To have my first biography of a racing driver so generously praised by the great Jenks was hugely gratifying. It helped that GV was on the shortlist of just five drivers Jenks most admired in each era he had witnessed. Here, slightly abridged, is his review...
'This is one of the nicest and best written motoring books I have ever read. In this very detailed biography Canadian writer Gerald Donaldson has produced a book that is so readable that, even though I knew much of the content from having been at the races he describes, I couldn't put it down.
'Inevitably it is a sad book, especially for those of us who were at Zolder (when GV was killed), the tragic ending is known, but Donaldson's writing is so clear and concise, and honest and straightforward, like his subject, that even towards the end it is beautifully and sensitively written.
'T'here is no journalistic media hype in this book, no histrionics, no bullshit, no over-emphasis or exaggeration, but a whole lot of sound and solid reading that has been extremely well researched, sifted and sorted and presented in an exemplary manner; all the more pleasing in these days of bad and vulgar journalism. Don't for a moment imagine it to be a dry and dull commentary and statistical bore; it is quite the opposite.
'Donaldson's biography is more than a detailed history of Villeneuve's remarkable driving and racing
ability. It covers every aspect of his life - both private and public - with the full blessing of his family and friends. Intimate details of his private life are dealt with in a frank, yet tasteful manner. Unhappy incidents are dealt with in a straightforward and honest manner, all written with great sincerity and integrity.
'I could go on and on about the driving skills of Gilles Villeneuve; about his uncanny speed in the rain, or his ability to control a broken or damaged car, or his never give up attitude, or his simple straightforward and honest approach to racing - and indeed to life itself - but it is all in Gerald Donaldson's excellent book.
'Even if you saw Villeneuve race and thought of him as an uncontrolled hooligan, you will enjoy this book. If, like me, you put Gilles Villeneuve among your handful of great names who set standards by which to judge all other grand prix drivers, you will savour this book.
'Whichever way you approach it you will not be able to deny that it is one of the best written motor racing books of all time, and it must surely be compulsory reading for anyone contemplating writing a biography of a racing driver.
- Denis Jenkinson. (Book Review edited by Eoin Young) Autocar & Motor, 9 August, 1989
Here's a profile of Jenks from my book Grand Prix People...
http://www.f1speedwriter.com/2018/01/dsjs-funny-old-world.html
After Jenks died this book of some of his writings (and some personal tributes)
was published. It should be in the collection of every passionate enthusiast.
 |
| Gilles Villeneuve (book cover) |
'This is one of the nicest and best written motoring books I have ever read. In this very detailed biography Canadian writer Gerald Donaldson has produced a book that is so readable that, even though I knew much of the content from having been at the races he describes, I couldn't put it down.
'Inevitably it is a sad book, especially for those of us who were at Zolder (when GV was killed), the tragic ending is known, but Donaldson's writing is so clear and concise, and honest and straightforward, like his subject, that even towards the end it is beautifully and sensitively written.
'T'here is no journalistic media hype in this book, no histrionics, no bullshit, no over-emphasis or exaggeration, but a whole lot of sound and solid reading that has been extremely well researched, sifted and sorted and presented in an exemplary manner; all the more pleasing in these days of bad and vulgar journalism. Don't for a moment imagine it to be a dry and dull commentary and statistical bore; it is quite the opposite.
'Donaldson's biography is more than a detailed history of Villeneuve's remarkable driving and racing
ability. It covers every aspect of his life - both private and public - with the full blessing of his family and friends. Intimate details of his private life are dealt with in a frank, yet tasteful manner. Unhappy incidents are dealt with in a straightforward and honest manner, all written with great sincerity and integrity.
'I could go on and on about the driving skills of Gilles Villeneuve; about his uncanny speed in the rain, or his ability to control a broken or damaged car, or his never give up attitude, or his simple straightforward and honest approach to racing - and indeed to life itself - but it is all in Gerald Donaldson's excellent book.
'Even if you saw Villeneuve race and thought of him as an uncontrolled hooligan, you will enjoy this book. If, like me, you put Gilles Villeneuve among your handful of great names who set standards by which to judge all other grand prix drivers, you will savour this book.
'Whichever way you approach it you will not be able to deny that it is one of the best written motor racing books of all time, and it must surely be compulsory reading for anyone contemplating writing a biography of a racing driver.
- Denis Jenkinson. (Book Review edited by Eoin Young) Autocar & Motor, 9 August, 1989
Here's a profile of Jenks from my book Grand Prix People...
http://www.f1speedwriter.com/2018/01/dsjs-funny-old-world.html
After Jenks died this book of some of his writings (and some personal tributes)
was published. It should be in the collection of every passionate enthusiast.
 |
| This book features a collection of his writing |
No comments:
Post a Comment