Book Review: Stirling Moss – The Authorised Biography by Robert Edwards
Positives
Negatives
Most F1 fans believe that Sir Stirling Moss was probably the best driver not to have won a world championship (personally, I think it was either Ronnie Peterson in ’78 or Gilles in ’79). What is less in dispute is that Moss is up there as the best ever British drivers. There have been many […]
Most F1 fans believe that Sir Stirling Moss was probably the best driver not to have won a world championship (personally, I think it was either Ronnie Peterson in ’78 or Gilles in ’79). What is less in dispute is that Moss is up there as the best ever British drivers.
There have been many Stirling Moss books published and as many F1-nut.com readers know, there are even more books where Stirling has been invited to write the foreword.
Edwards are written a very in-depth biography that traces all the way back to the family background of Stirling’s parents Alfred and Aileen, his childhood, school years boxing and horseriding, his first car (Morgan) and through the racing formula ranks and sportscars.
Edwards’ narrative tries to give a lot of Moss’ personal and family context to explain a lot of his motivations and race performs in addition to also giving some technical commentary on the cars and team dynamics of the era – Collins, Hawthorn, Maserati, Lancia, BRM and Mercedes. Aside from Moss’ racing feats, there also insights into many behind the scenes acquaintances and dealings. In fact, Edward’s storytelling in this book is about 50% documenting events in Stirling’s private life and 50% on his actual racing.
Most readers will probably focus on the Mercedes chapter to read about the famous Fangio-Moss partnership rivalry and bromance when they were teammates, but this chapter seems to gloss over a lot of their races e.g. Moss’ maiden 1955 win at Aintree. The later chapters deal with Moss’ time at Vanwall, the Walker Racing Lotus Climax, his career ending accident at Goodwood and post-racing career.
There are probably less personal Moss quotes in Edwards’ book than other biographies about him.
The photos are largely from the private archives of Moss himself and Hulton Getty. These are presented mostly in small thumbnail black & white photo panels.
At the back of the book, is a 25 page summary race record of all Moss’ races and results.
Note: I have the paperback edition however the first published edition was the more presentable hardcover version.
Wow Factor or Money Shot: Probably Monaco ’61 victory with cigarette in the cockpit and racing with left side panel of the chassis missing.
Suitable for: British F1 fans.
