Turner

Whenever you talk about the British motorcycle industry one man’s name keeps popping up that of Edward Turner. Some historians feel that he was the most significant designer since the First World War and that he had the most impact on the British automotive industry of anybody and was something of a design genius. (He designed the V8 engine for the Jaguar and Daimler range of cars!)

Whilst the latter could be challenged nobody will disagree that this larger than life character ran a tight ship and under him the Triumph motorcycle brand in particular was very innovative and prosperous.

He personally has been the subject of many a chapter in the various marque histories on Triumph, but now he gets a book to himself - Edward Turner –the man behind the motorcycles.

Well known author Jeff Clew devotes all 154 pages to Turner in this official biography of the man who made Triumph great. This soft-bound tome is as you might expect liberally spread with photos and drawings, some from the family archive and makes fascinating reading.

Not only it is it Turner’s story it is also a look at the British motorcycle industry and as such is a must read for all those who want know what went on behind the scenes.  An excellent read and good value at £17.99.

Published by Veloce Publishing Ltd (www.veloce.co.uk)

ISBN 1 84584 065 8

Review by Ian Kerr