The Great Challenge: The Clark Era, contains a collection of photos and biographies of Jim Clark and eleven racing greats from his era: Giancarlo Baghetti, Lorenzo Bandini, Carel Godin de Beaufort, Joakim Bonnier, Jack Brabham, Richie Ginther, Masten Gregory, Dan Gurney, Phil Hill, Innes Ireland, and Willy Mairesse.<\/p>\n
This book is exceptional for a number of reasons. First, because it not only covers the highly publicized greats (which of course should be covered) like Phil Hill, Jack Brabham, and Dan Gurney, but it also gives us an insight into the lesser known great drivers with almost equal coverage.<\/p>\n
Secondly, and most importantly, it’s the photos. They are of the highest quality, printed in a large 28x34cm format. While there are lots of on-track photos,(325 photos in all, 95% of which have never been published), it is the personal shots which capture the driver\u2019s moods and personalities that are the most captivating. A quiet moment before the battle, the sombre reflections of a lost comrade and the joyful happiness of a victory; all that and more are seen in their faces.<\/p>\n
Jim Clark’s era of race drivers were faced with having a passion for the most dangerous of sports. During this time, the race courses were pure killing fields. Grand Prix cars were elephant-like in size compared to today, with their alum. fuel tanks exposed and vulnerable, making them as dangerous as the guillotine.<\/p>\n
At the start of this era, Polo shirts and Gucci shoes were standard attire in the cockpit. It was not unusual for a driver to lurch straight from the bar into the car. By the time it ended, driver and track safety were becoming more and more highlighted. Drivers began to question the safety of their cars and the tracks they ran on. Changes were in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Clark Era\u201d is the 1st of a 5-volume series to be produced each year until 2003. Volume 1, The Clark Era, Vol. 2, The Stewart Era, Vol. 3, The Lauda Era, Vol. 4, The Senna Era, and finally Vol. 5, The Schumacher Era. (The Stewart Era, will be available next month). These limited (1800 copies, signed and numbered) books have a well-written text in both English and German.<\/p>\n
If you want one of the best books of photo journalism today and you can afford the price, this is the one. A real five-star addition to any library.<\/p>\n