Customer Reviews

Dan Gurney: The Ultimate Racer

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Almost a great book, certainly this book attempts to immortalize one of the sport's greatest heroes, Dan Gurney. It is a beautiful photographic record of his career and perhaps worthy of purchase based on the photos alone. The shame of this book lies in the fact that Dan was not consulted at any time. Introduction, Page 7, 3rd paragraph from the end,last sentence: "Because I did not interview or consult Dan specifically for this book, any and all errors of fact or interpretation are solely my responsibility" What on earth is the author thinking!?! Not only is Dan alive and well "writing" additional chapters in his life, he's in the phone book! Ludvigsen should well be ashamed of himself for his lack of respect for Dan, not only an All American Racer, an All American Hero!

I have read this book and enjoyed it very much. I have also heard on the grapevine that in fact Mr. Ludvigsen did speak to Mr. Gurney quite a lot and was constantly in touch with him during the writing of the book. They had been friends for years. When it came to the final edit Mr. Gurney requested a copy and Mr. Ludvigsen kindly supplied one. Mr. Gurney then demanded changes which did not necessarily portray the truth of what happened in certain instances. Mr. Ludvigsen was not prepared to compromise on the truth (and as a respected and award-winning author I am not surprised) and published the book as an honest account of this talented drivers career. Mr. Ludvigsen and Mr. Gurney at that point fell out and this is why Mr. Gurney claims to have not been consulted!!! If you want a true account of Dan Gurney read this book!!!

Write a biography about a racing driver who still is alive and lucid and not interview the guy for this book???!! And still have the guts to say so ???!!! The photos are great, but I wanna text, no photos, to know about someone !!! This guy Karl does always the same. Of course, in the lack of great biographies of F-1 drivers, he can get along with this...

The book is very well done and even though I purchased a used version
it is in like new condition

I agree with everything the other reviewer said, the photo history presented is quite superb. I remember reading that the author and Mr Gurney did not get along at all well, hence the lack of interviews.

I bought the book a year or so ago. Enjoyed it but when I went to AAR and talked to Dan, he mentioned that he was disappointed that he was not asked or consulted in any way. I felt as though I let him down by buying it. It does have excellent photographs and appears to be well written.

I agree with everything the other reviewer said, the photo history presented is quite supberb. I remember reading that the author and Mr Gurney did not get along at all well, hence the lack of interviews.