Book reviews, February 1961, February 1961

“History of the American Steam Fire Engine,” by William T. King. 150 pp. 11 3/10 in. X 8⅕ in. (Available from Autobooks, 104, Islingword Road, Brighton, Sussex. 40s.)

This is an indispensable book for students of fire engine history or of American history in general. It is beautifully illustrated with photographic reproductions and drawings and gives much technical data, and a list of makers of these picturesque old fire engines. There is a list of makers, some of whom made motor fire engines in later years.—W. B.

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“F. W. Lanchester—The Life of an Engineer,” by P. W. Kingsford. 246 pp. 8 7/10 in. X 5 7/10 in. (Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd., 41, Maddox Street, London, W. 1. 30s.)

Here is a complete account of the late Fred W. Lanchester’s talented career. The author goes into fascinating detail, recounting hitherto unpublished facts and many rare illustrations in unfolding the life story of this great engineer, who left his stamp so firmly on aeronautical and automobile circles.

Mr. Kingsford was assisted in his task by George Lanchester and Mrs. D Lanchester and other people who knew Fred Lanchester intimately and his full-length biography has the stamp of authenticity, essential if such a work is to be of lasting value. This is a book with much about motoring that is pleasingly different from the majority of such titles.

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Floyd Clymer’s recent titles include a ” Ferrari Owner’s Handbook “(4 dollars), ” A Maserati Owner’s Handbook ” (4 dollars), a ” New Revised Volkswagen Complete Owner’s Handbook of Repair and Maintenance ” (3 dollars) and an interesting book about ” Engine Swapping,” which tells you how to pop some improbable power-units into formerly-underpowered chassis (2 dollars). The address of Floyd Clymer’s Publications is: 1285, S. Alvaredo Street, Los Angeles 6, California.