Bernie: The Biography of Bernie Ecclestone

by Susan Watkins

Bernie Ecclestone is best-known as the architect and figurehead of modern Formula One, but he has been a constant and often controversial presence in both Formula One and British public life since the 1970s. In this exhaustive and insightful biography, initially written in close collaboration with Bernie, Susan Watkins analyses in detail his rise to prominence, from his early entrepreneurial exploits as a schoolboy to his position today as a peerless businessman and multi-billionaire. All aspects of his business and racing exploits are examined, and contrasted with intimate insight into his personal life.

416 pages, Hardcover

First published May 6, 2004

About the author

Susan Watkins is Professor in the School of Cultural Studies and Humanities and Director of the Centre for Culture and the Arts. She is an expert in contemporary women's fiction and feminist theory. Susan's main research interests are in the field of contemporary women's fiction and feminist theory.

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about Bernie Ecclestone's early adventures in the motor trade and then running the Brabham team as a lean operation, working his staff almost to breaking point, with plenty of gambling and practical joking along the way. All way before my time, so it was an enlightening read.

I skimmed over later chapters on the long-running battles over Silverstone and the finances of F1 (with CVC and the teams) but at least I now have in-depth accounts of these to refer to.

The early stories really do form a picture of his character to keep in mind for current and future F1 news. I can see why Joe Saward praised it in his round-up of Ecclestone biographies...
http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/1...
It was on the strength of this review that I asked Santa for Susan Watkins' book. She doesn't criticise much, but I'm sure the other two books put the boot in a little more, if that's what you're after...

[Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for fans of Formula 1 racing who want to learn more about the man credited with taking the motorsport from a level of gearhead passion to global obsession. Over a lengthy 450+ pages the author meanders - with little probing journalism - through various stages of Bernie's life and F1 milestones. It reads kind of like a Formula 1 race: lots of hype with about 85% monotonous driving and 15% fascinating drama.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...#

[Jeff Weiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little one-sided I think, but nice book regardless.

[Neal Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed this book here: http://www.pitstraight.co.uk/archives...