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Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine
Book has been read a few times. Cover is in good, but not perfect shape.
526 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1991
239 people are currently reading
1687 people want to read
About the author
Brock Yates
26 books13 followersBrock Yates was an American journalist and a best-selling author, most frequently about automotive topics and motor sport.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 12, 2024
What can I say, I have been smitten by big red Ferrari's for as long as I remember. My father, back in the day, was a midget race car driver and was building his own race car. There are pictures of me at age three years old with my racing helmet and my tool box as I probably unscrewed whatever my dad has just secured. And so that was my beginning relationship with racing cars. And it continues to this day.
The first time my husband and I were in Italy was a glorious month in our little red Fiat, a few maps, and a lot of laughs and courage as we traveled through Italy with no reservations. We did pretty well until we went to Lake Como and were turned away again and again but ultimately ending up at a lovely inn in the shadow of the Dolomites, just kilometers away from the Swiss border. They greeted us late at night with lovely bowls of delicious soup, fresh warm crusty bread and a carafe of wine. So what was all of the excitement? It seems like that weekend they were having the sailing regatta on Lake Como, a presidential visit, and a Ferrari race through the village of Bellagio. It is beyond one's imagination to see all of those lovely hills of the beautiful village of Bellagio blanketed with Ferraris, mostly red but a smattering of blues and yellows along the way. I will always remember being there cheering all of these Ferraris as they made their way through Bellagio leaving their imprint on history.
And so it was at a neighborhood film theater we saw the trailers for the movie tie-in with this book. Well of course we had to take our college-age grandsons. The movie was riveting and left me wanting more. And that led me to this beautiful book. It really delves into the history of the Ferrari family. In the updated Foreword, it is said that when the book was first published in 1991, it was an honest and sometimes raw biography that looked at the life of Ferrari in the context of his family, his temperament, his education and his socioeconomic standing in a country financially ravaged by two world wars and the Depression, and an intense vendetta against Fiat that would take almost fifty years to play out. This edition ends not with Ferrari's death in 1988, but with an epilogue detailing the company's progress and meteoric rise following Enzo Ferrari's death. A fabulous read and movie for all of us racing fans.
And so this is a story that begins in 1898 in Modena, Italy with the birth of Enzo Ferrari. What we see in this book is not only the story of Enzo Ferrari but history and its impact; the flu pandemic, World War I and II, and the Spanish Civil War. And it is in the midst of all of this history and chaos that we see Enzo Ferrari build an empire. Key to his drive was racing in the iconic Mille Miglia bringing the company increased recognition but also notoriety. This is a progression of the Ferrari brand as it expanded over the years taking wins all over Europe, particularly in the LeMans. I loved the movie and the book. And I will forever be a fan of racing and of Ferrari's.
The first time my husband and I were in Italy was a glorious month in our little red Fiat, a few maps, and a lot of laughs and courage as we traveled through Italy with no reservations. We did pretty well until we went to Lake Como and were turned away again and again but ultimately ending up at a lovely inn in the shadow of the Dolomites, just kilometers away from the Swiss border. They greeted us late at night with lovely bowls of delicious soup, fresh warm crusty bread and a carafe of wine. So what was all of the excitement? It seems like that weekend they were having the sailing regatta on Lake Como, a presidential visit, and a Ferrari race through the village of Bellagio. It is beyond one's imagination to see all of those lovely hills of the beautiful village of Bellagio blanketed with Ferraris, mostly red but a smattering of blues and yellows along the way. I will always remember being there cheering all of these Ferraris as they made their way through Bellagio leaving their imprint on history.
And so it was at a neighborhood film theater we saw the trailers for the movie tie-in with this book. Well of course we had to take our college-age grandsons. The movie was riveting and left me wanting more. And that led me to this beautiful book. It really delves into the history of the Ferrari family. In the updated Foreword, it is said that when the book was first published in 1991, it was an honest and sometimes raw biography that looked at the life of Ferrari in the context of his family, his temperament, his education and his socioeconomic standing in a country financially ravaged by two world wars and the Depression, and an intense vendetta against Fiat that would take almost fifty years to play out. This edition ends not with Ferrari's death in 1988, but with an epilogue detailing the company's progress and meteoric rise following Enzo Ferrari's death. A fabulous read and movie for all of us racing fans.
"Standing in the damp gloom of the pits, Enzo Ferrari reeled at the news. Suddenly the naked brutality of the sport he loved pummeled him and tore at his insides. Here were two men, his old compagnos, now lying torn and lifeless like rag dolls in a muddy ditch. He had steeled himself for such moments. He knew of the flimsy cars and their propensity to buck men off their backs like Wild West broncos. He understood the risks, having accepted them himself. But for Campari and Borzahini to go down together was almost more than he could bear."
