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Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher is the outstanding Formula One driver of his generation and, statistically, the greatest ever. Gifted with a rare blend of superior ability and nerve that defines a champion, for 15 seasons he has left rivals trailing in his wake, winning an unprecedented seven world drivers' championships.
But he is a controversial figure, feared for his ruthless tactics, despised for using extreme methods in pursuit of his goals. THE EDGE OF GREATNESS examines Schumacher's entire from his first Grand Prix with Jordan to his Benetton world championships and his attempt to win back Ferrari's crown. It tells the story behind Schumacher's record five consecutive world titles, uncovers the secrets of how he has stayed at the top for so long and examines the impact of his domination on the sport. Frank, honest, adroit and in-depth - James Allen reveals the anatomy of a champion.
But he is a controversial figure, feared for his ruthless tactics, despised for using extreme methods in pursuit of his goals. THE EDGE OF GREATNESS examines Schumacher's entire from his first Grand Prix with Jordan to his Benetton world championships and his attempt to win back Ferrari's crown. It tells the story behind Schumacher's record five consecutive world titles, uncovers the secrets of how he has stayed at the top for so long and examines the impact of his domination on the sport. Frank, honest, adroit and in-depth - James Allen reveals the anatomy of a champion.
432 pages, Paperback
Published June 26, 2008
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807 people want to read
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James Allen
18 books8 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 2, 2019
Undoubtedly, Michael Schumacher is the greatest driver of F1 has ever seen. He has shown the transformation of F1 cars from the traditional to ultra-fast cars. He maintained the humility on the track and of the tack that's why he is retained as the greatest.
We have seen the generation of Alan, Seena and Micheal. They were absolutely fabulous on the track. He has won the driver championship five times in a row. That is something unbelievable.
The book has tried to explore all the dimensions of his life and presented in a pretty simple language and in a lucid manner.
We have seen the generation of Alan, Seena and Micheal. They were absolutely fabulous on the track. He has won the driver championship five times in a row. That is something unbelievable.
The book has tried to explore all the dimensions of his life and presented in a pretty simple language and in a lucid manner.
June 16, 2023
so bittersweet❤️🩹
October 5, 2024
The book effectively captures Schumacher’s work ethic and the extraordinary drive that propelled him to greatness. It shows the reality of his rise, emphasizing his perseverance through financial difficulties and the constant fight to prove himself in a highly competitive sport. These moments are inspiring and highlight the real effort behind his success.
The book also touches on Schumacher’s more controversial aspects. His intense drive often came across as ruthlessness, particularly during his rivalries and some infamous on-track incidents. The book mentions his aggressive tactics—like the collisions with Damon Hill or Jacques Villeneuve—but seems to downplay or justify these moments without fully grappling with their impact on his reputation. This made me feel that the narrative was a bit biased, leaning towards protecting Schumacher’s image rather than providing a balanced perspective on his carreer.
Overall I did like the book. It gave me a better understanding of Schumacher not only as a driver but also as a person who worked incredibly hard, faced pressure, and had to balance personal relationships along the way. The book left me with respect for Schumacher’s dedication and the real cost of success at the highest level.
The book also touches on Schumacher’s more controversial aspects. His intense drive often came across as ruthlessness, particularly during his rivalries and some infamous on-track incidents. The book mentions his aggressive tactics—like the collisions with Damon Hill or Jacques Villeneuve—but seems to downplay or justify these moments without fully grappling with their impact on his reputation. This made me feel that the narrative was a bit biased, leaning towards protecting Schumacher’s image rather than providing a balanced perspective on his carreer.
Overall I did like the book. It gave me a better understanding of Schumacher not only as a driver but also as a person who worked incredibly hard, faced pressure, and had to balance personal relationships along the way. The book left me with respect for Schumacher’s dedication and the real cost of success at the highest level.
March 21, 2008
First of all, you need to give a damn about Formula One.
You also can't be too much of a nut for Alonso. Or Senna. Or anyone who drives MacLaren.
