Customer Reviews

Driving Forces: The Grand Prix Racing World Caught in the Maelstrom of the Third Reich

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

 

 

Stevenson starts out simply enough with a straight narrative focused on Carraciola, but soon gets distracted and never again picks up the threads.

I would have forgiven some of the purple writing and technical errors, as I would have forgiven Stevenson for barely touching on some of the truly great stories (ie, Varzi's fix at Tripoli and his tragic decline afterwards), but it's the last few chapters where the author spins off into wild, unsubstantiated speculation better suited to a tabloid than any book about historical events that I find completely unforgivable.

1. He asserts that Eberhorst was an incompetent designer (!) partly responsible for Rosemeyer's death.

2. He asserts that Hitler (!) somehow orchestrated Rosemeyer's death, and goes to great length to explain how Rosemeyer, knowing of the plot, bravely and stoicly went to his death to avoid bringing the wrath of the Nazis down on his wife and young child.

3. He postulates that had Rosemeyer lived, his popularity would soon have eclipse Hitler's, and that Rosemeyer would somehow wrench the Reich away from Hitler and lead Germany to avoid the carnage of WWII.

It would be impossible to fabricate more ludicrous theories about the events of this fascinating period. I bought this book because I was starved for more reading material about the subject, and couldn't bring myself to spend the money for the excellent (but expensive) Chris Nixon works. Do yourself a favor, skip straight to Nixon's efforts and leave this sort of bizarre revisionism on the shelf.

I found Driving Forces to be a educational, entertaining and comprehensive look at the little known world of early Grand Prix racing. Peter Stevenson's automotive expertise and extensive knowledge of the historical subject matter resulted in some facinating insights. His intuitive representation of the drivers and other key figures added a very human aspect of the story that was truly touching. I think it would make a great movie too!

I found Driving Forces to be a educational, entertaining and comprehensive look at the little known world of early Grand Prix racing. Peter Stevenson's automotive expertise and extensive knowledge of the historical subject matter resulted in some facinating insights. His intuitive representation of the drivers and other key figures added a very human aspect of the story that was truly touching. I think it would make a great movie too!

Very entertaining book. Plenty of exciting race action and fascinating characters. A great read -- it pulls you right in!

Peter Stevenson has researched this subject so thoroughly that he portrays the scenes as if he were there. I enjoyed each nuance of this epic book like a fine wine, tasty to the last drop! Bravo Peter! BRAVO!