Leap into Legend

By Steve Holter

ISBN 1-85058-794-9

Published by Sigma Press, £17.95

The record-breaking feats of Donald Campbell were undertaken in the shadow of Sir Malcom, his father. On occasion, Donald even claimed to have felt his presence in the cockpit.

In 1964, he became the fastest man on both water and land, in the face of a public far more apathetic to record attempts than in his father’s day. In the 1920s, speed records were the height of technical and human accomplishment, holders were held up as idols. When Donald died, we were just two years away from the ‘giant leap for mankind’. He is, therefore, of greater fascination to us now.

Today, when the limits of human endeavour have seemingly been reached, we can relate to this man whose greatest achievement was in overcoming his father’s legacy. This impassioned book is the perfect starting point for an understanding of the legend. IM