MINI - a celebration G. Robson - 2nd Ed
My first impression, on the usual casual flick through the pages, was of an exceptionally well-presented layout, with fabulous photographs - many of which were commissioned specifically for this book.
Each major section of the book is beautifully illustrated with large, high quality, studio photos of one model - Morris Mini-Minor, Austin Cooper S, Austin Moke, Leyland 1275 GT, and Rover Mini Cooper.
It is pleasing to find a book that treats all models, including the Moke, with equal respect.
There is also a wealth of historical photos from the BMC/Leyland archives, all well presented.
To be honest, I rarely find a book that so immediately grabs my attention and makes me want to read it.
I wasn’t disappointed either, but you’ve got to remember this is a coffee-table book, not a warts-and-all history of the Mini.
I believe Robson is among the highest ranks of motoring historians, but he’s not infallible. A couple of often-repeated myths and errors have crept into the text. However, the vast majority of the book seems to be right on the money, and there are some very interesting aspects of the behind-the-scenes goings-on of BMC and Leyland that he has brought to light.
Clubman enthusiasts should be very pleased with the book, as Robson takes an open and unbiased look, without the usual prejudices, at the Clubman range of Minis, and gives a good account of Leyland’s decision to release them.
The second edition was released for the Mini’s 50th birthday in 2009, but apart from a new cover is virtually the same as the first edition. If you have the first edition, then you don’t need the second.
All up, this book is ideal for anyone new to the Mini scene, who wants a good grounding in the car’s (English) history. It is also the sort of book that any die-hard Mini fan would be happy to have on the library shelf, or on the coffee-table.
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