"It was Enzo Ferrari, handcuffed by the past, yet goaded by the future, who single-handedly had given Modena its newfound reputation as a center of world-class glamour cars."
"If there was one essential quality about the man was his ironbound tenacity, his fierce devotion to the single cause of winning automobile races with cars bearing his name. From 1930 onward, for nearly sixty years, hardly a day passed when this thought was not foremost in his mind. Win or lose, he unfailingly answered the bell. In that sense his devotion to his own self-described mission was without precedent, at least within the world of motorsports. For that alone he towered over hs peers."
And so this is a story that begins in 1898 in Modena, Italy with the birth of Enzo Ferrari. What we see in this book is not only the story of Enzo Ferrari but history and its impact; the flu pandemic, World War I and II, and the Spanish Civil War. And it is in the midst of all of this history and chaos that we see Enzo Ferrari build an empire. Key to his drive was racing in the iconic Mille Miglia bringing the company increased recognition but also notoriety. This is a progression of the Ferrari brand as it expanded over the years taking wins all over Europe, particularly in the LeMans. I loved the movie and the book. And I will forever be a fan of racing and of Ferrari's.
January 25, 2024
I’m tired of losing draft reviews.
April 20, 2020
Впечатлен съм от тона и изказа на автора на тази книга. Митът за Ферари е развенчан и на преден план излизат личните качества/недостатъци, интриги, маниакалност и изключително лицемерие на един скандално добър предприемач и бизнесмен.
Много ми беше интересно да прочета за множество интересни срещи, случки, отношения, решения, свързани с Енцо Ферари. По този начин, заблудата в мен, относно инженерната мисъл и революционен подход на този велик човек, беше до голяма степен опровергана.
Безкрайно интересно са описаните началните етапи на развитието на Гран При състезанията преди войната, на изключително опасните междуградски пътища, по които са се провеждали понякога безумни състезания с цел гъделичкане егото на "големите" като Ферари.
Освен на Ферари, историята на големите производители като Алфа Ромео, ФИАТ, Мазерати, Ауто Унион, Мерцедес-Бенц и на по-късен етап на английските "гаражни" фирмички, както ги нарича Енцо Ферари, е безкрайно интересна.
Проследяването на живота и състезанията на велики пилоти като Тацио Нуволари, Алберто Аскари, Хуан Манул Фанджо, Джон Съртис, Ники Лауда, Жил Вилньов и много други е красотата на тази книга.
Ако трябва да обобщя - адски интересна книга за историята на автомобилният спорт в Европа още от времето на Първата световна война и до смъртта на Енцо Ферари през 1988. Разбира се, основният фокус е върху Енцо Ферари и създадената от него компания, множеството интриги, сделки, трагедии, постижения. Това, което ми остана веднага като маркер в съзнанието е, че дори самият Енцо Ферари не може да си обясни защо всички се фанатизират на тема Ферари още от ранните години и модели на компанията.
Препоръчвам книгата не само на всички фенове на Ферари, но и на тези на автомобилния свят, като цяло. Ще научат много интересни неща за множество световни марки, пилоти, събития. Дори проследяването на живота през 20-ти век е много интересно и задържащо вниманието.
Много ми беше интересно да прочета за множество интересни срещи, случки, отношения, решения, свързани с Енцо Ферари. По този начин, заблудата в мен, относно инженерната мисъл и революционен подход на този велик човек, беше до голяма степен опровергана.
Безкрайно интересно са описаните началните етапи на развитието на Гран При състезанията преди войната, на изключително опасните междуградски пътища, по които са се провеждали понякога безумни състезания с цел гъделичкане егото на "големите" като Ферари.
Освен на Ферари, историята на големите производители като Алфа Ромео, ФИАТ, Мазерати, Ауто Унион, Мерцедес-Бенц и на по-късен етап на английските "гаражни" фирмички, както ги нарича Енцо Ферари, е безкрайно интересна.
Проследяването на живота и състезанията на велики пилоти като Тацио Нуволари, Алберто Аскари, Хуан Манул Фанджо, Джон Съртис, Ники Лауда, Жил Вилньов и много други е красотата на тази книга.
Ако трябва да обобщя - адски интересна книга за историята на автомобилният спорт в Европа още от времето на Първата световна война и до смъртта на Енцо Ферари през 1988. Разбира се, основният фокус е върху Енцо Ферари и създадената от него компания, множеството интриги, сделки, трагедии, постижения. Това, което ми остана веднага като маркер в съзнанието е, че дори самият Енцо Ферари не може да си обясни защо всички се фанатизират на тема Ферари още от ранните години и модели на компанията.
