Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin Howard
Ash,
First of all, how have I "derided" Adam Kimberley, I simply asked who he was and why we should care that he agrees with you about Setright. Not unreasonable questions.
I don't mean to be disrespectful to the chap, but I don't really see how being a Consultant Anaesthetist and a Member of the Royal Institution qualifies him as a literary critic.
You compare Jenks' From Chain Drive To Turbocharger with LJKS's books, presumably with specific reference to the Bristol related sections of the former book.
Jenk's was telling a story from the Aldington's perspective and LJKS was telling the same story from the Bristol/White family perspective. Both authors were writing largely based on what they had been told by the respective families. I find it interesting that the two stories differ, but it's hardly surprising that they do and who is to say which version is the truth?
As for The Designers, it may not be one of LJKS' more applauded works, but as you have a copy this would be a good opportunity for you to be more specific about the errors you say it if full of.
Perhaps you could give us half a dozen for starters?
Kevin (aka Bamber)
PS. For the record, this site does not remove all links to other sites, as is clear from numerous posts in this thread. Click here if you wish to read my policy on linking to other sites. |
Kevin
If you read some of Adam's stuff you'll find that he's exceptionally gifted and writes very much in the style of Setright although with more humour. However he's not trying to be a literary critic, his only opinion is that Setright was a brilliant writer, but not necessarily accurate. This is a fairly widespread view that you could bear in mind for the future if historical accuracy interests you.
P & A Wood is the World Heritage Rolls-Royce dealer and Andrew is one of many who feel that the '46-'55 cars are the best the company made after the Silver Ghost. The later cars are just as beautifully made, but more complex, more troublesome and above all, not very nice to drive and very much less economical. They tend to wander at speed which is a nuisance for the driver, but they are extraordinarily comfortable to ride in.
R-R's greatest leader was Lord Hives and before the war he was tasked with making the hitherto unprofitable car division profitable and he was friends with the Wilkes brothers of Rover. His influence saw to it that the MKVI and derivatives were as simple and sensible, but still of the highest quality, as could be made. The Pre War Wraith was the first of his incarnations and it was a great deal better than its predecessors. The Phantom 3 was incredibly troublesome and lost the company a great deal of money — hence the need for policy change. They were still carrying out guarantee work after the war to avoid adverse publicity! Post '45 War Hives main concern was to keep 64,000 people in a job of which only 2000 were making cars, so he left it to Grylls who started back in the direction of P3s again. He also made cars that were not suited to British roads, whereas the EPWs were sold as "Silent Sports Cars" and drove exceedingly well. Capt Eyston and Raymond Mays were amongst their champions as was Wolf Barnato and his daughter Diana.
The problem with any old R-R is that it is so different from any other car in so many ways, especially brakes, suspension and steering, that it is rare to find one that drives as it should. If you did, you'd see immediately why '46-55 cars are so revered.
I should point out that I'm expressing widely held views rather than just my own opinion and that this is explained on my websites
Ashley
PS. I'll leave it to Kevin to decide whether or not a link to my websites is permissible, although I'd have thought any links to anything could only be a benefit, for me that is what makes the internet so exciting.
PPS. IMO Jenks sticks to facts and avoids hearsay.