Whether you think Schuey is a cheat or a genius, this book lends some pretty good insights into the man, the mentality, and the empire he built with Ferrari. Not always sympathetic to his course of actions, I found the author wrote it like a passing commentary on Michael's life. Which makes sense when you realise the author's James Allen, huh.
I came away more blown away about what the man has achieved and what an anomaly he sometimes is, particularly when you contrast his private life to the world of racing.
I do suspect that my rather passionate Spanish friend would take great offence with how James credits Michael for changing the face of Formula One (arguably for the better). But otherwise, if you're a rather neutral spectator, or just love reading what drivers have to say about one another, this proves a very easy read.
Great for a weekend holiday. Doesn't hurt the brain. Nice pictures.
You also can't be too much of a nut for Alonso. Or Senna. Or anyone who drives MacLaren.
Whether you think Schuey is a cheat or a genius, this book lends some pretty good insights into the man, the mentality, and the empire he built with Ferrari. Not always sympathetic to his course of actions, I found the author wrote it like a passing commentary on Michael's life. Which makes sense when you realise the author's James Allen, huh.
I came away more blown away about what the man has achieved and what an anomaly he sometimes is, particularly when you contrast his private life to the world of racing.
I do suspect that my rather passionate Spanish friend would take great offence with how James credits Michael for changing the face of Formula One (arguably for the better). But otherwise, if you're a rather neutral spectator, or just love reading what drivers have to say about one another, this proves a very easy read.
Great for a weekend holiday. Doesn't hurt the brain. Nice pictures.
January 24, 2024
Ako celú moju generáciu fanúšikov F1, aj mňa k tomuto športu priviedol Michael Schumacher pred rokom 2000 a vtedajšie súboje Ferrari s McLarenom. Keď skončil Schumacher, výrazne opadol aj môj záujem o tento šport, tak silná a výrazná osobnosť to bola. Dnes je to už 10 rokov od jeho nehody na lyžiach a som veľmi rád, že som si mohol na dovolenke prečítať 300 strán o jeho fenomenálnej 16 rokov trvajúcej kariére v F1. Vtesnať tak bohatý príbeh do jednej knihy muselo byť náročné, no výsledkom je skvelý prierez, ktorý Schumachera ani neglorifiku, ani nekritizuje, jednoducho opisuje reálne momenty z okruhov aj mimo nich, dopĺňa ich o vyjadrenia iných pilotov, ale aj tímových kolegov či spolupracovníkov. Škoda, že slovenský preklad vznikol až po 15 rokoch od vydania knihy, ale som rád, že ju máme k dispozícii. Teším sa na čítanie o Lewisovi Hamiltonovi, keď raz príde jeho čas.
February 20, 2025
Formula 1 pre mňa vždy znamenala viac než len šport – je to vášeň, ktorá ma pohltila a neprestáva ma fascinovať. Aj keď som nezažila éru Michaela Schumachera na vlastnej koži, jeho meno som poznala skôr, ako keď som sa začala o F1 zaujímať. Bol ikonou, legendou, synonymom úspechu. Táto kniha mi konečne ukázala, prečo je jeho odkaz taký silný a prečo aj dnes, roky po jeho posledných pretekoch, stále vzbudzuje rešpekt.
Príbeh Michaela Schumachera je neuveriteľne inšpiratívny. Narodil sa do skromných pomerov a jeho cesta na vrchol nebola jednoduchá. Musel si vybojovať svoje miesto v motoršporte, čeliť prekážkam a vyrovnať sa s tým, že nie vždy mu bol osud priaznivo naklonený. To, čo ho však odlišovalo, bola jeho neústupnosť, disciplína a schopnosť prekonať akúkoľvek výzvu.
Kniha sa nesústredí len na jeho úspechy a rekordy, ale ponúka aj pohľad na jeho osobnosť. Michael bol na trati nekompromisný bojovník, často kontroverzný, no zároveň to bol človek, ktorý bol oddaný svojej rodine a priateľom. Vždy si chránil súkromie, no jeho láska k manželke Corinne a blízkym bola neotrasiteľná. Táto rovnováha medzi tvrdosťou a citlivosťou z neho robí ešte fascinujúcejšiu osobnosť.