Препоръчвам книгата не само на всички фенове на Ферари, но и на тези на автомобилния свят, като цяло. Ще научат много интересни неща за множество световни марки, пилоти, събития. Дори проследяването на живота през 20-ти век е много интересно и задържащо вниманието.
September 20, 2023
"The glorification and enrichment of the most supremely outrageous, over-powered and oversexed automobiles of the modern era, the crimson bolides of Modena and Maranello – the magic machines of Enzo Ferrari."
I supposed going into this that stories about the company/cars would have to be told (did not understand a single thing about the cars), but I assumed the predominant story would be about the man himself, Enzo Ferrari. I was wrong. The book only tells glimpses of the life of the creator of Ferrari, and those glimpses are being told only in parts because either the author admits that the whole story isn't known, or because the story is being written into a single paragraph and then it goes back to the cars. So, in short, so much of the book is wasted in anything but the life of the man the book its supposed to focus on.
adapted film:
ferrari (2023) dir. Michael Mann
I supposed going into this that stories about the company/cars would have to be told (did not understand a single thing about the cars), but I assumed the predominant story would be about the man himself, Enzo Ferrari. I was wrong. The book only tells glimpses of the life of the creator of Ferrari, and those glimpses are being told only in parts because either the author admits that the whole story isn't known, or because the story is being written into a single paragraph and then it goes back to the cars. So, in short, so much of the book is wasted in anything but the life of the man the book its supposed to focus on.
adapted film:
ferrari (2023) dir. Michael Mann
August 12, 2024
Enzo Ferrari. The man. The myth. The legend. Brock Yates provides an immense amount of information about Ferrari - from cradle to grave. Both personal (his relationships etc..) and within the scope of motorsports. Be prepared, there will be a lot to unpack from this. For anyone who is a fan of Formula One and the history of grand prix racing this will be a must read and a great addition to any motorsports library
September 6, 2022
A detailed and somehow critical recount of the greatest name in the racing business. Not an innovator, not an engineer, but a narcissistic "agitator of men", who managed to survive two world wars, many financial downturns, multiple encounters with death to build a cult like racing brand. The fact that people still associate Ferrari with racing success, despite the dumbest of their pit strategies and the awfulness of some of their cars, is Enzo’s greatest legacy. In the past 40 years, Ferrari only won 6 driver titles and 8 constructor championships, which is what Mercedes did in just a decade. Yet people still expect them to win every season. That’s the cult of Ferrari.
The book doesn’t have an index, so if you plan to revisit some of the chapters be prepared with some sticky bookmarks.
The book doesn’t have an index, so if you plan to revisit some of the chapters be prepared with some sticky bookmarks.
July 25, 2021
I am slightly disappointed. The early years of the Scuderia are described in great detail, but the paragraphs covering the last 8-10 years of Ferrari's life felt like they were hastily put together. Many Italian names, words and phrases were poorly translated throughout the whole book. And there are two major mistakes - one about the 1987 F1 Championship, the second in the epilogue (I don't want to spoil this here. If you've been following F1 you'll see what I am talking about...) - which makes me wonder how accurate the description of events and anecdotes that occurred half a century ago really are.
June 2, 2022
Lots of silly spelling mistakes when writing Italian names. Forghieri, one of the most revered engineers in Ferrari’s history is spelled Foghieri. But the list is endless.
And lots of smirks at Italians being inefficient and disorganised.
Not that good.
And lots of smirks at Italians being inefficient and disorganised.
Not that good.
March 16, 2023
Not what I was looking for. Started off ok but couldn't finish the book as I was overwhelmed by a lot of details about various races. I was looking for his life story and how he ended up designing iconic cars. Half way through the book I'm still reading about races and no story line.
September 30, 2011
Mostly about Ferrari and his ifluence on the racing program and not a whole lot about him. Overall good.
June 7, 2025
Cała książka przypomina dwudziestoczterogodzinny wyścig Le Mans.
Na samym początku poznajesz trasę, uczestników wyścigu i próbujesz okiełznać swój czerwony bolid.
Im dłużej trwa wyścig, zaczynasz rozumieć czemu zakręt bierzesz w tym miejscu a nie innym. Kiedy hamować, przyspieszać.
A na sam koniec po przekroczeniu linii mety czujesz jak przepełniają Cię nowe doświadczenia i emocje.
Nie inaczej jest z tą książką. Enzo Ferrari jawi się większości jako wizjoner, lider rewolucji rynku samochodów sportowych, genialny inżynier i sprzedawca. Gdyby nie autor, wciąż tkwiłbym w tych błędnych stwierdzeniach.
