The Modest Manxman 

At a time when many a book has come out for the centenary of the TT races it would be easy to miss this small A5 soft-back publication. However, to do so would be a tragedy, because it gives a very personal insight into the early years of the TT and the cut of the jib of the people that rode in those early races.
 
Tom Sheard was the first Manxman to win a TT race way back in 1922, a feat he went onto repeat a year later. He was also the first to win two races back to back and only the third man to win more than one race at that time!
 
Written by his grand-daughter Ruth, the book is full of period pictures sourced not only from the usual commercial outlets, but from family albums and told in a way that only a family member can. Interspersed are reports from the press of the day along with period documentation.
 
It could be argued that were it not self-published that more could have been done in lifting the presentation, but for me this just adds to the atmosphere throughout the 150 glossy pages, adding to the reading enjoyment.
It is a remarkable story and shows that speeds may have increased as has the financial side of things, but the enthusiasm and camaraderie of the TT has always remained the same.
 
It is a book that deserves a place on any TT enthusiast’s bookshelf and at a very modest £10 should be read by all enthusiasts with an interest in motorcycle and social history.
Available from Amulree Publications www.amulree@mcb.net

Review by Ian Kerr