Jednou z vecí, ktoré ma na knihe najviac zaujali, je realistický pohľad na jeho kariéru. Autor neidealizuje, ale ukazuje ho takého, aký naozaj bol – ambiciózny, občas neústupný, no vždy oddaný tomu, čo robil. Schumacherova cesta bola plná triumfov, ale aj kontroverzií a neľahkých momentov. Jeho príbeh je dôkazom, že Formula 1 nie je len o rýchlosti a talentu, ale aj o tvrdej práci, politických hrách a neustálom prekonávaní samého seba.
Táto kniha mi dala možnosť pochopiť, prečo je Michael Schumacher legendou. Aj keď ho osud skúša spôsobom, ktorý si nezaslúžil, jeho príbeh zostáva navždy zapísaný v histórii F1. Pre každého fanúšika tohto športu je táto kniha povinnosťou – nie preto, že oslavuje jeho úspechy, ale preto, že ukazuje, aký bol v skutočnosti. A preto #KeepFightingMichael – tvoj odkaz žije ďalej.
Príbeh Michaela Schumachera je neuveriteľne inšpiratívny. Narodil sa do skromných pomerov a jeho cesta na vrchol nebola jednoduchá. Musel si vybojovať svoje miesto v motoršporte, čeliť prekážkam a vyrovnať sa s tým, že nie vždy mu bol osud priaznivo naklonený. To, čo ho však odlišovalo, bola jeho neústupnosť, disciplína a schopnosť prekonať akúkoľvek výzvu.
Kniha sa nesústredí len na jeho úspechy a rekordy, ale ponúka aj pohľad na jeho osobnosť. Michael bol na trati nekompromisný bojovník, často kontroverzný, no zároveň to bol človek, ktorý bol oddaný svojej rodine a priateľom. Vždy si chránil súkromie, no jeho láska k manželke Corinne a blízkym bola neotrasiteľná. Táto rovnováha medzi tvrdosťou a citlivosťou z neho robí ešte fascinujúcejšiu osobnosť.
Jednou z vecí, ktoré ma na knihe najviac zaujali, je realistický pohľad na jeho kariéru. Autor neidealizuje, ale ukazuje ho takého, aký naozaj bol – ambiciózny, občas neústupný, no vždy oddaný tomu, čo robil. Schumacherova cesta bola plná triumfov, ale aj kontroverzií a neľahkých momentov. Jeho príbeh je dôkazom, že Formula 1 nie je len o rýchlosti a talentu, ale aj o tvrdej práci, politických hrách a neustálom prekonávaní samého seba.
Táto kniha mi dala možnosť pochopiť, prečo je Michael Schumacher legendou. Aj keď ho osud skúša spôsobom, ktorý si nezaslúžil, jeho príbeh zostáva navždy zapísaný v histórii F1. Pre každého fanúšika tohto športu je táto kniha povinnosťou – nie preto, že oslavuje jeho úspechy, ale preto, že ukazuje, aký bol v skutočnosti. A preto #KeepFightingMichael – tvoj odkaz žije ďalej.
May 31, 2022
I am wiped out after reading this...it was written in 2007 so before Michael's life-altering accident and therefore it makes such a bittersweet read. I was howling in some places and at the end, when he retired initially in 2006. He was "my" driver after Ayrton Senna was so tragically killed so for 12 years I lived through every single one of his races, cheering him on. There were good years and bad years but he never failed to keep me gripped to the sport.
I do beg to differ with the odd one of the author's remarks, however. He mentions the Jordan drive in 1991 and then states that "From this point on he would never again drive a bad car" which is utter cobblers !! I recall some bloody awful years in the late 90s with bloody awful cars. He also refers to the book called Schumacher I mention below and says Michael talked about retiring in 2006. Well, it was written in 2003, so it must've been another book.
I was a little disappointed too that there were no photos of Mick included, although there was one of him with Gina Maria. However, I have the book he co-authored with Sabine Kehm and there are some smashing pictures of him with both kids in that one.
