47 replies to this topic

[f1steveuk]

It's shameless plug time!!!

 

My book on John Cobb's ill-fated attempt on the World's Water Speed Record, is set for publication on May  27th, and is available for pre-order on Amazon and Foyles.

 

Cobb was a particularly private man, so to have been "let loose" in the family archive was quite an honour, and yet, there is still so much that I could not find out. Cobb redefined "private".

 

I'll refrain from a synopsis, that's on the link below, but I will say, having had access to ALL the correspondence between the main protagonists, it is THE story, in their own words.

 

If you do feel the need to add this to your libraries, please leave a review, and should Covid allow a launch/talk, I will make sure you all know about it.

 

Thanks for indulging me!!

 

Sorry for my absence, I was one of the "corrupted" few!!!

 

https://www.amazon.c...d/dp/1910505617

 

[FrankB]

Plug away!

[Pullman99]

My book on John Cobb's ill-fated attempt on the World's Water Speed Record, is set for publication on May  27th, and is available for pre-order on Amazon and Foyles.

 

Sorry for my absence, I was one of the "corrupted" few!!!

 

https://www.amazon.c...d/dp/1910505617

Well done Steve!   Thought I hadn't seen you on the Forum for a while and I hope all is well.   

 

Ordering this today. 

 

Looking forward to reading this 

[f1steveuk]

Well done Steve!   Thought I hadn't seen you on the Forum for a while and I hope all is well.   

 

Ordering this today. 

 

Looking forward to reading this 

Yes, apparently a software glitch changed my password, but I couldn't get in to change my password, because my password had changed, etc etc etc!!

 

Still, not getting online much and lockdowns have got it all but ready, which I'm quite pleased with!!

[helioseism2]

At one point I noticed an announcement on facebook for your book "Quiet Giants". Has that now been replaced by this release?

[f1steveuk]

At one point I noticed an announcement on facebook for your book "Quiet Giants". Has that now been replaced by this release?

Same book, it was decided to change the title, but Facebook being Facebook, it won't let you change the page name!

[helioseism2]

OK great, thanks!

[Richard Jenkins]

Excellent news Steve! Hope it all goes well.

Edited by Richard Jenkins, 04 March 2021 - 09:10.

[Doug Nye]

Having been privileged to read some of Steve's early draft I have great expectations for this as a wonderfully revealing piece of work.  John Cobb was one of my earliest motor sporting heroes and I believe 'we' won't be disappointed by the truth of this quiet - and finally so unfortunate - giant.

 

DCN

 

PS - Five minutes later - My order's in...

Edited by Doug Nye, 03 March 2021 - 22:27.

[dolomite]

Sounds excellent. Is this purely focused on Crusader or does it touch on Cobb's LSR exploits as well? Or are you saving that for another book in the future?

[f1steveuk]

Sounds excellent. Is this purely focused on Crusader or does it touch on Cobb's LSR exploits as well? Or are you saving that for another book in the future?

Mainly focused on the Crusader project, though there is mention of the LSR.

 

Thank you Doug, very kind.

[karlcars]

Steve was tremendously helpful in my writing of the Reid Railton story, of course including the ill-fated Crusader. This is published in two volumes by EVRO. It covers the LSR Cobb effort -- first time the Cobb car has ever been described in complete detail.

 

He allowed me to use some excerpts from his forthcoming book -- great that it's out soon. I'm sure he held back some goodies for his own work! Forza Steve!

[f1steveuk]

Thank you Karl. Man if Speed is one hell of an act to follow!!

[f1steveuk]

Sorry, of course that should say Man of Speed.

I really shouldn't use a phone keyboard,to tiny!

[Zoe]

No worry, I do the same typos on a normal keyboard as well 

 

I was pleasantly surprised to see that I can pre-order your book on Amazon.de

 

I was also looking for Karl's book, but when looking at the price I thought it must have been a collector's item. Certainly worth it, but I fear out of my scope.

[f1steveuk]

[f1steveuk]

Little reminder, May 27th is "C" Day!!

 

I really look forward to your comments, and don't worry, I have thick skin!!

[Doug Nye]

Just received this lunchtime - the business end of it having been scan-read this very afternoon.

 

As a lifelong John Cobb admirer I am plainly biased.  But I will sum up this important new book's content in just four words:

 

FANTASTIC! - ORDER YOURS NOW.