Nie jest to pieśń pochwalna Włocha ani papierowy odpowiednik facebookowych fanpagey hejtujących. To szczera i często zaskakująca analiza Ferrariego- jego życia i firmy. Obie te dziedziny przenikają się na wszelaki sposób i kreują jego postać.
Na pewno słynne bolidy w kolorze Rosso Corsa będą wyglądały teraz dla mnie trochę inaczej. Widząc dowolny model Ferrari, będę miewał flashbacki z tej książki i na nowo przeżywał te emocje które towarzyszyły mi podczas czytania.
Czy nadal w mojej sferze marzeń przebywa Ferrari? Jeszcze jak, teraz nawet próbuje zwiększyć swoje miejsce parkingowe :)
Na samym początku poznajesz trasę, uczestników wyścigu i próbujesz okiełznać swój czerwony bolid.
Im dłużej trwa wyścig, zaczynasz rozumieć czemu zakręt bierzesz w tym miejscu a nie innym. Kiedy hamować, przyspieszać.
A na sam koniec po przekroczeniu linii mety czujesz jak przepełniają Cię nowe doświadczenia i emocje.
Nie inaczej jest z tą książką. Enzo Ferrari jawi się większości jako wizjoner, lider rewolucji rynku samochodów sportowych, genialny inżynier i sprzedawca. Gdyby nie autor, wciąż tkwiłbym w tych błędnych stwierdzeniach.
Nie jest to pieśń pochwalna Włocha ani papierowy odpowiednik facebookowych fanpagey hejtujących. To szczera i często zaskakująca analiza Ferrariego- jego życia i firmy. Obie te dziedziny przenikają się na wszelaki sposób i kreują jego postać.
Na pewno słynne bolidy w kolorze Rosso Corsa będą wyglądały teraz dla mnie trochę inaczej. Widząc dowolny model Ferrari, będę miewał flashbacki z tej książki i na nowo przeżywał te emocje które towarzyszyły mi podczas czytania.
Czy nadal w mojej sferze marzeń przebywa Ferrari? Jeszcze jak, teraz nawet próbuje zwiększyć swoje miejsce parkingowe :)
February 16, 2024
Audiobook. Very in-depth and informative look at the life of Enzo Ferrari and the team/brand he created. A bit tough to digest if you know nothing about engines or the great racers of old, but I was entertained and I feel like I learned something as a new F1 fan who wanted to learn more about this iconic brand.
September 13, 2024
Did me reading this book have something to do with Charles Leclerc winning Monza for Ferrari? Idk hard to tell… absolutely, yes 100%.
Fascinating biography on how someone without any real technical knowledge for cars can still have the passion and understanding to create the most iconic car brand of all time. Forza!
Fascinating biography on how someone without any real technical knowledge for cars can still have the passion and understanding to create the most iconic car brand of all time. Forza!
January 2, 2025
Vroom vroom
November 17, 2025
Dawno nie czytałam tak nudnej i beznadziejnie napisanej książki
March 12, 2024
The Man, The Myth, The Legend. Can you define Enzo in other words? Hardly. But the author of this book has some different opinions which can one describe as "spicy" as the author is telling an amazing story without tiling. Nonetheless the book is full of amazing details regarding Enzo, his cars and company
February 21, 2010
Such a complex man to define in the written form. Brock Yates leaves no stone unturned to discover the enigma behind the dark glasses. Tough going in places but well written and hugely informative. Now seen as a significant work of reference.
November 23, 2012
Enzo Ferrari will be forever be a legend but this book does not really add anything to the varied array of books in Italian and English on the topic...
September 7, 2024
Обикновено биографиите са в прозаичен стил – украсени и любезни слова, подредени в хронологичен ред, чиято цел е да се увековечи историята на известна личност. И по-точно тази, която е удобно да остане в писмен вид, разказана от правилната гледна точка и с внимателно подбрани думи. Тази книга ми направи впечатление с това, че е точно обратното... Тя няма за цел да създаде идеал, а да натроши на парчета изграденият имидж за Енцо Ферари. При това съвсем директно и грубо:
„Вместо аристократичен лорд, величествено надзираващ херцогството на майсторите, открива селяк от Модена, управляващ малка италианска фабрика, която по случайност произвежда бързи коли.“
„С течение на времето той успява да си създаде пред външния свят аура на изпълнено с достойнство величие, въпреки че за тесния кръг от инженери, ласкатели и случайни приятели той си остава все същият вилнеещ манипулативен тъпак с лоши обноски, какъвто си е бил и преди.“
Автомобилите на Ферари си създават спортна слава, представа за превъзходство над конкуренцията, носят имидж на притежателите си, качват цената си неимоверно с годините и са предмет на колекциониране и безкраен мърчандайз. А това върви с милиони тифози по света, които са част от легендата за Ферари по един или друг начин.