I will also never forget Ross Brawn telling Michael on the radio in 2000 that after his pitstop it was looking "very good" as he finally secured THAT first Ferrari championship. I was pretty hoarse after that myself !! And a few other special moments for me...one where Kimi slid off-track in 2004 in France enabling him to slip through !! Also his dancing his car across the finish line in 2002, I think it was, again in France, to secure his 5th championship......THAT was probably my most favourite memory.
He does refer to team orders, which I really despise myself and says "it is unlikely the feat will ever be repeated".....sadly they never learn. I can still recall going berserk at the "Felipe, Fernando is faster than you" radio call some years later. A pity they persist with this nonsense, though of course they're not the only team at it.
This final passage leaves me in bits, "He brought pleasure to millions with his competitive spirit. He was an extraordinary competitor, who lived life on the edge. And he got away with it." That he did, and it breaks my heart into pieces how he hurt himself so badly long after retiring again......
#keepfightingMichael
I do beg to differ with the odd one of the author's remarks, however. He mentions the Jordan drive in 1991 and then states that "From this point on he would never again drive a bad car" which is utter cobblers !! I recall some bloody awful years in the late 90s with bloody awful cars. He also refers to the book called Schumacher I mention below and says Michael talked about retiring in 2006. Well, it was written in 2003, so it must've been another book.
I was a little disappointed too that there were no photos of Mick included, although there was one of him with Gina Maria. However, I have the book he co-authored with Sabine Kehm and there are some smashing pictures of him with both kids in that one.
I will also never forget Ross Brawn telling Michael on the radio in 2000 that after his pitstop it was looking "very good" as he finally secured THAT first Ferrari championship. I was pretty hoarse after that myself !! And a few other special moments for me...one where Kimi slid off-track in 2004 in France enabling him to slip through !! Also his dancing his car across the finish line in 2002, I think it was, again in France, to secure his 5th championship......THAT was probably my most favourite memory.
He does refer to team orders, which I really despise myself and says "it is unlikely the feat will ever be repeated".....sadly they never learn. I can still recall going berserk at the "Felipe, Fernando is faster than you" radio call some years later. A pity they persist with this nonsense, though of course they're not the only team at it.
This final passage leaves me in bits, "He brought pleasure to millions with his competitive spirit. He was an extraordinary competitor, who lived life on the edge. And he got away with it." That he did, and it breaks my heart into pieces how he hurt himself so badly long after retiring again......
#keepfightingMichael
May 30, 2021
Good book, presenting both the negatives and the positives of Schumacher, though the author insists that many of the negatives come with the demands of the sport. Definitely a good read for those interested in the legend's story.
October 19, 2015
Boring. Nothing what I didnt know. One sided view of what happend.
June 7, 2016
Some interesting anecdotes and glimpses into the mind of the great man, but this a story that could be covered by a 4 page magazine article padded out to novel length.
November 16, 2018
A legend in my eyes, book does him justice
June 17, 2020
Great Read for any F1 Fan! James was fair with the whole Schumacher fiasco, especially in Jerez.
I purchased this book in 2009 and just had a chance to read it!
I purchased this book in 2009 and just had a chance to read it!
April 12, 2018
Useful research for my upcoming book www.1994f1.com
Perhaps the most balanced book currently in existence regarding the Benetton cheating allegations, but it barely touches upon the subject. For instance, it provides minimal coverage of the Hockenheim fuel fire investigation and the cover-up afterwards. Nor does it discuss any of the other controversies like the Ferrari driver aid in Aida, McLaren gearbox case, or discuss whether the driver aid ban contributed towards the crashes etc. This book was originally released in 2007 so it does not cover the most recent arguments/evidence surrounding the Benetton cheating allegations. It’s a book focused on Schumacher’s career, and one gets the impression his controversial times (like 1994) is intentional brushed over. Similarly it does not give the analysis into the Benetton cheating allegations my book offers www.1994f1.com, or indeed the problems Schumacher’s 1994 teammates suffered, and how the Benetton was built with his driving technique in mind.
