Book AwardsOne of the Daily Mail's and the Observer's Books of the Year, 2018The match-winning superstar of the England cricket team finally shares his remarkable personal story in this eagerly-awaited autobiography.Moeen traces his journey from backyard cricket to the county game and his first-class debut as a teenager, through to his international debut at the relatively late age of 27 and the golden summer of 2017, when he was anointed Player of the Series against South Africa with thousands of England fans chanting his name.But cricket is just one part of Moeen's life. His upbringing in the tough Sparkhill neighbourhood of Birmingham and the awakening at eighteen that led him to become a devout Muslim have given him a social conscience unusual for an elite athlete but have also attracted controversy. Here, for the first time, Moeen tells his side of the story.Talented, tenacious and thoughtful, Moeen Ali is a true all-rounder.

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Book SynopsisJaco van Gass was 23 when he was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in Afghanistan in 2009. Losing his left arm to the blast, he sustained life-threatening injuries that stopped his heart twice; yet by a miracle - and the skill of the medics treating him - he survived. Against all the odds, Jaco has fought to build a post- injury life as an adventurer and professional athlete, a journey that has taken him from the slopes of the world's highest mountains to the North Pole, from the Carretera Austral to international cycling competitions in an Olympic velodrome. In his inspirational autobiography, Jaco tells his compelling and inspiring story, starting with his childhood in South Africa and ending on the podium in Tokyo. Shedding light on the potholes and pitfalls encountered along the way, he paints a vivid picture of the harshness of Basic Training, the cruel realities of war, the struggle to rebuild his life after losing a limb, the energy-sapping cold experienced at 6,000 metres above sea level, and the complexities of navigating the world of British Cycling. From the dust of the Afghan desert to the blinding whiteness of the North Pole, Jaco's story is one of horror and of great hope, of near-death escapes and of fierce resolve, and, above all, his unequivocal determination to succeed. Jaco has overcome extraordinary odds, not only in refusing to let injury define his life, but in going on to tackle challenges of which few people would even dream. Not just for adventure and military enthusiasts, Unequivocal is for any reader looking for an honest, inspiring voice that will encourage them to live life to the full.

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Book SynopsisIn Storms of Silence Joe Simpson recalls the severe snowstorm which put an end to an attempt with four others on Gangchempo and the infection which forced him to abandon the climb on Cho Oyu in tibet. During that expedition he has a disturbing encounter with a party of political refugees and a 4-year-old boy fleeing across the Tibetan border. He becomes obsessed with stories of Chinese brutality in the old world Tibet they overran by force 40 years ago. He also begins to question the ethic of playing rich men''s games in Third World countries, contributing little to the local people who endure a fearful struggle to survive. Oppression abroad makes him see mindless violence in his home town of Sheffield in a new light. The books ends with his first trip to the Andes in Peru since Touching the Void.Trade ReviewExcellent...Simpson is a born writer * The Times *'To mix a metaphor, Joe Simpson is a streetwise mountaineer...He takes you close to the nitty-gritty, the nuts and bolts of professional climbing in the 1990's. He is used to dealing with totalitarian policemen. He is passionate and moving on the subject of Tibet and the agonies inflicted on it by the cruel Chinese occupation...Above all, Simpson is a born writer' -- Paul Johnson * The Times *'The book's major theme is the nature of aggression. A skinhead in a Sheffield bar sets the reader up for the genocide that is modern Tibetan history...What makes Joe Simpson stand out is his belief that there is more to life than a crampon, and his dogged refusal to leave the highest mental peaks unclimbed' -- Sara Wheeler * Daily Telegraph *'THis immensely accessible book offers a unique re-interpretation of masculinity...In doing so, it offers a ray of hope to an increasingly bleak and vicious society' -- Martin Booth * Independent *

