James Hunt: The Biography [Paperback]

Gerald Donaldson (Author), Murray Walker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2003

James Hunt burst on the Formula One scene with a reputation for reckless driving, and a reckless lifestyle. Tragically his life was cut short at the age of just 46 by a heart attack. Triumphing against all the odds to become the Formula One World Drivers' Champion, Hunt sank into a period of decadence and depression…only to be rejuvenated when he found love in his personal life. With personal contentment came a renewed zest for life resulting in one one of the most colourful and controversial figures in Grand Prix racing being best remembered by those close to him as a fun-loving, caring man who had a genuinely uplifting presence – qualities that shine through in Gerald Donaldson's compelling and moving account of his life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The best biography of a racing driver I've ever read.' Classic Cars; 'Donaldson, in his thoughtful and intimate work, has delved behind the headlines and superbly fleshed out the character behind the caricatures of James Hunt.' Dally Telegraph; 'Covers James Hunt's life with skilful devotion.' Mail on Sunday; 'Donaldson has written a very fine book.' Independent

About the Author

Gerald Donaldson is one of the world's most highly regarded motor sport authors. He has written several books, among them the highly acclaimed Gilles Villeneuve: The Life of the Legendary Racing Driver. He has also recently edited The Formula 1 Anthology. Gerald is Grand Prix Editor of Formula One Magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Virgin Books (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753507358
• ISBN-13: 978-0753507353
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,167,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough and touching, February 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: James Hunt: The Biography (Hardcover)

As most motorsport fanatics will know Gerald Donaldson has written some of the best motor racing books ever written, and this could be his best. I expected a style similar to that in his popular Gilles Villeneuve biography, but instead found a very candid and sensitive coverage of all of James Hunt's life that by itself makes a great tribute to James. Painstakingly written and researched aswell. If you liked the Villeneuve book I would say buy this, it will make you laugh and cry.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Quite entertaining - light reading., September 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: James Hunt: The Biography (Paperback)

First of all, I give this book 3 stars as it was not really one of those "can't put down" books. However, it was a good and entertaining read about the life of James Hunt. When you read this kind of book, you never realize what kind of life these drivers lead away from the track. Donaldson describes James' pursuit of racing glory from local club racer, through the F3 ranks and his entry into F1 via the Hesketh squad. This book certainly shows what racing used to be like in the "good ol' days". It's a far cry from today's sanitized life styles on the current F1 circuit. I recommend this book as well as Donaldson's book on Gilles Villeneuve.

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good read!, February 12, 2012

By 

S. Rao (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: James Hunt (Paperback)

James Hunt was a unique character in the world of Formula 1. A newbie to Formula 1 used to the likes of Alonso and Hamilton will be amazed by Hunt's shenanigans back in the 1970s.

This book is a very well written and emphatic look at a life of a self man who lived his life HIS way. It traces his impoverished beginnings and shows several glimpses of a determined man who would face adversity after adversity and triumph at the end.

You get glimpses of the demons that he was battling throughout his lie - his addictions, failed relationships, etc. It was a pity that the Hunt finally conquered them all only to die from a heart attack soon after.

Hunt is perhaps best remembered for his partying ways but he ought to be remembered for his speed. To win a championship at a time when you had drivers like Lauda, Peterson, Scheckter, etc. is no small achievement.

This is a very good biography - well worth a read if you are an F1 devotee.