Книгата се старае да им покаже слабостите в личността на Ферари, трудните отношения между него, пилоти и инженери, грешките, трагедиите и лошото отношение към самите тях – най-верните клиенти и поддръжници на разнообразната спортна и търговска дейност на компанията.
Но зад историята на Енцо Ферари и Скудерията, се разкрива голямата картинка на развитието на автомобилостроенето и великият автомобилен спорт в началото на изминалия век. Век, в който Италия има превъзходство като започнем от индустриалния дизайн като основа, през малките работилнички и манифактури, оформящите се индустриални конгломерати в Европа, та чак до състезателните трасета. Което поражда редица неизбежни въпроси и сравнения накъде върви Италия и как защитава славното си техническо и спортно минало. (Да не казвам директно, че ти се реве като четеш къде са били и къде са сега...) Един обикновен цитат от книгата по този въпрос: „ФИАТ не копират, те обучават след като са изобретили!“ Къде са ФИАТ на картата сега?
И още два въпроса, които си зададох, четейки..
*Кой беше последният италианец, спечелил във Формула 1?
Джанкарло Физикела, с Рено през 2006-та.
*А кой беше последният във WRC?
Оказа се Пиеро Лиати, през 1997-ма. Лесно си припомних за него, понеже бях гледал наскоро биографията на Фабриция Понс, а и резултати от Рали Албена/Златни пясъци, в които Лиати е участвал неведнъж.
И един непреходен цитат за разликата между бедните и богатите пилоти:
„Ферари знае твърде добре, че богатите аматьори са различна мая, лишени от тази „мъчителна пустота в стомасите си“, която движи истинския професионалист. Той иска мъж като Нуволари или, да прости Господ, Фанджо, които се състезават с бруталната, безсърдечна и неотслабваща решителност да победят на всяка цена. Те са трудни характери, безочливи, егоцентрични, егоистични, дистанцирани мъже, но могат да печелят. Тяхната лояност е към собствените им, често монашески, потребности. Но са способни да се изправят без колебание пред страховитите залози на хлъзгава от дъжда или покрита с масло състезателна писта, или зад волана на посредствена, трудноуправляема състезателна кола.“
Енцо Ферари не е светец, не е икона, не е и велик инженер. Не е и било нужно да бъде.
Но е създал магия, която хората обичат. Автомобили, които слагат на плакат над леглото си. Двигатели което могат да се чуят, само като видят на снимка! Скудерия, която да подкрепят следващата неделя. End of story...
„Вместо аристократичен лорд, величествено надзираващ херцогството на майсторите, открива селяк от Модена, управляващ малка италианска фабрика, която по случайност произвежда бързи коли.“
„С течение на времето той успява да си създаде пред външния свят аура на изпълнено с достойнство величие, въпреки че за тесния кръг от инженери, ласкатели и случайни приятели той си остава все същият вилнеещ манипулативен тъпак с лоши обноски, какъвто си е бил и преди.“
Автомобилите на Ферари си създават спортна слава, представа за превъзходство над конкуренцията, носят имидж на притежателите си, качват цената си неимоверно с годините и са предмет на колекциониране и безкраен мърчандайз. А това върви с милиони тифози по света, които са част от легендата за Ферари по един или друг начин.
Книгата се старае да им покаже слабостите в личността на Ферари, трудните отношения между него, пилоти и инженери, грешките, трагедиите и лошото отношение към самите тях – най-верните клиенти и поддръжници на разнообразната спортна и търговска дейност на компанията.
Но зад историята на Енцо Ферари и Скудерията, се разкрива голямата картинка на развитието на автомобилостроенето и великият автомобилен спорт в началото на изминалия век. Век, в който Италия има превъзходство като започнем от индустриалния дизайн като основа, през малките работилнички и манифактури, оформящите се индустриални конгломерати в Европа, та чак до състезателните трасета. Което поражда редица неизбежни въпроси и сравнения накъде върви Италия и как защитава славното си техническо и спортно минало. (Да не казвам директно, че ти се реве като четеш къде са били и къде са сега...) Един обикновен цитат от книгата по този въпрос: „ФИАТ не копират, те обучават след като са изобретили!“ Къде са ФИАТ на картата сега?
И още два въпроса, които си зададох, четейки..
*Кой беше последният италианец, спечелил във Формула 1?