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Book Synopsis'The last descent and I can't let myself think it's in the bag. Anything could happen, take it easy, take no risks. Just get to the finish and win.''The challenge and anticipation that pushes me to try harder. The obsessive urge to achieve. It's not all about winning. Why do I do it?'Growing up in Bristol, Heather Dawe was 17 when she started running. Having fallen in to the teenage trap of smoking and drinking she resolved to do something about it, not knowing then where it would take her.A climber since her youth, an obsession with wild places and the mountains was engrained in her DNA. Moving to Leeds to study, she began to compete in fell races and mountain marathons, joking in the pub one night that she could race at the highest level.Being hit by a car doing over 40mph while cycling would have ended many athletes' dreams, but Dawe's drive pushed her even harder. Hard enough to make her pub joke a reality, hard enough to win Elite Mountain Marathons, to win the Three Peaks Cyclo-cross race and to complete the Bob Graham Round. Pushing harder still, she entered the Tour Divide - racing the 2745-mile route of the Continental Divide in North America as she to sought to discover her physical - and emotional - limits.Dawe writes of what it takes to compete in adventure races; the training, the sacrifice, the mistakes that must be made in order to learn and develop. An intensely deep and personal book, Adventures in Mind explores what drives a woman - living with her partner and their child, working 9-5 - to push so hard and so far; into herself, and into the wild.Trade Review'Dawe’s prose is engaged, matter-of-fact and joyful, celebrating how a love of mountains can become a deep and engrained part of anyone’s everyday life.' Helen Mort, Climb Magazine'In this inspirational book, Heather Dawe describes how she went from being a rock climbing student at Leeds University to one of the UK’s leading endurance athletes, winning some of the toughest events in the country. Subtitled ‘a personal obsession with the mountains,’ the question Heather asks throughout the book is why – why does she need to constantly push herself to the edge, and what happens when you fail? It’s introspective and honest, going so far as to wonder if she forces herself to ride her bike.' – Rosie Fuller, Adventure Travel Magazine'Heather asks the eternal question "Why do we do it?" and, in search of the answer, takes us along a very personal journey from her beginnings in sport, through the highs and lows and ultimately to the place where she discovers where her limits might lie. A beautifully written and inspiring book that goes far beyond the physical aspects of endurance sports!' – Fell Runner (The magazine of the FRA)'Adventures in Mind is a very enjoyable book. It's inspiring, in a very immediate sense. Pick up a good book about epic feats of adventure in the Himalaya or at the Poles and no doubt you will feel inspired, but here we are reading about a normal woman living in a normal British town, with a job to hold down and the same day to day concerns and obligations as you or me. Her achievements, of course, are anything but normal; she demonstrates that anyone can achieve things they might consider well beyond their perceived abilities if they put the effort in.' – Tony O'Donnell, The Outdoor Times'Dawe's stubborn determination will make even the most casual athlete want to up their game, but it’s her passion for the outdoors that will resonate, reminding the soul within that nature can heal on many levels.' – Jennifer Olson, Women's Adventure Magazine'Heather’s debut book is a breath of fresh air. She doesn’t slot neatly into any pigeon holes – she’s as passionate about running as she is about cycling and climbing. She’s not a professional athlete - her day job is statistician and systems architect and she has recently become an artist as well as a mother. For me it stood out because – unlike so many of the high octane adventure sports books and films that I read and watch – it wasn’t another ego-driven account of ‘living the dream’. It’s more about dealing with everyday reality – confronting the doubts and fears that everyone has.' – Outdoorsmagic.comTable of ContentsForeword By Al Powell Prologue Finished Business Introduction The Start Point PART 1 Rise and Fall One Fitting In Two Mountain Marathon 1 Three Sea Cliffs Four Mountain Marathon 2 Five Car Crash PART 2 LEARNING Six Mountain Marathon 3 Seven Calderdale Eight Running Nine Mountain Marathon 4 Ten Morning Ride Eleven Mountain Marathon 5 Twelve Ventoux Thirteen Mountain Marathon 6 PART 3 Tour Divide Fourteen PerfectionFifteen Preparation Sixteen Tour Divide Seventeen Going Home Epilogue Chevin AcknowledgementsBibliography

