Real Racers
By Stuart Codling
An homage to the photographic work of Louis Klemantaski—and that of others from his eponymous collection—this book effectively portrays the realities of Formula One during the 1950s and ’60s. Although author Codling’s text deftly identifies and discusses each image and accompanies his thoughts with exclusive comments from the surviving players, the strength of this book is its stunning photography. With few exceptions, every image is crystal sharp and astutely composed.
The layout essentially walks you through a race weekend, first presenting the players in thumbnail profiles, then proceeding through the unloading of the cars and their preparation in the paddock before being unleashed by the start and then running to the checker. The exquisite on-track images are matched by those from paddocks and pit lanes, grids and garages that take us back to a day when men like these made us believe anything might be possible.
Perhaps the most evocative image of all is one from the rear of the grid at Spa prior to the start of the 1962 Belgian GP—although another of a sideways “Pampas Bull” nearly ripping his Ferrari’s tires from their rims also merits attention. Your eyes will likely linger on many of these photographs for long moments as you try to absorb everything.
Available for US$40 (£27.50) from enthusiast bookstores, or direct from Motorbooks at www.motorbooks.com
