Isle of Man TT: The Golden Years 1913-1939

By Mick Duckworth Published by Lily Publications. ISBN: 978-1-907945-48-9 96 pages hard cover. RRP: $39.99 Available through Pitstop Books 1800 622 422 pitstop@woodsland.com.au This book is a collection of the excellent photographs from the Douglas-based Keig family, with text by TT expert Mick Duckworth. Although modern digital photography produces amazing results, the clarity of these early shots is superb and captures not just the action, but the fashions of the day. Many of the shots are taken in the pits, before and after races and during practice, with early stars like Stanley Woods, Jimmy Simpson, Jimmy Guthrie, Freddie Frith and Bob Foster, along with the fascinating ‘thirties machinery including the Velocette Roarer and the Supercharged V4 AJS. The book is listed as Volume 1, so let’s hope subsequent editions pay more attention to proof reading, as there are several mis-matched photos and captions in this one. spots to capture the action, and many of these shots reflect his constant quest to produce new and different angles. Australasian TT stars Bruce Anstey and Cameron Donald feature heavily, along with the big names from Ireland and Britain. As well as the bulk of the shots taken around the famous and deadly Mountain Course, there is a very interesting section of action from the Southern 100, the 4.25 mile public road stretch known as the Billown Circuit. The text has been edited by knowledgeable journalist Mick Duckworth, who really knows his stuff when it comes to the Isle of Man. Simply brilliant images from the world’s most spectacular motorcycle event. sidecar and car stars from all states and all eras of speedway from the beginnings of the sport in the Some of the many and varied names include 1928 and 1929 Australian solo champion Sig Schlam (WA), present day heroes Chris Holder and Darcy Ward, world finalists such as Arthur Payne (Qld) and Ray Cresp (Vic) and 1960s aces Jack Scott (SA), Geoff Mudge (SA) and Brian Collins (NSW), Bill Bryden (NSW) and Bluey Scott (NSW). Others include 1970s stars John Langfield, Trevor Harding, Steve Reinke, Kevin Torpie, Bert Kingston and Garry Middleton. Some of the sidecar superstars included are Ken I’Anson (SA), Deane and Kevin Taylor (SA), Keith Sewell (Qld), Bob Levy (NSW), Graham Young (NSW), Gary Innis (NSW), Garry Treloar (NSW), Ken Walker (Vic) and Andrew Cleave (Vic).