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Book SynopsisIn early 1978, an extraordinary new invention for rock climbers was featured on the BBC television science show Tomorrow's World. It was called the 'Friend', and it not only made the sport safer, it helped push the limits of the possible. The company that made them was called Wild Country, the brainchild of Mark Vallance. Within six months, Vallance was selling Friends in sixteen countries. Wild Country would go on to develop much of the gear that transformed climbing in the 1980s. Mark Vallance's influence on the outdoor world extends far beyond the company he founded. He owned and opened the influential retailer Outside in the Peak District and was part of the team that built The Foundry, Sheffield's premier climbing wall - the first modern climbing gym in Britain. He worked for the Peak District National Park and served on its board. He even found time to climb eight-thousand-metre peaks and the Nose on El Capitan. Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in his mid fifties and robbed of his plans for retirement, Vallance found a new sense of purpose as a reforming president of the British Mountaineering Council.In Wild Country, Vallance traces his story, from childhood influences like Robin Hodgkin and Sir Jack Longland, to two years in Antarctica, where he was base commander of the UK's largest and most southerly scientific station at Halley Bay, before his fateful meeting with Ray Jardine, the man who invented Friends, in Yosemite. Trenchant, provocative and challenging, Wild Country is a remarkable personal story and a fresh perspective on the role of the outdoors in British life and the development of climbing in its most revolutionary phase. Mark Vallance (1945–2018), the man who made Friends. Trade Review'[The book] chronicles not just the mountains [Mark] has climbed, but the part he played in bringing to market a little piece of sporting equipment that revolutionised mountaineering and saved countless lives.' – Sarah Freeman, Yorkshire Post ‘Widely-known as the man who made Friends, Mark Vallance’s influence is far wider than that, as his autobiography elucidates. Dick Turnbull summed up Mark’s achievements very well as the book launch at Outside on 2 June 2016, when he said to a packed audience, “your entire climbing career is entirely dependent upon Mark”.' – Keith Sharples, Climber magazine 'This is an outstanding book by an outstanding personality and it is a tragedy that it needs to end on such a sad note with failing vigour, decimated by a presently incurable disease, however he assures us that he is "still fighting gravity and always will".' – Dennis Gray, Footless Crow 'It is a good inspiring read which covers not just the life of a remarkable man, but gives a unique view of some of the developments in our world of climbing that these days we take for granted.' – David Medcalf, Footless Crow 'A thoroughly well written book which combines the personal adventures of the life of a climber with an interesting history of climbing gear and its manufacture in Britain over the last 50 years.' – Nick Carter, Alpha Mountaineering 'The book is an inspirational tale of a very determined man who has without doubt altered and enhanced the climbing world. Absolutely a ‘must-read’.' – Ian Sykes, Scottish Mountaineering Council JournalTable of ContentsPrologue: Diagnosis; 1 First Moves; 2 Lessons from Jack; 3 India; 4 New Schools; 5 Gash Hand; 6 America; 7 A Proper Job; 8 Making Friends; 9 Tomorrow's World; 10 You Don't Need a Hammer to Crack a Nut; 11 Super Nova; 12 Moving the Centre; 13 Three Big Mountains and a Smaller One; 14 Climbing the Walls; 15 Infinity on Trial; 16 Swansong; Acknowledgements.

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Book SynopsisTHE NO. 1 BESTSELLERIn his hotly anticipated autobiography, Johnny Sexton tells the story of his life and explores the sources of his unmatched will to win.''Sexton will go down as Ireland''s greatest ever player'' Gordon D''Arcy, Irish Times‘A revealing glimpse into the psyche of a serial winner’ Robert Kitson, Guardian___________________Four European Cups. Four Six Nations championships (including two Grand Slams). A series win in New Zealand. Two stints for Ireland at number 1 in the world. And the World Player of the Year award. No Irish rugby player has ever achieved more, or been a source of more inspiration to teammates and fans alike, than Johnny Sexton.Outspoken, on and off the field, Sexton offers an honest look at his childhood, his relationships with key teammates and coaches (including Brian O''Driscoll, Paul O''Connell, Ronan O''Gara, Joe Schmidt and Andy Farrell), and his ideas about the game.But it is also a work of deep self-exploration, tracing the psychological arc of a player who almost always felt embattled, who struggled with self-doubt, and who was still learning new lessons about being a team-mate and a leader into his late thirties.Intense, witty, perceptive and frank, Obsessed is an autobiography worthy of its author and the essential chronicle of an extraordinary era in Irish rugby.___________________''Levels of wit and psychological insight that are all too rare in a sporting star’s autobiography’ The Telegraph''A fascinating portrait of a man always at war … Candid, frank and brilliantly written, this is a must for any rugby lover’ Daily Mail''A seriously compelling book’ Stephen Jones, Sunday Times''The best ever Irish player to play the game'' Andy Farrell‘An autobiography to be inhaled’ Irish Examiner‘Sexton is on that rarefied plane of athlete where even his mere presence can feel quietly decisive’ Jonathan Liew, Guardian‘An essential read for any keen follower of professional sport in Ireland’ Irish Independent‘One of the best sports biographies in any discipline in recent times’ RTÉ Guide‘A rich insight into one of Irish sport’s most complex, high-performing minds … up there with the all-time great rugby books.’ Irish Independent

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Book Synopsis*THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*HOW DOES A PIT CREW CHANGE FOUR WHEELS IN 1.9 SECONDS?AND WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR A COMPANY LIKE BLACKBERRY?WHAT IS RON DENNIS' SECRET TO GOOD TIME MANAGEMENT?AND HOW CAN THAT HELP TV PRODUCERS?WHY IS F1 THE PERFECT EXAMPLE FOR LEADERSHIP, MOTIVATION AND STRATEGY?AND WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM IT?In The Winning Formula, driver, commentator and entrepreneur David Coulthard opens the doors to the secretive world of F1 and reveals in simple, entertaining and utterly compelling terms how he has been able to master this mind-boggling variety of disciplines by applying the skills honed from his years at the top of the world's most demanding motorsport.By recounting his own stories, and combining them with first-hand experience of stellar individuals such as Lewis Hamilton, Ron Dennis, Sir Frank Williams, Christian Horner and Sebastian Vettel, Coulthard provides a fascinating fly-on-the-wall insight into F1 but at the same time offers an invaluable guide to the business of sport and the sport of business.

