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Barry: The Story of Motorcycling Legend, Barry Sheene
This is the remarkable story of Barry Sheene, the cheeky cockney boy who grew up to become a sporting legend. He won the British motorcycling 125cc championship aged just twenty and twice became World Champion in the 500cc class, despite two life-threatening crashes. In an era when sport and its personalities rarely made it off the back pages, Barry Sheene crossed the bridge between sport and celebrity in a style that only George Best had achieved previously.
Barry is an intimate and revealing account told by three people who knew him better than most. Steve Parrish, fellow bike racer and now BBC commentator, Nick Harris, who wrote and broadcast on all Barry's major successes, and Barry's widow, Stephanie.
Frank and fascinating, Barry is an exclusive look into the extraordinary life of a charming and complex man.
Barry is an intimate and revealing account told by three people who knew him better than most. Steve Parrish, fellow bike racer and now BBC commentator, Nick Harris, who wrote and broadcast on all Barry's major successes, and Barry's widow, Stephanie.
Frank and fascinating, Barry is an exclusive look into the extraordinary life of a charming and complex man.
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 3, 2018
A joy to read
I can't think of anyone better to contribute to a biography of Barry Sheene than great friend Steve Parrish. The enthusiasm for Barry is clear throughout. It is full of old stories. As someone who really knew Barry well, Parrish can provide a real insight into his character. It is sad to read the initial chapter on Barry's illness, it is clear that Parrish really misses his friend.
This is a really well written account of Barry Sheene and well worth reading
I can't think of anyone better to contribute to a biography of Barry Sheene than great friend Steve Parrish. The enthusiasm for Barry is clear throughout. It is full of old stories. As someone who really knew Barry well, Parrish can provide a real insight into his character. It is sad to read the initial chapter on Barry's illness, it is clear that Parrish really misses his friend.
This is a really well written account of Barry Sheene and well worth reading
April 27, 2025
Barry, a 2 times 500cc world champion, his celebrity racing exploits in the 70s and 80s filled the papers with the bravery and speed, when tracks had little protection for the riders.
Some cool recollections spanning his sporting and private life and for sure he lived and enjoyed a generation that suited his cockney banter, sadly a time relegated to the distant past…
Some cool recollections spanning his sporting and private life and for sure he lived and enjoyed a generation that suited his cockney banter, sadly a time relegated to the distant past…
March 31, 2018
He's everything we miss. What a character.what a winner.
Recommended read. Awesome.
My hero growing up, and now somehow a bigger hero than I could ever of imagined. Go full throttle Barry.
Recommended read. Awesome.
My hero growing up, and now somehow a bigger hero than I could ever of imagined. Go full throttle Barry.
October 24, 2020
I found it great in parts I loved Barry Sheene, but it tailed when talking from a third person perspective. Slightly disappointed in the book.
November 9, 2020
Pictures please
I enjoyed the book very much but I would have appreciated some contemporary pictures with the text to show the development of the bikes through his long career
I enjoyed the book very much but I would have appreciated some contemporary pictures with the text to show the development of the bikes through his long career
April 21, 2025
A true icon of motorcycle racing. Long live Barry
July 17, 2023
Written by, and featuring input from, people close to him, this book recounts Barry’s on-track drama and off-track shenanigans, resulting in a mostly upbeat account of a life lived well. It’s a brisk, eventful read of a sporting champion who knew what he wanted and made the required moves to make things happen, regardless of potential consequences.
Some of the described behavior of Barry and his mates is very of the times, with endless pranks and innuendo, and grand schemes to deceive others whenever a clever plan had been hatched. There’s a lot of content detailing the character and motivations of both the man and the boy, revealing a plethora of insecurities and obsessions that maddened family, friends, and those he raced for and fought against all around the world.
Some of the described behavior of Barry and his mates is very of the times, with endless pranks and innuendo, and grand schemes to deceive others whenever a clever plan had been hatched. There’s a lot of content detailing the character and motivations of both the man and the boy, revealing a plethora of insecurities and obsessions that maddened family, friends, and those he raced for and fought against all around the world.
August 24, 2016
A well written moving and honest book about one of the finest ever motorbike racers. A cheeky happy with an eye for the ladies and a will to win.
Sheene was one of the first real personalities of professional motorbike racing to expand the fan base of the sport to the general public. An uncompromising man with real passion and a wish to have a laugh and not take things to seriously outside of the track.
Sheene was a contemporary of, and a friend of James Hunt and the two of them were World Champions at the same time. Both brought something different, something special to their sports that expanded their fame far beyond the sports and both tragically died too early.
Sheene was one of the first real personalities of professional motorbike racing to expand the fan base of the sport to the general public. An uncompromising man with real passion and a wish to have a laugh and not take things to seriously outside of the track.
Sheene was a contemporary of, and a friend of James Hunt and the two of them were World Champions at the same time. Both brought something different, something special to their sports that expanded their fame far beyond the sports and both tragically died too early.
May 20, 2008
i am a big fan of barrys an follwed his career with intrest and enjoyed this accout of it by steve parrish and nick harris 2 of his closest friend and colleges
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews