It's 1954 and a host of vivid characters, both real and imagined--including Marilyn Monroe and a kid named Elvis--all do their bit in a rollicking tale of romance, cars, and obsession. Readers should prepare for one of the most original rides in recent fiction. Critically acclaimed in hardcover, now available in trade paper.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Morris's ingenious and diverting novel of the automobile industry of the 1950s is a collage of pop-cultural referents and icons.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
General Motors general manager Ted Mackey plans to make 1954 the year he moves Buick into third place in automotive popularity. His campaign includes espionage, media manipulation, and dealer pressure, but when the 500,000th Buick rolls off the assembly line into the driveway of a crippled vet, Ted's wunderkind status will be assured. The author, a columnist for the Greensboro (N.C.) News and Record , illustrates the era's vitality with such cultural milestones as Elvis's first record and Ray Kroc's discovery of McDonald's hamburgers, but also notes the down side of this progress-driven society: gas-guzzling cars, overindulgence in alcohol and tobacco, the threat of The Bomb. From the inaugural 1954 Buick Century commercial on the New Year's Day Rose Bowl telecast to the Levittown delivery by Neal Cassady and Jack Kerouac of the 500,000th car sold, this first novel takes a joyride through the social and cultural landscape of America. Motor City is highly recommended for all libraries. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 2/1/92.
- Dan Bogey, Clearfield Cty. P.L. Federation, Curwensville, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
- Dan Bogey, Clearfield Cty. P.L. Federation, Curwensville, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Alfie Elkins
Format:Paperback
Eight years ago I was lucky enough to chance upon a novel called 'Biography Of A Buick' by a writer called Bill Morris, published in England by Penguin Books. I found myself absolutely enthralled by the book and recomended it to friends and family - I also bought several copies for friends who were too lazy to take up my recomendation. It took me about another five years to discover that the book was originally released in the USA under the title 'Motor City' and another couple still to track down a copy of the subsequent novel 'All Souls Day', which I am currently reading. 'Motor City' has stayed in my mind for the best part of a decade - and a book has to be pretty special to create that kind of impact on a reader! I can only think that the critical review below must been written by someone who was reading a completely different book! And as America is a pretty small place, if you're reading this Bill, let me know when your next book is out!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Do not be discouraged by the one critical review on this page... just one person's opinion. Motor City is the real thing, a solid piece of fiction that has been translated into both German and Italian, where folks know and love their cars. Morris really knows his subject. He owned the very car pictured on the cover, and he has first hand knowledge of the workings of Detroit during this era. He is a serious researcher of his subject. They say, "write what you know," and he did.
Besides that, the story is enormously entertaining. And, after all, Motor City got excellent reviews in the New York Times and the Washington Post when it first came out.
Besides that, the story is enormously entertaining. And, after all, Motor City got excellent reviews in the New York Times and the Washington Post when it first came out.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The 50s may or may not have really been like this, but what Bill Morris does is capture the romantic image that we cherish about the '50s -- especially those of us (including the author) who weren't around to experience them. We're talking about a romantic, optimistic portrayal of a youthful vigorous America, in which the men look like Rock Hudson, the women like Sandy Dee. The novel sparkles like a chrome bumper on one of the brand new Buicks rolling off the assembly line. It has the cool bite of a dry martini. Morris's obvious research of, and affection for, the age and the automobile industry adds to the experience. A first-rate first novel, one that I keep hoping to see adapted as a movie.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bullet bras and Chrome Bumpers
Bill Morris is a funny guy, and this romp through a torrid love affair set in the auto design department of Buick during the mid 1950s is as sleek and bold as a Dagmar bumper... Read more
Published 2 months ago by William A. Lashley
1.0 out of 5 stars
Save your time and money
The was the dumbest book I ever read, a waste of time, paper, and money. I love the '50s, and I love cars, so I thought this might interest me. Read more
Published on March 5, 1999
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