The Fast Set: Three Extraordinary Men and Their Race for the Land Speed Record

The remarkable story of the Speed Kings, a group of men who achieved international notoriety as they pursued their common goal: to travel faster than anyone had ever done and claim the coveted Land Speed Record for their country, and for themselves.

Charles Jennings' fascinating new book brings to life this eccentric collection of oddballs and enthusiasts, united only in their desire to succeed: Henry Segrave, as famous as he was fearless, who drew tens of thousands to his Florida record attempts; Malcolm Campbell, 'the feckless d'Artagnan of modern days', whose risk-taking behind the wheel was only matched by that of his love life, a salacious cocktail of sleaze, scandal and bad behaviour; and John Cobb, the taciturn reclusive, who eventually broke the record he described as 'just a matter of keeping going'.

What made these men invest their lives and fortunes in the pursuit of speed What fuelled their desire to be named 'fastest man on earth' This is their riveting tale; a startling phenomenon that filled the inter-war years and burnt out as suddenly as it had arrived.

“Thoroughly entertaining yet extremely informative.”

entertaining and authoritative ... - INDEPENDENT

splendid history ... Jennings brilliantly conveys the rattling turmoil of being in the cockpit of one of these monster cars - GUARDIAN

This terrific book had me gripped from the start ... a lovely read, full of excitement ... Jennings has captured the essential characteristics of these men - their sadness - extremely well. - NEW STATESMAN

- EVENING STANDARD

Charles Jennings was born in London and was educated there and at Oxford University. He is married with two children, and lives in London. He writes for a range of newspapers including the Daily Telegraph, the Guardian and the Times

The remarkable story of the Speed Kings, a group of men who achieved international notoriety as they pursued their common goal: to travel faster than anyone had ever done and claim the coveted Land Speed Record for their country, and for themselves. Charles Jennings' fascinating new book brings to life this eccentric collection of oddballs and enthusiasts, united only in their desire to succeed: Henry Segrave, as famous as he was fearless, who drew tens of thousands to his Florida record attempts; Malcolm Campbell, 'the feckless d'Artagnan of modern days', whose risk-taking behind the wheel was only matched by that of his love life, a salacious cocktail of sleaze, scandal and bad behaviour; and John Cobb, the taciturn reclusive, who eventually broke the record he described as 'just a matter of keeping going'.What made these men invest their lives and fortunes in the pursuit of speed What fuelled their desire to be named 'fastest man on earth' This is their riveting tale; a startling phenomenon that filled the inter-war years and burnt out as suddenly as it had arrived.

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