Perhaps the most balanced book currently in existence regarding the Benetton cheating allegations, but it barely touches upon the subject. For instance, it provides minimal coverage of the Hockenheim fuel fire investigation and the cover-up afterwards. Nor does it discuss any of the other controversies like the Ferrari driver aid in Aida, McLaren gearbox case, or discuss whether the driver aid ban contributed towards the crashes etc. This book was originally released in 2007 so it does not cover the most recent arguments/evidence surrounding the Benetton cheating allegations. It’s a book focused on Schumacher’s career, and one gets the impression his controversial times (like 1994) is intentional brushed over. Similarly it does not give the analysis into the Benetton cheating allegations my book offers www.1994f1.com, or indeed the problems Schumacher’s 1994 teammates suffered, and how the Benetton was built with his driving technique in mind.
March 4, 2024
To, čo mi pri iných knihách (napríklad "Max") chýbalo, táto kniha má. Dozvieš sa, aký bol Schumacher ako človek a aj ako športovec, čo pre neho bolo dôležité a aj to, aký bol na seba náročný. Prečítaš si o jeho športových začiatkoch, ktoré neboli ideálne ani ľahké. V tejto knihe prejdeš jeho kariéru, súperov, dôležité momenty aj kontroverzné situácie.
Mne sa F1 jednoducho s týmto človekom spája, pretože, keď som tento šport začala sledovať, bol Schumacher na svojom vrchole. Keď mal nehodu na lyžiach, tiež som si povedala, že prejde pár týždňov a nič mu nebude. Vždy bol pre mňa Ten majster a aj keď je tento šport za tie roky posunul už niekde inde, vždy pre mňa bude výnimočným jazdcom. A táto kniha to len potvrdila.
Tak nech to uzavriem, knihe dávam 5/5 hviezdičiek a nie je to z mojich pateticko-nostalgických dôvodov. Je to preto, lebo táto kniha je naozaj jedna z najlepších v žánri biografia, akú som doteraz čítala (a ver, že som ich prečítala dosť). Fanúšik F1, by túto knihu nemal nechať v kníhkupectve, bude klenotom tvojej knižnice.
Mne sa F1 jednoducho s týmto človekom spája, pretože, keď som tento šport začala sledovať, bol Schumacher na svojom vrchole. Keď mal nehodu na lyžiach, tiež som si povedala, že prejde pár týždňov a nič mu nebude. Vždy bol pre mňa Ten majster a aj keď je tento šport za tie roky posunul už niekde inde, vždy pre mňa bude výnimočným jazdcom. A táto kniha to len potvrdila.
Tak nech to uzavriem, knihe dávam 5/5 hviezdičiek a nie je to z mojich pateticko-nostalgických dôvodov. Je to preto, lebo táto kniha je naozaj jedna z najlepších v žánri biografia, akú som doteraz čítala (a ver, že som ich prečítala dosť). Fanúšik F1, by túto knihu nemal nechať v kníhkupectve, bude klenotom tvojej knižnice.
August 22, 2021
Have to say that I had an idealized perception of Schumacher. I knew of his titles, I watched him race in the 2000s, but I had no clue of all the inner dealings. I did not know of his penalties, of his upbringing, of his personality, of his relationship with Ralf an so on. One of those books... Is Lewis better than Michael? No. In the same sence whether LeBron is better than Jordan. Yes, Lewis has the possibility to get eight titles, but, to draw another comparison with Jordan, Bill Russell is not considered better than Jordan just because he has more titles. A great book about one of the greatest race car drivers to have ever lived.
February 15, 2024
Po prečítaní tejto knihy môžem s istotou povedať len to, že Michael Schumacher bol neskutočne fascinujúci človek... prekvapivo veľmi kontroverzný, ale fascinujúci. Bol to človek, ktorého ste buď milovali alebo nenávideli, nič medzitým.
