Michael Schumacher: The Edge of Greatness [Hardcover]

James Allen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 6, 2007

Michael Schumacher is the outstanding Formula One driver of his generation and, statistically, the greatest ever. Gifted with a rare blend of superior ability and nerve that defines a champion, his performances have captured the imagination of fans all over the world. For 15 seasons, he has left rivals trailing in his wake, winning an unprecedented seven world drivers' championships.But he is a controversial figure, feared for his ruthless tactics, despised forusing extreme methods in pursuit of his goals. THE EDGE OF GREATNESS examines Schumacher's entire career: from his first Grand Prix with Jordan to his Benetton world championships and his attempt to win back Ferrari's crown. It tells the story behind Schumacher's record five consecutive world titles, uncovers the secrets of how he has stayed at the top for so long and examines the impact of his domination on the sport. Now, on his retirement from the sport, it is time to reappraise the man behind the tabloid stereotype. Frank, honest, adroit and in-depth -James Allen reveals the anatomy of a champion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'it is the one book devoted to Schumacher that [Lewis] Hamilton would be advised to read' -- Daily Telegraph 'high octane enjoyment' -- Manchester Evening News 'a well-rounded and thought-provoking look at [Schumacher]' -- F1fanatic.co.uk 'James pulls no punches while revealing the brutal and generous sides to this great champion' -- Scottish Sunday Post 'a real winner' -- Herald Sun 'Allen uncovers a more complex figure beneath...Fascinating' -- Sun Herald 'Allen hedges his bets on the controversial crashes that tainted Schumacher's reputation, but uncovers a more complex figure beneath' -- The Advertiser 'Renowned F1 commentator James Allen cleverly dissects the mind of the world's biggest sporting superstars to answer some age old questions...A must for budding sports psychologists' -- Inside Sport --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

James Allen is familiar to millions in the UK and around the English-speaking world as the lead commentator for ITV's Formula One coverage. He has worked in the sport as a journalist and broadcaster since 1990. James replaced Murray Walker as the voice of motorsport in 2001 and, through his extensive work for the Financial Times, has established himself as one of the most authoritative writers in Formula One. In 1995 he co-wrote Nigel Mansell's bestselling autobiography THE PEOPLE'S CHAMPION.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Headline Hardbacks (September 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0755316495
• ISBN-13: 978-0755316496
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,942,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbiased view on Michael Schumacher, October 24, 2003

By 

Leo Lim (Collierville, TN USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Michael Schumacher (Paperback)

Book opens with Schumacher's infamous collision with Villeneuve at Jerez in 1997 and progresses through the 1998 and 1999 seasons in his quest for redemption(At this point Schumacher never admitted to making a mistake but he admitted it on 2000). Of course we all know how it ended for Ferrari in 1998 and 1999.

Book contains interesting anecdotes about Irvine intentionally blocking Schumacher in Silverstone'98 which ultimately caused his title-ending injury and Schumacher telling Mercedes boss Norbert Haug that he didn't mind Hakkinen winning in 1999 for obvious reasons.

Have to give credit to James Allen for giving an unbiased view on Schumacher as I've always known him to be biased against arguably the greatest f1 driver of all time.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and fair biography of a controversial super star, December 23, 2009

By 

J. Keck (Albuquerque, NM USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Michael Schumacher: The Edge of Greatness (Paperback)

Well written biography of one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers. Allen provides insight into the character of Schumacher and some of his ruthless and un-sportsman-like actions. I'm a fan of Formula 1 and Schumacher, but can't forgive some of his racing actions. This book is am must read for Formula 1 fans whether or not they are a fan of Schumacher.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Bio on Michael and his Methods, December 28, 2005

By 

Jay C. Tipnis (McLean, VA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Michael Schumacher (Paperback)

I purchased this book back in 2002 by which time Michael Schumacher had begun his domination of Formula 1. It wouldn't be until 2005 that we would finally see Ferrari and Michael being held back by rule changes and reliability issues that virtually brought their team back to the periphery of Formula 1. This book was written and released shortly after the 1999 season and as such it is often peppered with annecdotes on how it would be difficult for Michael to reach/surpass the records of past greats such as Fangio and Senna. Though he hasn't had many close competitors in recent years, it appears that 2006 could be an interesting year with Raikkonnen at McLaren and Alonso at Renault (both with great cars and drivers behind the wheel). This book offers great insight into the kind of person Michael is and doesn't shy away from pointing out reasons as to why he is perceived to be such an arrogant or aloof personality. Since purchasing the book, I have read it several times. Author James Allen keeps it interesting and flowing.