One Glorious Hour

by Don Shaw

Based on a film that was commssioned in 1976 about the life of Mike Hawthorn but never made this is his true story that can now be told properly with all the facts available.

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2012

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should really be billed as a novelization of Hawthorne's final Grand Prix year, rather than a history or biography. Once I figured that out, I could settle back and enjoy it rather than being nettled by the liberties Shaw was taking. As a historical novel, it is quite compelling and gives a view of the 1950s racing scene that is supported by most sources. A great read for racing history buffs.

[Mark Morey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reads like a screenplay turned into a novel, but plays loose with the facts in many significant ways. Jean Howarth, the fiancée of Mike Hawthorn who he asked to marry him in 1958, is not mentioned at all. That alone changes the entire tenor of this potboiler. Other than that there are many other unnecessary errors of fact. Actually the truth of what happened during that year would make more interesting reading.

[Richard Melville · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story, but how true to life is it? Was his accident an accident? I am not sure about this.