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Book SynopsisFrom the world champion Patriots' charismatic wide receiver, a memoir about the journey to becoming a two-time Super Bowl winner.

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Book SynopsisOutwardly, 'Britain's most experienced teenage Alpinist' is a brave young mountaineer. But he's not experienced at all, at least not in the way he really wants to be. Behind his death-defying climbs there lurks a great deal of fear - fear of the opposite sex, fear of failure, fear of not being 'man enough'. He seeks manhood in the mountains, yet he believes he will only truly gain it by losing something. Harrowing escapades in Scotland, the Alps and Alaska are interspersed by excruciating sexual encounters and unsettling hitch-hiking rides. When the mountains fail him, he seeks meaning with a religious cult in Colorado. Eventually he succeeds in his quest, only to find that he's lost more than he bargained for. Virgin on Insanity by Steve Bell is a coming-of-age story of high adventure, youthful insecurity and immature love. The situations might be extreme, but the deeper issues will be familiar to many.

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Book SynopsisMark Ward enjoyed all the trappings of success as one of the most popular and highly-rated right wingers in football. 'Wardy' proved an overnight sensation at Oldham and continued to be a star at West Han, Man City and Everton before inspiring Birmingham City to Wembley glory. But when his career on the pitch ended, his life swiftly unravelled. After failed business ventures and the collapse of his marriage to his childhood sweetheart he ended up unemployed - and desperate. Ward put his name to a rental agreement on a house near Liverpool that was used by others to stash drugs. When the police raided they found a drugs factory. He pleaded guilty to dealing and was sent to Liverpool's notorious Walton Prison. His life would never be the same. During the years he spent inside he has been able to reflect on an extraordianry playing career and an equally eventful life off the picth. He recounts in heart-wrenching detail his highs and lows and tells it like it is with honesty that epitomised his playing career.

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Book SynopsisStanley Matthews was the most popular footballer of his era, the man who epitomised a generation of legendary players: Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse, Billy Wright and many more. He was the first footballer ever to be knighted, the first European Footballer of the Year (at 41), and he played in the top division until he was 50 - and he will be forever remembered for his performance in the Matthews FA Cup final of 1953, when he inspired Blackpool to victory over Bolton. THE WAY IT WAS is a the fascinating memoir of a great footballer and the remarkable story of an extraordinary life, written in the last months of his life.Trade Review'...both a fascinating personal story and an evocation of a sporting world that has gone forever.' W MagazineThere is a heartfelt, elegiac quality [to] THE WAY IT WAS ... It is only a pity he is not here to see it published * Chris Maume, Independent *`A first summary of the life, on and off the pitch of England's greatest player' ExpressThe book is an appropriate and nearly always engrossing chronicle of an illustrious career, and good to have * Ian Hamilton, Sunday Telegraph *'his engrossing autobiography' Times 'impossible to imagine any of today's football stars ever producing a memoir half so interesting' Mail on SundayEspecially rewarding, though, are Stan's descriptions of his technical perfectionism * Brian Glanville, Sunday Times *A fascinating and amusing insight into the inner workings of football during its golden era * Saul David, Daily Telegraph *THE WAY IT WAS is a ticket to a different era, when the game wasn't saturated with money and men like Sir Stanley upheld sporting ideals * Mike Pattenden, Times *Brings vividly to life some of the greatest games of the time and features his perceptive analysis of the characters who illuminated the age * Independent *The story of one of the greatest footballers of all time ... is told in great detail and with an unexpected sense of humour. It is his vivid memory that makes THE WAY IT WAS such a good read * FourFourTwo *A gracefully crafted autobiography filled with entertaining anecdotes reflecting an age when the game was uncorrupted by greed and hooliganism * Birmingham Post *

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Book SynopsisEddie Hapgood, Footballer is the extraordinary story of a young unknown from Bristol who became Arsenal and England captain and a national hero, in the dark days of the 1930s. His impact is so enduring that when the millennium dawned, the public voted him one of the greatest sportsmen of the century. That glorious legacy was painfully achieved. Hapgood considered football an art and played it joyously as part of a team, but he struggled when politics, class and money threatened to undermine him and corrupt football. By the late 1930s, the ugly shadows of fascism, Nazism and looming war were bearing down on the beautiful game. Hapgood found himself in a public fight for justice and respect, while behind the scenes he protected his family with dedication, love and humour. In this gripping memoir, his daughter Lynne Hapgood pulls together the various threads - success, celebrity, tragedy and vindication - to reveal the real Eddie Hapgood. She examines the nature of sporting greatness and its impact on fans and family.

