Jackie Stewart

Stewart's racing career has already been covered in extensive detail, so, aside from personal anecdotes, there is very little new to tell here. This autobiography rightfully places greater emphasis on the other aspects of his life before and since, some of which may seem a little vapid to a racing fan, yet has been so full that he never stands still for very long and the book always remains interesting.

On the downside, Stewart's incessant banging-on about his rich and famous friends gets a show more touch wearisome, and occasionally he gets sidetracked with irrelevancies. I also found his philosophising gets too 'preachy' for comfort in places, but there are some pleasant surprises like his views on religion and his love of dogs.

Generally the book is superbly well written in an intensely personal style that oozes deep emotions and strong convictions. Some light-hearted stories would be welcome to relieve the intensity from time to time, but the narrative is well thought out, progressing on a chronological framework with key issues being addressed in their own space as special subjects.

Overall, a 'Winning Is Not Enough' can be recommended to a reader who desires to gain an insight into the character of a complex personality, despite it's sparse presentation. show less

A revealing look into a time when death was part of racing, not a rare horror. Jackie Stewart recalls an F-1 season marked by numerous driver's deaths from the inside of the driver's club in a comfortably readable way.

Undoubtedly far different read now as history when compared to its release in 1972 as an alarm to the dangerous conditions under which drivers were expected to race.

Copyright 1972