Unless I’m Very Much Mistaken

…and that’s a good thing! This book is for all of us who miss his charismatic, knowledgable and breathless commentary of all things motorsport, but particularly Formula One. A national institution in Britain, Murray Walker was the voice of Formula One first on the BBC and later on ITV, and the sale of television feed globally made him known throughout the world. When he retired at the US Grand Prix at Indianapolis in 2001 he left millions of fans sad to see him go. His autobiography comes as a concentrated dose of Murray that will make you laugh out loud many times but will also let you pause at marvel at a life so full of wonderul experiences. The real meat on F1 starts about halfway through the book, but racing fanatics: don’t spring forward and miss the fantastic account of Murray’s childhood, his introduction to motorsports and broadcasting by his motorcycling enthusiast father and his account of his WWII experience. The book is a thoroughly entertaining read and an absolute must for every motorsport fan.

An amazing book about an amazing chap! Sadly, being an American fan, I never had the privilege of hearing Muzza commentate. I’ve never seen one race he called, but I knew that he had to be something special judging by the Brit’s rant about him. I grew to respect him over the years by reading all of my British F1 magazine subscriptions and when I heard this was coming out, I searched frantically to find it. I knew it was released but could not find it in the states. My wife ordered it from Amazon.co.UK in September 2002 for my birthday and I couldn’t have been happier. What a great book about a great man. It’s not chocked full of the intricate F1 details that you might suspect. Rather, a delightful tale of a man’s life and how blessed he has been. Murray is certainly humble about his life and yet keenly aware of his brand equity and respect in the industry. This is not a tell all book about F1 but it is a story about a man who’s life orbited a sport so dear to many people’s heart’s. If you are looking for a tell-all about Jos the Boss or a blow-by-blow about the constantly growing accomplishments of the “great” Senna, this is not that type of book. It takes you from childhood through the war and on to his greatest passion….that’s right…motorcycles! I know, thought it would have been F1 didn’t you? Well, that how charming this book is. You would never know Muzza was having an affair with F1, so dedicated was his work.
I highly recommend this book to any one wanting to learn how to live a life of success free from ego and pretense. To anyone who loves the sport of motor racing and the glory of the sport as it evolved. To anyone who wants to hear from the man who called every lap of motor racings evolution over all these years.

What I probably enjoyed most about this book was learning about the early part of Murray’s life. I was amazed that he served in World War II and how success he was in his advertising career before Formula 1.

I found much of the story after this a little repetitive and hap-hazard in way that it was presented. I also felt it was also drawn out in many ways which was disappointing. The information about the growth in popularity and the behind the scenes of Formula 1 was certainly of interest to me being fan but as I said a little drawn out.

If you are a fan of Murray and are interested in how he came to be the voice of Formula 1 then I’d recommend you have a read. If you are looking for an insiders look at one of the biggest sports in the world I’d suggest another book maybe more appealing.

If you love F1, you must love Murray. This detailed and easy-to-read tome fills in all the details on our beloved Voice of F1, and reveals a remarkably multi-talented man. Highly-recommended.

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