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Book SynopsisRide lays bare the harrowing beginnings and the tough life lessons learned by superstar John Buultjens on his rise to BMX Glory, Against All the Odds. Raised by his poor family on Glasgow's Drumchapel estate, he slept rough to escape his violent father's beatings. Placed in a children's home by his mother, he was then adopted by a bi-racial couple. After conquering his own racism, his life turned around, and the blockbuster movie E.T. inspired a love of BMX. Although spurred by bitterness, John's emigration to Australia saw him take his sporting enthusiasm to new levels, becoming one of BMX's biggest names. Then came the call from California to lead the most famous BMX brand of them all, Haro. As their global brand manager, he now backs and sponsors riders across the globe. Hollywood has since turned his unbelievable journey into a movie, set for release in November 2017. Here, John reveals inner secrets including family murders, hatred, sexual abuse - and how his white-knuckle ride has taken him to the top against all the odds.

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Book SynopsisIn August 1978, thirteen women left San Francisco for the Nepal Himalaya to make history as the first Americans—and the first women—to scale the treacherous slopes of Annapurna I, the world's tenth highest peak. Expedition leader Arlene Blum here tells their dramatic story: the logistical problems, storms, and hazardous ice climbing; the conflicts and reconciliations within the team; the terror of avalanches that threatened to sweep away camps and climbers.On October 15, two women and two Sherpas at last stood on the summit—but the celebration was cut short, for two days later, the two women of the second summit team fell to their deaths. Never before has such an account of mountaineering triumph and tragedy been told from a woman's point of view. By proving that women had the skill, strength, and courage necessary to make this difficult and dangerous climb, the 1978 Women's Himalayan Expedition's accomplishment had a positive impact around the world, changing perceptions about women's abilities in sports and other arenas. And Annapurna: A Woman's Place has become an acknowledged classic in the annals of women's achievements—a story of challenge and commitment told with passion, humor, and unflinching honesty.

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Book SynopsisA tribute to Richie Benaud and a celebration of his life.Remembering Richie is a compilation of the very best writing from Richie''s books, along with the best tributes and obituaries from those who knew and worked with him. As a player, Richie was one of the greatest of cricket''s all-rounders. As a commentator and thinker on the game he became the leading figure of his generation. As a man he was revered by cricket''s multitude of followers and as a friend he was both loved and admired by his close circle of friends.This celebratory book brings together the best of Richie''s writing on a range of subjects from his love of cricket as a child to his all time XIs; from his thoughts on T20 to insight into his family life, along with his most loved sayings and best known pieces of commentary. All perfectly complemented with tributes from his friends and colleagues.Trade ReviewRemembering Richie Benaud collects plenty of well selected excerpts from his own various memoirs - Sunday AgeRemembering Richie is a celebration of the life of one of Australia's cricket icons - SA Life

