Another Dino Book

OPINION (NOT ALTOGETHER GUARANTEED TO BE FACTUAL) –

Brian Long has written about Toyota Supras and Celicas, old Ford Thunderbirds, and Nikon cameras, among other things, which, of course, would presumably also qualify him to write about celestial mechanics, Martin guitars, Hammond organs, the differences among Stradivari, Amati, and Guarneri varnishes, and ultimately - the Dino.

According to the Amazon entry, "This book covers the full story of the Dino, from Pininfarina concept car through to the final production model, illustrated throughout with contemporary material." Sounds like virtually every other Dino book (other than Matthias's recent foray). I note that this Dino book has not yet been released.

It will be interesting to see if this book is anything more than a rehash of all of the predecessor "Dino" books - bad photocopies of old Road & Track, Autocar, and Motor articles, mixed in with a few factory publicity photos, and whether this repeats the hoary (and false) tales claiming that Alfredino actually designed the engine, etc., etc., etc., ad infinitum.

I would hope that if/when someone here on FCHAT receives a copy that he/she inform us how this latest flavor of the month differs from Nathan Beehl's, Ian Webb's, Alan Henry's, R.M. Clarke's, Anthony Curtis's, and Doug Nye's myth-making efforts.

If I am being a little cynical, it is because this field has been ploughed over and over again, and the only book that has broken new ground recently is Matthias's Compendium.

Mark

 

I have Brian Long's book on the Mercedes 230SL/250SL/280SL "Pagoda". It's a bit better than the run of the mill book, but no substitute for something like the Compendium.

 

Brian Long's book doesn't have to be like the Compendium - I just hope that it adds something new.

 

The publication date of the Brian Long book has been pushed back so many times that it's laughable. I ordered a copy from Motorbooks International at least four years ago. After many, many months on back order, I finally stopped receiving postponement notices. I see that they are listing it now with the March 2013 publication date. Good luck with that!

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=328345&highlight=brian+long+book

 

Mark - still have my copy on order (I'm a little biased based on the car on the cover...). I've endured the multiple delays- I'll believe it when I see it in March.

Cheers

Pietro

 

Ha! This place says September 2013. Also lists a bunch of his other works, including two on antique dolls' houses. At least the vast majority are automotive. Is it even possible for one man to do that much writing and research?

http://www.allbookstores.com/Brian-Long/author

 

I have some of Brian Long's Porsche books. They're some of my better books on Porsche and a worthy addition to my Porsche library. In them have seen period photos I've never seen before, feeding my curiosity. I tend to buy any and all books pertaining to my car interests. Always looking for that illusive photo or information I haven't seen before, even if it's in a foreign language I can't read!

Freeman