Rolls-Royce

by L.J.K. Setright

Introduction by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu - illustrated with photos

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

At one point, the author, says something to the effect of "if this were a promotional piece from Rolls Royce itself...." and I thought to myself- this is NOT THAT? It's pretty much a 160 page promotion of the Rolls Royce brand from start to finish, although it does discuss all the issues eventually, both good and bad. This is the story of Rolls Royce as auto maker AND Aero Engine builder, from it's roots in Manchester in 1906, to what was the "Present Day" at publication, 1971- the height of the "best Car in the World" image Rolls Royce cultivated. Frankly, I bought this book because I LOVE the "Ballantines's Illustrated History of the 20th Century" and did not know this series existed as a twin. This book did inform and entertain- although I was not converted to a "GearHead".
The car stuff is great for gearheads and civilians alike, as the constant stream of technical date is always accompanied by an explanation of why those advances were useful. The rise of the brand is an interesting tale, if told a bit hagiographically. There is a strong discussion of the Aircraft engine side of the business, as well as the brilliant foray into armoured cars in WWI and the interwar period. Even the complex progress of the brand after WWII was explained as well as possible for 1971. Very readable - if relentlessly positive.
This is an optimal book for the junior reader who wants to follow this topic- with its many B/W photos and line drawings. For the Gamer/Modeller/military enthusiast a good background read, but not a resource for Scenarios or Dioramas- although some car modellers can make use of the good detail shots. This a nice little book about a very high -end car brand but not much more than that.