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Book SynopsisIncluded in the Financial Times best books of 2020 selection''For those who fear the worst for the sport they love, this is like cool, clear water for a man dying of thirst. It''s barnstorming, coruscating stuff, and as fine a book about the game as you''ll read for years'' Mail on Sunday''Charming . . . a threnody for a vanished and possibly mythical England'' Sebastian Faulks, Sunday Times''Lyrical . . . [Henderson''s] pen is filled with the romantic spirit of the great Neville Cardus . . . This book is an extended love letter, a beautifully written one, to a world that he is desperate to keep alive for others to discover and share. Not just his love of cricket, either, but of poetry and classical music and fine cinema'' The Times (best summer books)''To those who love both cricket and the context in which it is played, the book is rather wonderful, and moving'' DailyTrade ReviewAbsolutely and completely loved this book by Michael Henderson - love letter, memoir, lament, polemic. Read, in place of cricket * Marina Hyde *Michael Henderson is one of the most knowledgeable writers there is about the summer game. In this vibrant chronicle of the 2019 cricket season, he travels around England taking the temperature of the sport he loves. The result is pure gold . . . The book is also a love poem to an England fast disappearing . . . For those who fear the worst for the sport they love, this is like cool, clear water for a man dying of thirst. It's barnstorming, coruscating stuff, and as fine a book about the game as you'll read for years -- Michael Simkins * Mail on Sunday *Philip Larkin's line "that will be England gone" is the premise of this fascinating book which is about music, literature, poetry and films as well as cricket. Henderson is that rare bird, a reporter with a fine grasp of time and place, but also a stylist of enviable quality and perception * Michael Parkinson *Admirers of Neville Cardus and A. E. Housman will warm to Michael Henderson's elegy for an ideal England. A rich roast dinner of cricket, music, topography, nostalgia and anecdote, washed down with prose as smooth and satisfying as a pint of Otter Ale * Sebastian Faulks *Charming . . . a threnody for a vanished and possibly mythical England -- Sebastian Faulks * Sunday Times *Lyrical . . . [Henderson's] pen is filled with the romantic spirit of the great Neville Cardus . . . Thisbook is an extended love letter, a beautifully written one, to a world that he is desperate to keep alive forothers to discover and share. Not just his love of cricket, either, but of poetry and classical music and finecinema . . . A book that started out as an elegy for a changing game seems more poignant now -- Patrick Kidd * The Times *To those who love both cricket and the context in which it is played, the book is rather wonderful, and moving -- Simon Heffer * Daily Telegraph *It is about cricket but also about much more: landscape, place, poetry, music, national mythology . . . This is the book's authentic register, and it is haunted by loss -- Jason Cowley * New Statesman *Englishness itself, as much as cricket, is the main theme of Michael Henderson's genre-melding That Will Be England Gone . . . extremely readable . . . often amusing . . . That Will be England Gone is part memoir, part sports book, part essay . . . Given that this may be a summer without leather and willow, and that coughing has become taboo, Henderson's book provides a much-needed literary-cricketing alternative: a beautiful clearing of the throat -- Daniel Rey * Spectator *In a work that now seems improbably prescient, that same sense of gazing at a disappearing world has been articulated with great skill and, most of all, great affection by Michael Henderson . . . The book - a paean to the sub-culture of county cricket, its supporters, its players, its observers, its writers, its pubs and its arenas - was completed before the coronavirus crisis struck but its premise seems more pertinent thanever -- Oliver Holt * Mail on Sunday *A travelogue and a love letter to the festival and spa towns of England and in particular to the places where county cricket is played . . . Henderson writes beautifully about Cheltenham and Chesterfield and Trent Bridge in Nottingham, his favourite Test ground. You do not need to love cricket to feel the point -- Philip Collins * The Times *One of my favourite writers about cricket -- Martin Samuel * Daily Mail *Beautifully written piece of work . . . wonderful book - not just a sports book, which is why it is so good - is to be reminded, or even educated, of what it means to be English and of England's history * Yorkshire Post *All good sports books are about more than just sport, and this anti-modern elegy to an old rural England takes in countless bypaths from Vienna to Ken Dodd . . . Erudite and occasionally beautiful * Financial Times *Erudite . . . genuinely beautiful * Wisden Cricket Monthly *It would perhaps be a mistake to regard this as purely a cricket book. Each excursion to a cricket ground is preceded and accompanied by extensive digressions elsewhere. But the digressions are not wandering from the point, but carefully crafted scene-setting as Henderson provides the social, artistic and historical context for the cricket he witnesses. Rather than purely a cricket book, this is an elegy for a vanishing world with cricket as its framework -- Richard Lawrence * The Journal of the Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians *Wonderful elegy to a game that, way more than any other, defines our shared identity . . . a timely reminderof what is missing from our lives in cricket's absence -- Jim White * The Oldie *Henderson has a gift for the telling phrase and illuminating anecdote -- Peter Wilby * New Statesman *

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Book Synopsis''Inspirational'' Sunday Express''Moving and forthright'' Mirror''Like so many of the stories in his book, Bright''s account of meeting his father for the first time in more than 20 years is told with brutal honesty'' GuardianWith a foreword by Gary LinekerMark Bright''s 1990s partnership with Ian Wright at Crystal Palace earned them legendary status with the club. Bright played top-level football for most of his career, after starting in non-league while working as an apprentice engineer. He appeared in FA and League Cup finals, played abroad and experienced the change which swept through the game with the introduction of the Premier League.But this book is not just about Bright''s time in the game. This is the story of someone who battled against the odds to achieve his dream. It is the story of a boy coping with the bewildering and frightening circumstances of being taken into care with his bTrade ReviewMoving and forthright * Mirror *An inspirational tale * Sunday Express *Like so many of the stories in his book, Bright's account of meeting his father for the first time in more than 20 years is told with brutal honesty * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisNew York Times Bestseller  Fame. Sex. Pain. Drugs. Death. Booze. Money. Addiction. Redemption. Dizzying heights. Rock-bottom depths. Desperation and elation—sometimes in the same hour. Not to mention power . . . and the struggle for it. The world knows Lamar Odom as a two-time NBA world champion who rocketed to uncharted heights of fame thanks to being a member of both the storied Los Angeles Lakers and the ubiquitous Kardashian empire. But who is Lamar, really? Fans have long praised his accessibility and genuine everyman quality—he is a blinding talent who has suffered a series of heartaches, setback, and loss. But until now, his most candid moments have remained behind closed doors . . . sometimes face-down on the floor. In Darkness to Light, Lamar gives readers an intimate look into his life like never before. His exclusive and revealing memoir recounts the highs and lows of fame and his strug

