You are correct, of course, Kevin, it is not by chance. Toby Silverton has obviously worked assiduously to build relationships with the press and all others interested in Bristols, knowing full well it will redound to the marque's benefit. We have chatted about the recent articles; he is pleased to get the publicity, while shaking his head about their approach or results.
That most of the authors don't seem to be able to get into any depth (this may be a problem of 1. a lack of space allocated in the publication, or 2) a proclivity on an editor's part to prefer the sensational rather than the true journalistic approach), this doesn't keep the
PR from being beneficial to Bristol.
Although sales of Balfour's book may not be large in numbers, that effort, as its impact ripples outward, has to be significant. Will most writers read it before interviewing Toby? Probably not.
I suggested to Gordon that it was a must read for him in his project.