Джанкарло Физикела, с Рено през 2006-та.
*А кой беше последният във WRC?
Оказа се Пиеро Лиати, през 1997-ма. Лесно си припомних за него, понеже бях гледал наскоро биографията на Фабриция Понс, а и резултати от Рали Албена/Златни пясъци, в които Лиати е участвал неведнъж.
И един непреходен цитат за разликата между бедните и богатите пилоти:
„Ферари знае твърде добре, че богатите аматьори са различна мая, лишени от тази „мъчителна пустота в стомасите си“, която движи истинския професионалист. Той иска мъж като Нуволари или, да прости Господ, Фанджо, които се състезават с бруталната, безсърдечна и неотслабваща решителност да победят на всяка цена. Те са трудни характери, безочливи, егоцентрични, егоистични, дистанцирани мъже, но могат да печелят. Тяхната лояност е към собствените им, често монашески, потребности. Но са способни да се изправят без колебание пред страховитите залози на хлъзгава от дъжда или покрита с масло състезателна писта, или зад волана на посредствена, трудноуправляема състезателна кола.“
Енцо Ферари не е светец, не е икона, не е и велик инженер. Не е и било нужно да бъде.
Но е създал магия, която хората обичат. Автомобили, които слагат на плакат над леглото си. Двигатели което могат да се чуят, само като видят на снимка! Скудерия, която да подкрепят следващата неделя. End of story...
February 28, 2025
4.0/10; as an automotive guy, Formula 1 guy, curious about Ferrari guy, I found some aspects of the story very interesting and somewhat engaging.
HOWEVER, the best books, movies, shows, etc. pick A story to tell, and Brock Yates did not do that. Rather than focus on (pick 1) … the man, the start of the company, the launch of the race team, the emergence of production cars to global customers, the turning point of the race team, the evolution of the race car, the best Ferrari drivers, the 1957 racing season, the growth of a brand, Ferrari (the company) w/out Ferrari (the man) … the author instead wrote about EVERYTHING, including Italian history, WWII, Ferrari employees, Alfa Romeo/Fiat/Maserati and their employees, etc.
And, several points were repeated over and over (often as editorials (e.g., his sexual appetite, the chassis is unimportant, his mother & wife did not get along, his often limited role in major decisions, his lack of attendance at races)) and any ‘lore’ with conflicting facts was another opportunity (rightly or wrongly) to choose the narrative that discredited Enzo Ferrari, the company, or the racing team.
Comprehensive, but no scope, and as a result, way too long.
Chronologically laid out, but lacked a compelling narrative arc.
Written like a history book, not an engaging story that you’d think would generate a movie tie-in.
And, the author also shattered any perspectives I had going into the book that Enzo Ferrari was a brilliant, inspiring man/leader, or that Ferrari was a successful racing team. Both fell short of the reputation or mystique behind the brand.
HOWEVER, the best books, movies, shows, etc. pick A story to tell, and Brock Yates did not do that. Rather than focus on (pick 1) … the man, the start of the company, the launch of the race team, the emergence of production cars to global customers, the turning point of the race team, the evolution of the race car, the best Ferrari drivers, the 1957 racing season, the growth of a brand, Ferrari (the company) w/out Ferrari (the man) … the author instead wrote about EVERYTHING, including Italian history, WWII, Ferrari employees, Alfa Romeo/Fiat/Maserati and their employees, etc.
And, several points were repeated over and over (often as editorials (e.g., his sexual appetite, the chassis is unimportant, his mother & wife did not get along, his often limited role in major decisions, his lack of attendance at races)) and any ‘lore’ with conflicting facts was another opportunity (rightly or wrongly) to choose the narrative that discredited Enzo Ferrari, the company, or the racing team.
Comprehensive, but no scope, and as a result, way too long.
Chronologically laid out, but lacked a compelling narrative arc.
Written like a history book, not an engaging story that you’d think would generate a movie tie-in.
And, the author also shattered any perspectives I had going into the book that Enzo Ferrari was a brilliant, inspiring man/leader, or that Ferrari was a successful racing team. Both fell short of the reputation or mystique behind the brand.
March 14, 2024
Дочитала книгу «Энцо Феррари: биография» от Брока Йейтса (с новыми материалами от Стейси Брэдли). Это не художественная литература, тут не будет стандартных оценок. Не считаю это нужным и правильным для такого типа литературы.
Но тем не менее начту с издания. Оно большое (где-то на 20% больше стандартной книги). Для оформления обложки использована весьма известная фотография Энцо Феррари. В остальном всё лаконично. Кто-то может ожидать наличие в книге фотографий - увы, нет такого. Книга как таковая добротная и увесистая (хоть в ней и 476 страниц, а ощущение что больше).
