Review: The Lost Generation
David Tremayne’s The Lost Generation was first published back in the middle of 2006. However, with a paperback version with new material published just last September, and the off-season giving me time to catch up with such things, I’ve finally got around to reading this book which has a lot to recommend it.
On the face of it, and certainly how it is billed in the publisher’s blurb, The Lost Generation is the tale of three young British drivers destined for greatness in Formula 1 until fate stepped in their way. Their lives were cut short before they had chance to shine. Roger Williamson killed in only his second Formula 1 race became little more than a footnote in Formula 1 history while Tom Pryce is most well known for the manner of his death. Tony Brise’s death was always to be overshadowed by that of Graham Hill’s in the same accident.
However, The Lost Generation is much more than that as it provides a more general and fascinating insight into how young drivers progressed upwards through motorsport in search of a F1 seat at a time when karting was still very much a novelty and the commercialism of F1 was in its infancy. It’s also a reminder of how much the attitude to safety has changed. The fact that the three prinicple characters were to lose their lives only adds poignancy to this wider story.
“We all need heroes, people who inspire and motivate us with their deeds, their successes and their defeats, and how they deal with all three. These were three of mine.”
David Tremayne
The book is thoroughly researched with more friends and family of the three quoted than you can shake a stick at. However, I would say that it could have benefited from some tighter editing and is often over-reliant on quotes to the detriment to the story. Additional sources regularly return to points covered by others a few paragraphs earlier just as you thought the book had moved on to a completely different aspect.
However, don’t let that put you off and if you want to get a feel for Formula 1 racing in the 1970’s, The Lost Generation is an excellent starting point.
The Lost Generation – David Tremayne
Published by Haynes Publishing (2006) ISBN 978 1 84425 839 0
Sounds cool, fancy a swap? I’ll lend you Grand Prix Sabateurs if you lend me The Lost Generation. saltire(Quote)
I’ve a feeling you may have to write a blog post about Grand Prix Sabateurs if you wanna get your hands on The Lost Generation. str8guy(Quote)
Now that’s a very good point Admin(Quote)
This book is near the top of my list of books I need to read. Drivers like these get so little coverage yet there are dozens of similar drivers who never reached their potential. Steven Roy(Quote)