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Book SynopsisJules Lines, Britain's most accomplished free solo climber, gives a rare and candid glimpse into the mind of one of climbing's most audacious and determined legends. Tears of the Dawn is a journey unlike any other. With artistic eloquence and an unexpected humbleness, Lines recreates the triumphs, tribulations, friendships, romances and perhaps most poignantly of all, his close encounters with death, leaving the reader breathless, on edge, and, as the sunlight breaks, dreaming of mountain tops, oil rigs and a sense of adventure. This heartfelt and at times humourous, adrenaline-infused account is more than a story of adventure, it is a tale of obsession, addiction, passion, courage and the ability to push boundaries. Beautifully designed and illustrated, for dreamers and realists alike, Tears of the Dawn is an awe-inspiring and toe-tingling tale to be enjoyed by all. This second edition of the sellout original includes refreshed photography.Table of Contents1. Walking on the Moon 2. The Lure of the Tables 3. Precious Stones 4. The Hunted 5. Spirits in the Rocks 6. Grit Years 7. A Calm Sea Never Lies 8. Skye is the Limit 9. Icon of Lust 10. Dreamtime 11. Voices from the Abyss 12. Vanishing Point 13. Brazilian Learning Curve 14. Howff Dwellers 15. Déjà Vu 16. Feeding the Hens 17. Am Fear Liath Mor 18. Threading the Needles 19. The Otter's Breakfast Table 20. Rumours of Rain 21. The Dark Tide 22. Soul of Silence

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Book SynopsisHats, Handwraps and Headaches is the inspiring, surprising and sometimes shocking story of Irish boxing coach Paddy Fitzpatrick, a failed pro boxer who was almost a Foreign Legionary before finding fame as a trainer of world-class fighters. After struggling as a young adult and attempting suicide, Paddy's life was transformed by a chance meeting with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. Paddy moved to LA to learn his trade at Roach's Wild Card gym, working with the likes of world champions James Toney and Laila Ali, and spending time with Laila's legendary father Muhammad Ali. Back in England, Paddy used the things he had learnt to take George Groves to three world title fights, including the return super-fight with Carl Froch, which drew 80,000 fans to Wembley Stadium. Filled with astonishing anecdotes - like the time Paddy took shots from a Heavyweight contender and a near-miss with a grizzly bear - Hats, Handwraps and Headaches is funny and poignant in equal measure, with riveting tales from both sides of the Atlantic.

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Book Synopsis''For me, he is England''s greatest ever player'' - Gary Lineker''Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world'' - Manchester United FCSir Bobby Charlton is widely acknowledged as the greatest player ever to wear an England shirt. He won a record number of caps and scored a record number of goals. Here, in the second volume of his bestselling autobiography, Sir Bobby talks in detail about his phenomenal career with England. During the 12 years he played for his country, he was involved in some of the greatest England games of all time: the 9-3 thrashing of Scotland, the 1962 and 1970 World Cup games against the Brazilians, the classic 1970 World Cup quarter-final against West Germany and, of course, the triumph of the 1966 World Cup. His story encompasses drama, passion, goals, controversies, classic matches, world-class players, and moments of footballing genTrade Review'Hailed as one of the best football autobiographies ever... If you love the beautiful game, this is unmissable' * Daily Mail *'Compelling...beautifully co-authored' * Leo McKinstry, Sunday Telegraph *'As in volume one, the combination of Charlton's story and the work of James Lawton is unstoppable' * Sunday Times *'That the book doesn't quite live up to My Manchester United Years isn't a criticism - that it almost reaches the same heights is a sign of just how good a follow-up it is' * FourFourTwo *

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Book SynopsisIf there's an adventure to be had, it's likely that David Hempleman-Adams has been there first. Ranking alongside Ranulph Fiennes and Chris Bonnington in the pantheon of British explorers, he is the first person in history to achieve what is termed the Adventurers' Grand Slam, by reaching the Geographic and Magnetic North and South Poles as well as climbing the highest peaks on all seven continents. The question Hempleman-Adams is most often asked is, simply: what drives him on? Why risk frostbite pulling a sledge to the North Pole? Why experience the Death Zone on Everest? Why fly in the tiny basket of a precarious balloon across the Atlantic? Is it simply the case that he likes to push himself to the limits, or is there something more to it? No Such Thing as Failure answers these questions and more, uncovering what drives arguably the world''s greatest adventurer.Trade ReviewI admire David hugely. He is a true adventurer and this book shows the breadth and depth of his achievements. NO SUCH THING AS FAILURE is an astonishing book, depicting an awe-inspiring life.

