Product Description

A detailed account of the engineering expertise used in land and water speed records - particularly those of Malcolm and Donald Campbell.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #146128 in Books
• Published on: 2002-09-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 180 pages

From the Publisher
This is the life story of the most famous British record breakers on land and water: Donald Campbell and his father, Sir Malcolm. It is also a story of the triumphs of British engineering between the two world wars - when huge and powerful aeroengines were being developed for the war effort, and ultimately used in peacetime to propel record-breaking cars and boats.
While the Campbells take pride of place, the successes and failures of many others are also chronicled here - the dates, times and places - plus the official and unofficial speed records on land, water and even in space.
Includes details of the tragic death of Donald Campbell in 1967, and reliable details of the many Bluebird cars, boats and planes built and destroyed during the 20th century.

From the Author
It has been some year now since Leap into Legend "hit the shelves", and in those years I have been gratified to hear from so many who have brought, read, enjoyed the book. May I vis Amazon, thank Sigma Press, Amazon and all those that purchased Leap into Legend, and for keeping the legend alive. Steve Holter. Belves, France September 2005

About the Author
Steve Holter has been closely associated with the Campbell family and is widly regarded as the authority on all matters concernng the World Speed Records. This book is the culmination of years of research and an outstanding personal achievement.

Customer Reviews

Leap into Legend
A totally enthralling account of the land and water speed records, and how the Campbell family became major players. To read a book that has the benefit of input from the people involved, from mechanics, to Sir Malcolm's wife (and therefore Donald's mother) and Donald's sister, from the designer of the Bluebirds to those that have chosen to go the same path has put a whole new light on the subject. There is no conjecture, just the facts as told by those there at the time. The detailed descriptions of the engines, cars and boats is amazing, and the analysis of the January 4th crash must surely put an end to the inaccuracies reported over the years. That the book is recommended by the man that designed that same Bluebird, and the foreword, penned by Donald Campbell's sister speaks so highly of the content and the writer speaks volumes. If one wanted an accurate history, of immense detail, written in a manner that you do not wish to put it down, this is the book. It is a testament to one of the finest pieces of research I have ever had the pleasure to see.

A must for all Campbell enthusiasts!
Here we have a very welcome new book from the same stable as the excellent 'The Bluebird Years', though this time the book is a hardcover with the most stunning painted image of Donald Campbell's Bluebird K7 just lifting off from the surface of the water-literally about to 'leap Into Legend'-on the cover. (A ghostly image of Campbell's face in the sky above the boat would have looked good, too)

The book is very well written, Steve Holter having an engaging and very readable style, and the illustrations should be enough to make any enthusiast buy the book without question-a few great colour shots of Campbell and the K7, as well as many black and white images too. Starting with Sir Malcolm Campbell, and working it's way throught to Donald's final run, via all the other water record holders and mechanic Leo Villa, there is something here for everyone, no matter what their level of knowledge.
Any criticisms? Well, despite an extensive section of text on the matter, with well explained theories on the possible causes, there is not one image of the actual crash itself, nor of the recovery of the wreck of K7, which really let the book down and makes it seem as if it comes to a sudden, unfinished halt. So, 4 stars rather than a perfect 5, but, overall the book is a real MUST!

A vital addition to the story of Donald Campbell
This is a fine book, about a very brave Englishman.
Interspaced with many previously unpublished photographs, some in colour, this volume is a fascinating and engaging read that tells the story of the bravest British sportsman of the post war era.
It is important that Campbell's achievments do not fade from the memory. Steve's book brings that era of speed back to life.