As a young motor racing journalist in the 50's I was in awe of the Mille Miglia. Nothing in the world could equal this flat-out,1000-mile sprint on public roads and highways. Though the event was cancelled after an horrendous accident in1957, the 50th anniversary of its demise certainly merits a book that recreates the races, the atmosphere, the politics, the technical changes - even the weather and road surfaces.

I haven't read Anthony Pritchard's new book but "Classic Driver's" Steve Wakefield has and his positive review is enough to convince me this is a "must have" for any racing enthusiast's library. Steve informs us that "all the stories are there; moss's epic drive in the 300SLR in 1955, Nuvolari before the War, the great rivalry between the Italian drivers of the 50s, the terrible accidents, the last of which befalling 'Fon' de Portago and co-driver Ed Nelson in 1957 that finished the race for good." Steve also tells us that "interspersed with the historical narrative are personal impressions from some of the well-known (and not so well-known) drivers and personalities." Mille Miglia - The Worlds Greatest Road Race can be purchased online "directly from the UK publishers" for approximately US$76.00.