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Book SynopsisThe outspoken and hard-hitting autobiography of one of the most highly-rated, recognisable and controversial football referees of modern times.Mark Clattenburg found himself in the centre circle, whistle in hand, at the start of 450 Premier League matches during a highly eventful 13-year career in football''s top flight. He has shaken hands with, issued red and yellow cards to, and been sworn at by hundreds of players. He has been screamed at and shared jokes with dozens and dozens of managers. And he''s felt the wrath of thousands upon thousands of irate fans.His autobiography is the ultimate guide to what it''s really like to be in the referee''s spotlight. It offers numerous intriguing insights into the daily trials and tribulations, the acute stresses and strains, of a top-flight referee. Clattenburg takes the reader into the referee''s room, the players'' tunnel and out on the pitch to experience precisely what a referee goe

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Book SynopsisBorn in Liverpool in 1975, Robbie Fowler became a club icon by the time he was eighteen. Now, he takes us through the games that have shaped his life and football philosophy, more than 25 years after he first signed as a professional.Engaging, personal and revealing, Robbie opens up about his astounding achievements, the price of fame and the regrets and struggles of being a professional footballer. From Hillsborough to Madrid, via the cup treble, that goal line celebration, Houllier, Benítez, Klopp and more, Robbie explains his thinking about the modern game. Inviting readers inside the dressing room, he shares stories of legendary teammates like Rush, McManaman and Gerrard, as well as his rise to football's top table. What inspired him to play the beautiful game? How did he get back up after the injuries that blighted his career? What gave him the drive to keep going and pursue his dreams?My Life in Football is the inspiring story of a local boy who became a legend.

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Book SynopsisWhat Goes on Tour, Stays on Tour…Until Now!

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Book SynopsisSimon Yates, author of Against the Wall, takes us back to his early years as a climber - the escapades and excitement of a young life lived on the edge and for the moment, when experience was all-important and dramatic achievements and failures came as naturally as the hair-raising risks themselves.A mountaineering travelogue of dazzling variety, The Flame of Adventure moves from the camaraderie of deprived Russian climbers in the little-known peaks in the Tien Shan to the awesome experience of the North Face of the Eiger, from a rumbustious motorbike ride across Australia with a psychotic lorry driver. We meet a remarkable gallery of climbers, from Doug Scott to Joe Simpson, and, when not exploring high mountains, we enter the bizarre world of rope access workers: mavericks balancing high above building sites on the London skyline.Trade ReviewSimon Yates' remarkable climbing journal, which offers the armchair alpinist a detailed account of lucky escapes, near disasters and more than a few triumphs, is one of the most readable mountaineering books currently on the market * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisIn 1997, Andy Cave returned from the Himalayas, having climbed the stupendous north face of Changabang but losing his friend and climbing partner in the process. Traumatized by the savage ordeal, he must examine his relationship with the mountains that have defined his life so far. Will he have the courage to undertake such a challenge again? Does he want to? Thin White Line charts his struggle towards finding an answer. It is as much a journey into the mind of an extreme mountaineer as it is into the wild landscapes through which he travels. In a nail biting narrative set in Patagonia, Norway and Alaska, Cave tackles the severest challenges modern Alpinism can pose. Juxtaposed with the stark beauty of the environment are the colourful characters populating his stories, from the adventurers around him, past and present, to the pioneer aviators who get him and his kind to those impossibly remote places. He vividly recreates the joy and despair of climbing, building the book tTrade ReviewAn intriguing mix of travelogue, mountaineering history, geography and an affectionate portrait of the climbing fraternity * Financial Times *A skilful blend of dialogue and descriptive prose threading a narrative that captures the highs and lows of a mountaineer's existence and the environments he travels through... Plenty of action... Gripping * Climb *In Thin White Line, Andy Cave picks up the story after his epic on the north face of Changabang in which his partner was lost in an avalanche. He could have been forgiven for giving up climbing after the harrowing experience but he returns with a vengeance, climbing hard routes from Alaska to Patagonia * Daily Telegraph *Andy Cave's compelling autobiography is, like Joe Simpson's Touching the Void, a gripping book on mountaineering that will appeal even to those who didn't know they were interested in climbing * The Observer *

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Book SynopsisThe Stirling Moss Scrapbook 1929-1954 tells the story of the formative years of one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. Moss's meteoric rise through the junior ranks with the little F3 500s, the big break with a borrowed XK120, the highs and lows with HWM when he took on the best in their more powerful Ferraris and shook the big names, the great drives and successes with Jaguar in the TT and at Le Mans, missing a Monte Carlo Rally win at the first attempt by mere seconds, the frustrating years when he put patriotism first and soldiered on with inadequate machinery and, finally, 1954 - the year when everything fell into place on the international stage.

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