9 replies to this topic

[Alan Cox]

I'm very sorry to report that noted author and publisher, John Blunsden, died on Tuesday after a long illness. I'm sure that everyone on TNF will have some of John's work on their bookshelves, if not authored by John, then published by Motor Racing Publications. His contributions to 'Motor Racing' will be remembered, in particular his famous track tests, as well as his writings as motoring correspondent for The Times.

Condolences to his widow, Pauline, and to his family.

[Tim Murray]

Very sad news.
 

His contributions to 'Motor Racing' will be remembered, in particular his famous track tests ...

I still remember his track test of the Lotus 30 in 1965 - it made a tremendous impression on this young teenager at the time. Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

[Doug Nye]

I find it inordinately difficult at the moment to write as I feel I should about dear old Blunders - who to me was never elderly, he never seemed to age, and despite the stroke he suffered in recent times he seemed when I last saw him to be - in fact - remarkably little affected.

 

But I know he did not feel little affected - the frustration he felt at what had befallen him must have been immense.

 

As a young man he had been, in my experience, a truly gifted driver - one for whom the funding was never available for him to demonstrate his true potential on track, other than in the fine track tests he performed for 'Motor Racing' magazine and for 'Sports Car Graphic' in the USA.

 

John was above all a very pleasant man, extremely polite and diplomatic, a generous and supportive spirit, a big heart, a fine journalist, a great book editor and as far as I am concerned a very fine specialist publisher. The patience, forbearance and yet simultaneous and consistent support he showed me over numerous extremely complex projects was quite extraordinary. He was instrumental in my getting my first job, fresh from school, in December 1963, when he and his business partner Alan Brinton employed me to help at their Knightsbridge Publications base at Brands Hatch, producing 'Motor Racing' and 'Sportscar' motor sporting magazines, 'Airfix Magazine' and the Bond magazine.  I was 18, wide-eyed, Nye by name, naive by nature.  My main mentor there was Darryl Reach, another Blunsden lieutenant - they were both ex-'Motoring News' - and I jointly owe them so very, very much. John was the owner, editorial director and mastermind of Motor Racing Publications (MRP) and we worked together to produce many books which were in the main pretty well-received and well regarded.  John deserves enormous credit for the experience, expertise, professionalism, salesmanship - and simple faith - that he put into each and every one of them. In that particular world he was a major player - very well regarded, and much respected...and fully deserving to be so.

 

To his widow Pauline, son Nick and the rest of his family and many friends I offer my most deep and sincere condolences.

 

Doug Nye

[cooper997]

As soon as I saw Alan's thread title, my thoughts went to DCN having lost a mentor. That was before Doug shared his fine words on the man who many authors and enthusiasts alike can thank for getting their books ito print and saving our history for many of us to enjoy reading or researching from. For that we can all be grateful.

 

Without wishing to pressure Doug at this time, it would be nice to read an expanded version of his times with John in a forthcoming Motor Sport column.

 

Farewell Mr MRP. My condolences to John's family and friends.

 

Stephen

[cooper997]

Tributes...

 

Joe Saward

https://joesaward.wo...sden-1930-2016/

 

BRDC

http://www.brdc.co.u...den-1930---2016

 

Stephen

[AAGR]

Just want to add my heartfelt tributes to those remembering the life, times, and character of John Blunsden. He was always an inspiration to me and my writing career, and was the first to get me started on the business of writing books. It was John and I who invented the Collectors' Guide serIes, and between us we collaborated on many titles over the years.

 

  He was always an honest, friendly and uber-efficient man with whom I could do business (try matching those descriptions to certain other concerns/indviduals) and it was always a pleasure for me to have a project in the works with him.

 

  He was a dear man who did not deserve to be struck down as he was, and I am sure he will always be fondly remembered.

 

GRAHAM ROBSON

[cooper997]

Just an excuse to show off some of the great cover photos and illustrations from the early John Blunsden days at Motor Racing. Top left July 61 issue appears to be the first issue John is listed as Associate Editor

 

 

And a few books that he was involved in publishing with Motor Racing / MRP.

 

 

Stephen.

 

[retriever]

So sorry to hearing of John Blunsden's passing. I never met him but I had a number of conversations with him on occasions in the 80s and 90s when placing numerous orders for stock of the titles he published under the Fitzjames Press imprint. His advice was greatly appreciated. Supported by his book manager Jim, MRP was a wonderful company to deal with.

 

He leaves a great legacy of titles to be remembered by.

[RobertE]

A great loss - he was a most polite and courteous man, to whom it was always a pleasure to talk. My condolences to the family, friends and co-conspirators he leaves behind. I never had the pleasure of working with him - but I wish I had.

 

RIP.

[barrykm]

One of my first motor racing books was Motor Racing Year 1963 which I received for Christmas when I was 10 years old. I still have it. Much treasured.