Michael Holroyd confronts an army of automobiles in this charming book. Weaving together memoir and historical anecdote, he traces his relationship with cars through a lifetime of biography. Learning to drive was no easy matter for Michael: the lessons required military precision when practising how to get in and out of his car correctly. His biographical subjects also had their difficulties: Bernard Shaw drove with reckless gusto when overtaking his eightieth year; Vita Sackville-West's car became a chamber for sudden ...
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Michael Holroyd confronts an army of automobiles in this charming book. Weaving together memoir and historical anecdote, he traces his relationship with cars through a lifetime of biography. Learning to drive was no easy matter for Michael: the lessons required military precision when practising how to get in and out of his car correctly. His biographical subjects also had their difficulties: Bernard Shaw drove with reckless gusto when overtaking his eightieth year; Vita Sackville-West's car became a chamber for sudden romantic assignations and getaways; while Augustus John and his family careered through vulnerable villages as the poor vehicle, piled high with bohemian friends, stuttered and jerked along in first gear. Wry, thoughtful and very funny, On Wheels is an elegy to the glamour of the car. Subtle and perceptive, Michael Holroyd finds surprising ways to understand the past and challenge our view of the future.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Ex-Library Book. Has usual library markings and stamps inside. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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New. 2012. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Learning to drive was no easy matter for the author: the lessons required military precision when practising how to get in and out of his car correctly. Weaving together memoir and historical anecdote, this title traces his relationship with cars through a lifetime of biography. Num Pages: 128 pages, 10 b/w illustrations. BIC Classification: 2AB; BGLA; DSB. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 151 x 184 x 16. Weight in Grams: 172......We ship daily from our Bookshop.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. No Jacket as Issued. AF6-An uncorrected proof paperback book in very good condition that has some chipping and light shelf wear. From the bestselling author of A Book of Secrets, a brisk, charming, illustrated account of a motoring life. 8.25"x5.5", 104 pages. Satisfaction Guaranteed.
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As New in As New jacket. Size: 8vo-over 7? "-9? " tall; Type: Hardback First US Edition Hardcover and Dust Jacket As New. A dozen evocative illustrations by Finn Campbell-Notman. As a child Michael Holroyd spent his daydreaming hours in the back seat of the family eight-horsepower Buick which almost never left the garage. Now, his imagination travels back in time to various adventurous happenings in a car or driving--his father driving with his German Shepherd on his lap, paws on the wheel, for example. Interweaved with his memories are vivid sketches of great writers and artists who have been his life's focus: Augustus John, who always drove in first gear; George Bernard Shaw, who wouldn't give up driving as he grew older and his chauffuer often had to grab the wheel and shout, "That will do, sir". And many other intimate, often riotously funny happenings. This is a brilliant self-portrait, as seen in the rearview mirror and a reflection on a lifelong passion. 104 pages. 5.25 x 7.75 inches. 2013, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, New York.
