First Principles: The Official Biography of Keith Duckworth - Softcover

Burr, Norman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1787111032 ISBN 13: 9781787111035

Publisher: Veloce, 2017

Synopsis

The names 'Keith Duckworth' and 'DFV' are practically synonymous, such is the reputation of the famous F1 racing engine which he designed. Whilst there are books covering the technical aspects of the DFV engine, and other designs from Cosworth, the company which he founded with Mike Costin, there are many gaps in the story of Duckworth's career, before and after Cosworth. This book comprehensively fills those gaps, taking the reader into the world of Britain's finest 20th century engineers. It was a world consisting of far more than motorsport, embracing an astonishing variety of mechnical devices, including aircraft, boats, and motorcycles particularly Triumph, for whom he was a consultant during his retirement. A man of strong convictions and high integrity, Keith Duckworth OBE cared passionately about his work, fitting almost every aspect of his life around it. From his northern industrial roots, the ups and downs of his personal life, his health problems, to his generous support of charities and business start-ups, this book recreates the story of one of motorsport's and engineering's most endearing and enduring characters.

About this title

Review

Keith Duckworth is perhaps one of the most significant, yet least well-known figures in Formula 1 history. Norman Burr's biography of Duckworth covers all aspects of his life, beginning in his childhood and provides a valuable insight to anyone looking to learn more about one of Britains most incredible 20th Century engineers. The book throughly outlines Cosworth under Duckworths chairmanship, and includes interviews from his family and friends to ensure that the reader received a full insight into his life. The biography also features may photographs, in both colour and black and white, which assists Burr's careful detailing of Duckworths life. For anyone who enjoys the history of, or is interested in Formula 1, Burr;s biography of Duckworth is a must read. --Hagerty Classic Cars Newsletter

a truly rounded book of a truly remarkable man. Well done, Norman Burr, for reminding many and educating others about the life, times, brilliance and person of the much-missed engineer Keith Duckworth. --Vintage Racecar/Vintage Roadcar

Not only is his engineering background evident in his treatment of the more technical aspects of the narrative of 'First Principles', but he has done a fine job in pulling together the details of his subject from a more personal angle. If you missed this book the first time around, don't miss this excellent opportunity to rectify the omission! --Speedscene

About the Author

Trained as an engineer at Rolls Royce Aero Engines and Bath University, lifelong petrolhead Norman Burr has been a technical journalist practically all his working life. Initially with professional and industrial magazines, then as a freelance, and subsequently through Pagefast Ltd, a small printing and publishing company that he helped found, he later returned to freelance journalism in 2006. It was Keith Duckworth's enthusiasm for aviation, rather than his better-known motor sport contribution, that provides the connection, but as an accomplished author in both areas, Norman Burr is ideally positioned to chronicle the life of this legendary engineer.

Edition details

• Publisher: Veloce
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1787111032
• ISBN 13: 9781787111035
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 352