Should biographies picture their subject warts and all? | FerrariChat

Should biographies picture their subject warts and all?

Discussion in 'Collectables, Literature, & Models' started by bitzman, Aug 26, 2021.

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  1. bitzman

    bitzman F1 Rookie
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    #1 bitzman, Aug 26, 2021
    I just read a bio of the American who after graduation in the US spent his whole life in Italy designing cars (including at least two Ferraris. I enjoyed the book TJAARDA but there were two passages I didn't like; something about an arranged date that didn't go well (who cares about that?) and a comment by his widow in the epilogue that he trusted people too much-- maybe a ref. to numerous projects that never got off the ground. I like my (real life) heroes to be heroic in their biographies so would have left those out, On the other hand I liked it when Tjaarda excoriated DeTomaso for trying to replace him with the credit for designing the Pantera with a woman because it would get more publicity. Any opinions?
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  2. Sharknose

    Sharknose Formula Junior

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    #2 Sharknose, Aug 26, 2021
    Tough question. I would hazard a guess that a biographer has to make many hard decisions on what to include and what to exclude or minimize. They would have to juggle concern for existing family members, legal/company issues and whether to include not so positive aspects of the person's life. It seems like a tap dance in a minefield for some subjects. My own personal two cents is that I would rather have a complete picture of the person warts and all.
     
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  3. Lusso123

    Lusso123 Formula 3
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    #3 Lusso123, Aug 26, 2021
    I agree with all that Sharknose just wrote. For any book that IS a biography.... I too.... "would rather have a complete picture of the person warts and all." Otherwise it really isn't a complete biography.
     
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  4. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 Jack-the-lad, Aug 26, 2021
    Just give us the truth, (relevant) warts and all, please.
     
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  5. spirot

    spirot F1 World Champ

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    #5 spirot, Aug 27, 2021
    It's not a biography without the failures and foibles of your life. Nobody is perfect and a hero 100% of the time.

    I greatly admire Enzo Ferrari - but I'm under no illusion that he would have been a bastard to work for & I probably would not have liked him as a person...
    My personal Hero is Napoleon - and the same thing, while amazing as he was - I doubt knowing him personally would have been great at the time. Perspective gives people the chance to weigh the good and bad, and make a decision...

    nobody is heroic all the time.
     
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  6. Nembo1777

    Nembo1777 F1 World Champ
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    #6 Nembo1777, Aug 27, 2021
    I had to write a book, awaiting publication, in which the central character was...only warts...a bit delicate.

    Don't ask who, I'd have to kill you;-)
     
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  7. amerikalei

    amerikalei Karting

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    #7 amerikalei, Aug 30, 2021
    This discussion makes me think of the literature surrounding Colin Chapman's life and works. There is the Jabby Crombac authorized bio, and the Mike Lawrence bio which brings to light some sketchy bits. I think they serve to create a more complete picture of Chapman, along with Tony Rudd's autobiography (which covers Rolls, BRM and Lotus with great insight), plus the Doug Nye and Karl Ludvigsen books, Anthony Pritchard, Ian Smith, Robin Read. I still need to read the Ferguson book. Despite the "warts" and sometimes unbelievable seat of the pants business planning an incredible story, as with many bold and driven characters (Enzo certainly included). As I "mature" I'm thankful to discover more and more connections and insights as I consult more sources (in racing history as well as so many other things). So, as long as it's not merely trying to sell scandal, I'm ok with multiple perspectives.
     

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