 

(Well done Steve.  Respect!!!)

 

DCN

[Nick Planas]

Just received this lunchtime - the business end of it having been scan-read this very afternoon.

 

As a lifelong John Cobb admirer I am plainly biased.  But I will sum up this important new book's content in just four words:

 

FANTASTIC! - ORDER YOURS NOW.

 

(Well done Steve.  Respect!!!)

 

DCN

Mine was waiting for me when I got home. I can't wait to start reading it - tonight it is then! 

[f1steveuk]

I'm sure Doug won't mind me saying that he had some input into the book, and to get a "fantastic" from the one and only "Mr Doug Nye" is icing on the cake.

 

I hope the good reviews continue!!

 

There should be a talk at Brooklands in October, I shall keep  you posted.

 

And thanks again!! 

[Doug Nye]

Never mind my (minimal) input - I have been reading more this evening and the first-hand correspondence between Cobb, Reid Railton, Peter du Cane and others - plus the troubled story of the boat's design, (suspect) construction and inadequate development - plus the detailed, painstaking, step-by-step accident analysis AND the background story to discovery of the main wreckage in 2018 is absolutely riveting.  Hugely recommended indeed.

 

Colour me green.  

 

DCN

Edited by Doug Nye, 10 June 2021 - 18:25.

[f1steveuk]

And now, in addition to the book, I have been asked to prepare a version for a TV documentary. It's early days, but television is th lazy man's book, so a bigger audience to find out more about John Rhodes Cobb. More details as I get them.

[f1steveuk]

Just a couple of pieces of information.

 

For UK based people, I am doing a signing and talk at Brooklands on November 4th. I shall be around from roughly noon, but the evening is set for a 6:30 start up, and tickets should be booked directly from Brooklands via the website.

 

For U.S. based people, Crusader is now released "Stateside".

 

 

Many thanks

[Catalina Park]

Excellent book, I enjoyed it immensely.

[PaulButler58]

I've treated myself as well , better late than never! Looking forward to reading it very soon

[f1steveuk]

Excellent book, I enjoyed it immensely.

That's a relief to know, many thanks.

 

I've treated myself as well , better late than never! Looking forward to reading it very soon

And I look forward to hearing your thoughts, honest!! 

[Doug Nye]

There.  Told you so.   

 

DCN

[f1steveuk]

There.  Told you so.   

 

DCN

I'm still humbled by the reaction to the book, but I'm beginning to relax a bit about it now !!

[Doug Nye]

A fitting memorial to a great British sporting gentleman.  You did him justice, Steve.

 

DCN

[Catalina Park]

About 11 years ago I stood on the shores of Loch Ness near the site of John Cobb's memorial, I thought back then that apart from seeing some video footage I knew next to nothing about this record attempt. That has changed thanks to one book. 
Now I know who designed it, who built it, what it was made from and why it ultimately (or inevitably) failed. 

It's a great book Steve, very thorough. 
 

[f1steveuk]

About 11 years ago I stood on the shores of Loch Ness near the site of John Cobb's memorial, I thought back then that apart from seeing some video footage I knew next to nothing about this record attempt. That has changed thanks to one book. 
Now I know who designed it, who built it, what it was made from and why it ultimately (or inevitably) failed. 

It's a great book Steve, very thorough. 
 

Ta muchly!!!

[Philip Whiteman]

Having bought my own copy and loved it, I wrote a review for Pilot magazine, just published in the October edition now on sale. Superb book, Steve!

[f1steveuk]

Having bought my own copy and loved it, I wrote a review for Pilot magazine, just published in the October edition now on sale. Superb book, Steve!

Thank you very much

[PaulButler58]

A cracking read Steve, as Mr. Nye said the detail added by the various correspondence was spot on. The level of detail in the book is superb and massively appealed to my inner nerd that likes to ask the "well why" questions.

 

A stunning job - congratulations. it's now nestling on my bookcase next the the Reid Railton volumes.

[f1steveuk]

A cracking read Steve, as Mr. Nye said the detail added by the various correspondence was spot on. The level of detail in the book is superb and massively appealed to my inner nerd that likes to ask the "well why" questions.

 

A stunning job - congratulations. it's now nestling on my bookcase next the the Reid Railton volumes.

Many thanks Paul, there is literally an envelope in the post to you!!