Эта книга просто обязана была у меня появиться. Я болель��ица гонок Формула1, tifosi. Как говорится, Luigi tifa solo per le Ferrari.
Что мне понравилось - стиль изложения автора. От биографии можно ожидать чего-то сухого и скучного, но тут присутствует юмор и задор. Да, местами больше информации и статистики, чем бы этого хотелось (а кто любит читать статистику?), но при этом всё же общее впечатление приятное. Некоторые опусы настолько точно и ёмко описывали итальянцев и их менталитет, что я хохотала в голос и мигом бежала зачитывать «находящимся рядом заинтересованным лицам».
Да, я читала медленно, очень-очень медленно (да и кому нужна скорость?). Такую книгу просто невозможно «проглотить за пару дней». Но от каждой страницы (и даже строчки) получала исключительно удовольствие.
Энцо раскрывается с потрясающей стороны. Я знала (ну или догадывалась), что за характер у этого человека, некоторые факты мне были известны, но меня всё равно ждало очень много открытий и неожиданной информации.
Но тем не менее начту с издания. Оно большое (где-то на 20% больше стандартной книги). Для оформления обложки использована весьма известная фотография Энцо Феррари. В остальном всё лаконично. Кто-то может ожидать наличие в книге фотографий - увы, нет такого. Книга как таковая добротная и увесистая (хоть в ней и 476 страниц, а ощущение что больше).
Эта книга просто обязана была у меня появиться. Я болель��ица гонок Формула1, tifosi. Как говорится, Luigi tifa solo per le Ferrari.
Что мне понравилось - стиль изложения автора. От биографии можно ожидать чего-то сухого и скучного, но тут присутствует юмор и задор. Да, местами больше информации и статистики, чем бы этого хотелось (а кто любит читать статистику?), но при этом всё же общее впечатление приятное. Некоторые опусы настолько точно и ёмко описывали итальянцев и их менталитет, что я хохотала в голос и мигом бежала зачитывать «находящимся рядом заинтересованным лицам».
Да, я читала медленно, очень-очень медленно (да и кому нужна скорость?). Такую книгу просто невозможно «проглотить за пару дней». Но от каждой страницы (и даже строчки) получала исключительно удовольствие.
Энцо раскрывается с потрясающей стороны. Я знала (ну или догадывалась), что за характер у этого человека, некоторые факты мне были известны, но меня всё равно ждало очень много открытий и неожиданной информации.
December 26, 2020
I find rating very tricky since on one hand the book was quite an arduous read and structure far from fluent. On another hand the content itself is very interesting and I definitely learned a lot.
I picked up the book as a motorsport fan knowing of Enzo Ferrari and his legendary status, but knowing nothing of him as a person. So I started the book with (unbased) admiration for the man, but the further I read the more of that admiration disappeared.
Enzo Ferrari was (if Brock Yates description is accurate) egotistical womanizer with very few redeeming qualities. He cared very little about the people working for him, understood surprisingly little of car design and inflamed personal conflicts within the company believing that to lead to further success.
As a whole, very interesting book de-mystifying the man behind the legend. If the structure and presentation were more fluent, this would be a very easy recommendation for a much wider audience. Now I recommend it (with some reservation) for motorsport aficionados.
I picked up the book as a motorsport fan knowing of Enzo Ferrari and his legendary status, but knowing nothing of him as a person. So I started the book with (unbased) admiration for the man, but the further I read the more of that admiration disappeared.
Enzo Ferrari was (if Brock Yates description is accurate) egotistical womanizer with very few redeeming qualities. He cared very little about the people working for him, understood surprisingly little of car design and inflamed personal conflicts within the company believing that to lead to further success.
As a whole, very interesting book de-mystifying the man behind the legend. If the structure and presentation were more fluent, this would be a very easy recommendation for a much wider audience. Now I recommend it (with some reservation) for motorsport aficionados.
April 14, 2024
A very thorough account of Enzo Ferrari’s rise from almost zero to a total hero in the intricate world of motorsports. The author narrates year by year the Scuderia’s pre-history, birth and gradual rise to glory, then the ups and downs until Enzo’s death in 1988. A useful epilogue provides a brief update of the firm’s evolution after the dismissal of its founder. The only critiques I would make of this amazing book are its length (circa 500 pages, with perhaps too much detail of every single race over the years) and its repeated inaccuracies in the spelling of Italian and Spanish names, including a major historical gaffe when Mr. Yates places Spanish dictator Francisco Franco on the wrong side of the Spanish Civil War (!). Apart from that, this is a fantastic reading for anyone interested in the story of Enzo Ferrari and his legendary Scuderia.
