Targa Florio – 20th Century epic

Pino Fondi

This is the official book celebrating the centenary of Sicily’s incredible road race, and covers everything within its 480 pages: from its fantastic bas relief trophies (the first the work of René Lalique), super-stylish Art Nouveau promotional posters and programmes, paintings, original correspondence, access passes and organiser Vincenzo Florio’s megaphone, to a comprehensive (150 pages!) results section. It does not lack for detail.

What it does lack – surprising for perhaps the most scenic motorsport event of all – is beautiful, jaw-dropping images. Get beyond the 1920s and too often the photos are ho-hum, tightly cropped head-on or front-three-quarter shots. A more ruthless edit would have allowed the better photos room to breathe. As for the words, a literal in the first sentence prepares you for a somewhat tortured translation. Giorgio Nada has produced some fantastic books; this one is ‘merely’ good, especially given the price. PF

Published by Giorgio Nada Editore, £75. ISBN 88-7911-270-8