Michael Schumacher: The Edge of Greatness

by James Allen

Book Overview

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... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0755316789
• ISBN13: 9780755316786
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Headline Book Publishing
• Length: 308 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.9" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

used purchase

Item arrived very quickly in great condition from the UK. Good read, very happy with purchase.

Excellent and fair biography of a controversial super star

Well written biography of one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers. Allen provides insight into the character of Schumacher and some of his ruthless and un-sportsman-like actions. I'm a fan of Formula 1 and Schumacher, but can't forgive some of his racing actions. This book is am must read for Formula 1 fans whether or not they are a fan of Schumacher.

Michael Schumacher/James Allen review

The best book I have read regarding Michael Schumacher. However, I get the sense that James Allen (ITV) broadcaster could have explored the subject more closely. After all James Allen is an F1 announcer!

Good Bio on Michael and his Methods

I purchased this book back in 2002 by which time Michael Schumacher had begun his domination of Formula 1. It wouldn't be until 2005 that we would finally see Ferrari and Michael being held back by rule changes and reliability issues that virtually brought their team back to the periphery of Formula 1. This book was written and released shortly after the 1999 season and as such it is often peppered with annecdotes on how it would be difficult for Michael to reach/surpass the records of past greats such as Fangio and Senna. Though he hasn't had many close competitors in recent years, it appears that 2006 could be an interesting year with Raikkonnen at McLaren and Alonso at Renault (both with great cars and drivers behind the wheel). This book offers great insight into the kind of person Michael is and doesn't shy away from pointing out reasons as to why he is perceived to be such an arrogant or aloof personality. Since purchasing the book, I have read it several times. Author James Allen keeps it interesting and flowing.

Unbiased view on Michael Schumacher

Book opens with Schumacher's infamous collision with Villeneuve at Jerez in 1997 and progresses through the 1998 and 1999 seasons in his quest for redemption(At this point Schumacher never admitted to making a mistake but he admitted it on 2000). Of course we all know how it ended for Ferrari in 1998 and 1999. Book contains interesting anecdotes about Irvine intentionally blocking Schumacher in Silverstone'98 which ultimately caused his title-ending injury and Schumacher telling Mercedes boss Norbert Haug that he didn't mind Hakkinen winning in 1999 for obvious reasons. Have to give credit to James Allen for giving an unbiased view on Schumacher as I've always known him to be biased against arguably the greatest f1 driver of all time.