Ziggy
10-15-03, 07:37 PM
Jim Clark, Racing Legend by Eric Dymock
Well, racefans, what can I say? Seeing this book for the first time in Classic Motorbooks catalog in 1999 had me interested. I am, without a doubt, a huge Clark fan. I was rather reserved in my quest for this book, for after scanning it in 2000 I figured I was not in the frame of mind to read such a personal expose.
Eric Dymock is a Scot himself, and met Jim Clark for the first time in Edinburgh in 1955. To put this meeting in proper perspective, the occasion was for the formation of the "Ecurie Agricola" which was a sporting team of farmers organizing the Scottish Rally.
The author covers Clark's early life in great detail, even going as far as trying to figure out the "how's" and "why's" of his talent. You get the background on the Clark family, parents, sisters, where they lived, when and where they moved too. Also are included several great photographs of the twice world champion's home, school, farming and his associates.
Also covered in great detail are the formation and players of Racing Clubs in Scotland. If you ever wanted the lowdown on Ecurie Ecosse or Border Reiver's racing teams, you must read this book. I found it fascinating, for it was a special time when racing was very uncomplicated. The racing sportsmen like Ian Scott Watson and Jack McBain, and the role they played are very well done.
Many books have been written on the subject of Jim Clark. His place in motorsports cannot be denied. For those fans who have a special fascination for Clark, this is the book for you. While this reader found the psychological mechanics a bit over the top, one must remember that this book was written by a man who was not only a friend of Clarks, but also a great admirer of his talent.
It is a myth buster, to be sure. A very personal look at a very gifted driver. The complexities of life at the pinnacle of motorsports, the guilt of leaving the family farm, the business side of racing, and the relationship's with Chapman and Stokes along with Walter Hayes and the Ford Motor Company are all there for the reader.
The photographs are excellent. Some never seen before by this writer, which is saying something. I read the epilogue first, and it threw me off for a time. This was a very personal book for the writer, who no doubt felt a sense of accomplishment getting it all on paper.
I would like to commend him for doing such an excellent job on a book. I hope he feels better. I know I do.
Excellent forward by Dan Gurney
Ziggy
Well, racefans, what can I say? Seeing this book for the first time in Classic Motorbooks catalog in 1999 had me interested. I am, without a doubt, a huge Clark fan. I was rather reserved in my quest for this book, for after scanning it in 2000 I figured I was not in the frame of mind to read such a personal expose.
Eric Dymock is a Scot himself, and met Jim Clark for the first time in Edinburgh in 1955. To put this meeting in proper perspective, the occasion was for the formation of the "Ecurie Agricola" which was a sporting team of farmers organizing the Scottish Rally.
The author covers Clark's early life in great detail, even going as far as trying to figure out the "how's" and "why's" of his talent. You get the background on the Clark family, parents, sisters, where they lived, when and where they moved too. Also are included several great photographs of the twice world champion's home, school, farming and his associates.
Also covered in great detail are the formation and players of Racing Clubs in Scotland. If you ever wanted the lowdown on Ecurie Ecosse or Border Reiver's racing teams, you must read this book. I found it fascinating, for it was a special time when racing was very uncomplicated. The racing sportsmen like Ian Scott Watson and Jack McBain, and the role they played are very well done.
Many books have been written on the subject of Jim Clark. His place in motorsports cannot be denied. For those fans who have a special fascination for Clark, this is the book for you. While this reader found the psychological mechanics a bit over the top, one must remember that this book was written by a man who was not only a friend of Clarks, but also a great admirer of his talent.
It is a myth buster, to be sure. A very personal look at a very gifted driver. The complexities of life at the pinnacle of motorsports, the guilt of leaving the family farm, the business side of racing, and the relationship's with Chapman and Stokes along with Walter Hayes and the Ford Motor Company are all there for the reader.
The photographs are excellent. Some never seen before by this writer, which is saying something. I read the epilogue first, and it threw me off for a time. This was a very personal book for the writer, who no doubt felt a sense of accomplishment getting it all on paper.
I would like to commend him for doing such an excellent job on a book. I hope he feels better. I know I do.
Excellent forward by Dan Gurney
Ziggy