Book Review: Murray Walker’s Formula One Heroes by Murray Walker and Simon Taylor
Positives
Negatives
I recently dusted off “Murray Walker’s Formula One Heroes” when re-arranging some older books in storage. Published in 2000, this book was typical of the F1 books from that era and in many ways is a book version of his later video ‘Murray Walker’s F1 Greats‘. For old BBC F1 viewers, the drivers included in this book are no surprise.
The usual great names of Fangio, Clark, Stewart, Lauda, Senna, Prost and Schumacher are all included. But there are some interesting omissions (Graham Hill) and inclusions (Hailwood & Brundle).
The full list of featured drivers & personalities includes:
- Fangio
- Ascari
- Moss
- Brabham
- Phil Hill
- Jim Clark
- Dan Guerney
- John Surtees
- Mike Hailwood
- Jackie Stewart
- Mario Andretti
- Ronnie Peterson
- Niki Lauda
- James Hunt
- Alan Jones
- Gilles Villeneuve
- Keke Rosberg
- Nigel Mansell
- Alain Prost
- Gerhard Berger
- Martin Brundle
- Ayrton Senna
- Jean Alesi
- Damon Hill
- Michael Schumacher
- Enzo Ferrari
- Colin Chapman
- Ken Tyrrell
- Bernie Ecclestone
- Gordon Murray
- Patrick Head & Frank Williams
Each of the driver profiles are 2-4 pages covering background and Murray’s own views on their strengths and skills. At the rear, the book includes a short section on some lesser known name in the paddock and 3 “heroic circuits” – Monaco, Silverstone and Monza.
For Murray fans though, this book isn’t much like his autobiography “Unless I’m very much mistaken” with lots of TV “Murrayisms”. Its simply a compilation of some very good photos with Murray’s choice of drivers.
Wow Factor/Money Shot: The B&W LAT photos are the most interesting – Nuvolari, Fangio & Moss.
Suitable for: General F1 fans
I just read the book and below is my review:
Murray Walker was part of F1 for more than half a century. He knew everyone, and a lot of the greatest drivers, constructors, team bosses and a lot of them were his friends.
The book consists of his memories and overviews of the ones on top of his “hero” champioship.
The start is dedicated to his 3 pre-war hero drivers – Nuvolari, Rosenmeyer and Caracciola. This was the most interesting part for me.
The next and biggest (2/3 from the book) is, of course, dedicated to the drivers. The list is containing the greatest names until the 2000’s – Fangio; Stewart; Prost; Senna; Schumacher, etc. There are also few less successful in F1 drivers – Dan Gurney; Mike Hailwood; Gerhard Berger; Martin Brundle; Jean Alesi…
Then follow few “Paddock heroes” – Ferrari; Chapman; Tyrrell; Ecclestone; Murray; the duo of Head & Williams. These are all people that shaped the sport – one way or another.
“Backroom Boys & Girls” is a brief, but good commemoration of the unsung and anonymous heroes – mechanics, hospitality workers, PR gurus and journalists.
Last is the chapter dedicated to “Heroic Places” – three vastly different but equally important circuits – Monaco, Monza and Silverstone.
Overall, I expected a lot more personal memories and anecdotes in comparison with well known encyclopaedical information. There are titbits, of course, but they should’ve been more. On the other hand, the text is interesting and easy to read.
The hardcovered and dust-jacketed “Celebration” edition is very well produced. The paper is thick and glossy, the pictures are many and with great print quality.
Thanks for your review summary Martin! I agree, this book is really more of a photo book and if readers are wanting more personal Murray Walker stories, they should read his autobiography ‘Unless I’m very much mistaken”.