November 5, 2021
At collectable-cars auctions, Ferrari is the mach that is always at the head of the leader board, going under the hammer for eye-watering $mils.
Given the off-handed way that Enzo dealt with his passenger cars and his customers, it boggles the mind how the make achieved legend status where the rarer of them - as clunkers - could cost as much as a 100ft motor yacht.
For me the book was a time machine: it transported me back to the days when Fangio, Moss, Hill, Brabham, were front-page names and heroes. For many, the book would be TMI about an era that is (ancient) history but for petrol heads of 5 decades ago, it is a gem.
The book lets the cat out of the bag about Enzo's frailties and foibles. A lot of 'goodness-gracious-me' moments.
Given the off-handed way that Enzo dealt with his passenger cars and his customers, it boggles the mind how the make achieved legend status where the rarer of them - as clunkers - could cost as much as a 100ft motor yacht.
For me the book was a time machine: it transported me back to the days when Fangio, Moss, Hill, Brabham, were front-page names and heroes. For many, the book would be TMI about an era that is (ancient) history but for petrol heads of 5 decades ago, it is a gem.
The book lets the cat out of the bag about Enzo's frailties and foibles. A lot of 'goodness-gracious-me' moments.
May 12, 2025
Brock Yates was one of the greatest sportswriters on auto racing and Enzo Ferrari is one of the greatest figures in the history of racing, so this was bound to be a blockbuster. Unfortunately, Yates fell into the sophmore essay fallacy and decided to include every detail that he came across from Ferrari's life. Was it really necessary to list out every race result, every driver, every mechanic, etc.?
In any case, buried in the flood of trivia is a good story about a remarkable man who build up Scuderia Ferrari from nothing to a world power in autosports, high end cars and prestige branding. Recommended for hard core F1 fans.
In any case, buried in the flood of trivia is a good story about a remarkable man who build up Scuderia Ferrari from nothing to a world power in autosports, high end cars and prestige branding. Recommended for hard core F1 fans.
July 10, 2021
One of those books that exceeds expectations and changes perspective of a man. With this book it was of Enzo Ferrari. I knew little of the man before, equally I knew little of the origins of Ferrari. This book creates an image of Enzo, gives insight into his personality, management style, goals and flaws. If one is interested in Formula One, if one is interested on how one of the most famous and recognizable automobile brands in history was made, then I truly encourage you to read this gem. Well worth it.
May 1, 2024
I'd always known that the early days of motorsport were paved with a borderline absurd amount of gruesome death, but this book really does put that into stark relief.
Overall, a very interesting - if meandering and at times overly-verbose - biography written by someone that clearly has a love and passion for racing. And if you know anything about Brock Yates, that may very well be an understatement. I also appreciated the modern-day refresh to coincide with the release of the movie that took (rough) inspiration from this book.
A very respectable 3.5 stars!
Overall, a very interesting - if meandering and at times overly-verbose - biography written by someone that clearly has a love and passion for racing. And if you know anything about Brock Yates, that may very well be an understatement. I also appreciated the modern-day refresh to coincide with the release of the movie that took (rough) inspiration from this book.
A very respectable 3.5 stars!
September 17, 2024
Fascinating biography of the greatest name in the racing industry, but not what I was expecting. A lot of overwhelming details about the design and engineering of race cars, but no story line about the personal life, quite a difficult read with a structure far from fluent. Enzo Ferrari, a egotistical womanizer cared little about the people working with him, never took a day off and understood surprisingly little about a car design, was presented as a complex man, but my personal opinion is that I understood the man behind the mask better seeing the movie Ferrari (2023) than reading the book.
May 1, 2022
A Unsympathetic perhaps realistic look at the Man or Myth behind Enzo Ferrari, The Hardcover of which I own (first edition) has a few photos, subsequent editions were published, I have also the Latest Softcover(2019) with has a Afterword by Stacey Bradley. Book is well-written and looks at early life all the way to approximately 1988 to Enzo's Death.(Book was published 1990/91). Makes for interesting reading not sure how accurate it is. Recommended Reading.
January 30, 2025
There was too much detail for me. This book was truly about everything to do with the man, and the cars, and allll the races, and all the drivers...and it felt so drawn out because of this.
I still learned a lot about the man and the company and the history, and it was interesting learning about the way global politics shifted where the company was going while at the same time not shifting because of Ferrari's singular goal to keep racing.
I still learned a lot about the man and the company and the history, and it was interesting learning about the way global politics shifted where the company was going while at the same time not shifting because of Ferrari's singular goal to keep racing.
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