[fuzzi]

I bought and read my copy back in June and enjoyed it very much. I've just had a second read and found the story just as compelling. Well done Steve.

[f1steveuk]

I bought and read my copy back in June and enjoyed it very much. I've just had a second read and found the story just as compelling. Well done Steve.

Can't thank you enough, shame it was the same ending.

[Richard Jenkins]

Steve, when do you find out when you're on the shortlist for Book of the Year? Can't be long now as it's less than a month to go.
I'd be astonished if you're not in the top six, even with continued quality books coming out.

[f1steveuk]

Steve, when do you find out when you're on the shortlist for Book of the Year? Can't be long now as it's less than a month to go.
I'd be astonished if you're not in the top six, even with continued quality books coming out.

To be quite honest, I'm just chuffed it's been entered, making the short list would be icing on the cake, but it's a boat book in a car world!! Regardless, thank you so much for your kind remarks, but I'd be surprised if it does as well as your excellent tome.

[68targa]

I am midway through reading Crusader and thoroughly enjoying it. I have already read KL's excellent 2 vol Reid Railton book and so am aware of some of the detail but this has not detracted at all in devouring the finer points in this tragic story.  I find the letters between the three protagonists so enlightening - these are first hand accounts that cannot be disputed. 

 

There are so many excellent books published recently that my reading list has grown (and wallet depleted) however I see no reason why Crusader should not be put forward for Book of the Year. Cobb was an important name in the car world and this is the final part of the act. 

Edited by 68targa, 12 October 2021 - 11:23.

[f1steveuk]

I am midway through reading Crusader and thoroughly enjoying it. I have already read KL's excellent 2 vol Reid Railton book and so am aware of some of the detail but this has not detracted at all in devouring the finer points in this tragic story.  I find the letters between the three protagonists so enlightening - these are first hand accounts that cannot be disputed. 

 

There are so many excellent books published recently that my reading list has grown (and wallet depleted) however I see no reason why Crusader should not be put forward for Book of the Year. Cobb was an important name in the car world and this is the final part of the act. 

Glad you are enjoying it, and thank you for your kind remarks.

[f1steveuk]

Steve, when do you find out when you're on the shortlist for Book of the Year? Can't be long now as it's less than a month to go.
I'd be astonished if you're not in the top six, even with continued quality books coming out.

I heard yesterday, not shortlisted. As I say, very happy it was entered, but I don't think it met their criteria.

[Doug Nye]

Typically short-sighted, unfortunately...

 

DCN

[Richard Jenkins]

I heard yesterday, not shortlisted. As I say, very happy it was entered, but I don't think it met their criteria.

Well, I thought it was a far better read than the Tom Kristensen book (I've just seen the shortlist)

I think approval by your peers is as good as it gets and it has got that. That is, as I found last year, immensely satisfying.

[f1steveuk]

Well, I thought it was a far better read than the Tom Kristensen book (I've just seen the shortlist)

I think approval by your peers is as good as it gets and it has got that. That is, as I found last year, immensely satisfying.

You are so right Richard, I'm very happy in the knowledge that those the book was actually aimed at, and therefore those most likely to be critical, have rather liked it, and I'm very happy that it's doing the job I wanted it to do, tell the full and correct story. Now, what next!!??

[f1steveuk]

Should anyone feel like watching the talk I gave at the official launch of the Crusader book, here is a link.

 

Forgive the "errs and ums", as for some reason when I got to the lectern, my notes weren't there, and I had to "wing it".

 

[P0wderf1nger]

Should anyone feel like watching the talk I gave at the official launch of the Crusader book, here is a link.

 

Forgive the "errs and ums", as for some reason when I got to the lectern, my notes weren't there, and I had to "wing it".

 

I still think it did you a favour, Steve. You demonstrated you were in total command of what you were saying. I suspect you were more authoritative without your notes than you would have been with them. Nor did you give the slightest indication of missing them.

In short, your talk was every bit as good as your book. All power to you.

And to your friends who brought such fascinating material with them - especially the remarkable Crusader models. What with them and Eric Vernon-Roe cranking out the book sales, I think it was the most dynamic back-of-the-room table I've seen at a Brooklands talk.

To any TNFer who hasn't bought Steve's book - do, and watch the talk.

Paul

   

[f1steveuk]

Many thanks Paul, I'm so pleased to have finally met. So glad you were there.