Kniha je veľmi pekne spracovaná, autor mi prišiel objektívny, hovoril veci na rovinu tak, ako sú a svoje postrehy vhodne dopĺňal názormi ľudí, ktorí Michaela poznali a aj vyjadreniami samotného Michaela. Bola to zaujímavá sonda do jeho života odmalička až po jeho obrovské úspechy, vďaka ktorým sa stal priam legendou Formule 1, v mnohých ohľadoch ešte stále neprekonanou legendou, pričom v kútiku duše možno dúfam, že ho nikto nikdy ani neprekoná.
Kniha je veľmi pekne spracovaná, autor mi prišiel objektívny, hovoril veci na rovinu tak, ako sú a svoje postrehy vhodne dopĺňal názormi ľudí, ktorí Michaela poznali a aj vyjadreniami samotného Michaela. Bola to zaujímavá sonda do jeho života odmalička až po jeho obrovské úspechy, vďaka ktorým sa stal priam legendou Formule 1, v mnohých ohľadoch ešte stále neprekonanou legendou, pričom v kútiku duše možno dúfam, že ho nikto nikdy ani neprekoná.
October 1, 2021
I have read a few F1 books and while I remember bits of them I don't think I remember any as well as the bits James Allen writes here about Schumacher and Alonso at the 2006 Monaco GP where that "incident" occurred. Really well written and this is coming from someone who was not a Michael Schumacher fan.
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January 31, 2022I think it is a great Book for a person who likes inspiring storys and cars lovers the story was verry good told but for me i would like a bit more about cars because it shows about his personal but it was very interresting book because it shows how did he started and never gave up until he became a f1 driver also his dificulties and how he passed them
April 5, 2023
I loved every page of it, so many interesting views from different people and from Michael's interviews, really giving a full picture of a complex person he was.Too bad the book ends somewhere in 2007, as i would like to read a couple of chapters more :)
June 17, 2017
Very informative but annoying how it was more a collection of quotes with little narrative than a true bio.
August 29, 2017
Must read for a true fan.
January 26, 2018
Good read
A good insight into the mind of an F1 driver. Possibly one a the best around to cheat his fellow colleagues
A good insight into the mind of an F1 driver. Possibly one a the best around to cheat his fellow colleagues
October 26, 2019
Loved it!
November 21, 2019
A mi me gusta este libro porque se trata de la historia de mi corredor de formula 1 preferido
March 14, 2020
Not bad. Gives a good insight into the man.
January 5, 2024
Keep fighting Schumi!
July 18, 2024
a good book that takes us back before the glory years of schumi. the authors can loose the readers in the middle of the book sometimes because of the amount of different information that is given
December 29, 2024
very difficult to finish, no chronological events, nothing that would catch my attention really
November 28, 2025
Sadly, the book is quite superficial. There isn't much that isn't already known.
February 5, 2015
This is my sole individual debatable review. My review is not intended to influence other book readers or future sales of the book, my review is based upon my own thoughts of the book “Michael Schumacher The Edge of Greatness”. This book is well researched, very accurate in detail, very enjoyable, thanks to the co-operation from the Schumacher camp and Ferrari. The story of a Formula 1 legend, one of the true greats of the sport, with more World championships than any other driver (up to present 2015). Not only was Schumacher a great driver, the best I have seen in my lifetime, the guy had character, he would jump out of his car, and go face to face with other drivers, he brought excitement to Formula 1. These days formula 1 in my own opinion lacks characters like Schumacher, many drivers in formula 1 these days seem to have be tailor made in their attitudes to be media friendly. This book covers many subjects in Schumachers pursuit of perfection, which sometimes crossed a line - with disastrous results for Schumachers image. This book shows both sides to Schumacher brutal to his adversaries, generous to those close to him. In conclusion I must say that from the moment I read chapter 1 “Monaco 27th 2006” I was gripped by the story line, through to chapter 9 and his battles with Ayrton Senna, who was another great, potentially the only man to be considered great than Schumacher by some Formula 1 fans, right until the end, the book was fantastic. This book gives the story of Schumacher until he retired with Ferrari, it does not include his comeback years at Mercedes. A truly great book, one of the best F1 books around. Many people will enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews