New Book

robs ss · Mar 20, 2023

I've just received my copy of Mick Duckworth's new book from him covering my grandfather's life with Norton.
I have spent many hours over the last year or so helping Mick with photos, anecdotes etc.
My Mum, who is 90 now, also assisted with recollections.
Not perfect - but a good book in my view.
Cheers

ISBN: 978-1-3999-4371-0
I have no financial interest here whatsoever.

Bonzo · Mar 21, 2023

I'll keep my eye out for that mate

I'm partial to a bit of Mick Duckworth wordsmithery.

robs ss · Mar 21, 2023

There's an interesting (and moving, to me) photo that I hadn't seen before.
After the 1935 German GP (Walter Rusk won the 350 on a Norton) Joe & he resolutely defying pressure to do the Nazi salute. Look at the 250 winner (German Walfried Winkler - DKW), on the left, staring in apparent admonishment at their defiance.
(Photo, because scan didn't work well)
Cheers

HopperXL · Mar 21, 2023

Good on 'em for standing their ground.

Looks like a good book. I will look out for for it to add to my collection.

KiwiShane · Mar 21, 2023

My family lived near a Farmer and amputee WWI Jock Graig (hard as nails) when I was a kid I remember my father telling me Jock used to say to him..."ain't no heros over there boy" trying to stop him signing up...Our forefathers paid a big price for freedom.
Nice book/post

Fast Eddie · Mar 22, 2023

robs ss said:
There's an interesting (and moving, to me) photo that I hadn't seen before.
After the 1935 German GP (Walter Rusk won the 350 on a Norton) Joe & he resolutely defying pressure to do the Nazi salute. Look at the 250 winner (German Walfried Winkler - DKW), on the left, staring in apparent admonishment at their defiance.
(Photo, because scan didn't work well)
Cheers
View attachment 104909

That is a fantastic picture.
You should get hold of Mick (or whoever has the original) and get a large copy framed and mounted somewhere in pride of place.

robs ss · Mar 30, 2023

Just had a chat with Mick Duckworth and he had an interesting perspective on the photo (in #3).
He commented that Joe always dressed appropriately to the occasion. A suit and tie would have been "appropriate" but he chose his pit clobber. Probably his message to the ruling Germans. I can see "that look" in his eyes.

acotrel · Mar 30, 2023

Joe Craig and Phil Irving are two of the most interesting people in motorcycling history. More research should be done into their achievements. 'Tuning For Speed' was an interesting book, however I think Nortons achieved more than Vincents or Velocettes. Joe Craig must have written some papers on motorcycle engine development. With Yamaha, many development papers are available through the institutes of engineers. The British system might not be so accessible. But the Japanese would probably have collected the relevent information about British motorcycles.

acotrel · Mar 30, 2023

Joe Craig: Making Norton famous

This collectable hardback book is a unique compilation of photographs from the Craig family collection. The accompanying text written by reputed motorcycling author and journalist Mick Duckworth evokes the golden age of single-cylinder Nortons in international motorcycle racing.

joecraignorton.com

acotrel · Mar 30, 2023

In modern industry, intellectual property is a key issue. Asian competition is often based on IP from elsewhere.

robs ss · Mar 30, 2023

acotrel said:
Joe Craig and Phil Irving are two of the most interesting people in motorcycling history. More research should be done into their achievements. 'Tuning For Speed' was an interesting book, however I think Nortons achieved more than Vincents or Velocettes. Joe Craig must have written some papers on motorcycle engine development. With Yamaha, many development papers are available through the institutes of engineers. The British system might not be so accessible. But the Japanese would probably have collected the relevent information about British motorcycles.

Did you know that Joe and Phil collaborated on the creation of the AJS Porcupine?

mdt-son · Apr 7, 2023

A citation from ZDF's announcement of the book in AN's newsletter:
"The Craig statement I found the most amusing in the book was his scathing comment on nostalgic attachment to old motorcycles which is what formed my whole professional life and which Andover Norton sees as its raison d’être: “I should like to make some attempt to break away from the present fashionable practice, which is becoming almost a vice, of rhapsodizing over ancient, so-called masterpieces.” "

Between the lines we may sense a criticism of the company's management. Joe Craig must have had a mindset centered om innovations. He was no bean counter.
Even though he had no academic background, I like his way of thinking. Sadly, this rhapsodizing sentiment continued in the UK right up to end of the 1980's, and in some circles, up to this day.

- Knut

mdt-son · Apr 7, 2023

robs ss said:
Did you know that Joe and Phil collaborated on the creation of the AJS Porcupine?

By project engagement, and for development of the E90S only. There were other persons involved. The E90S was not the naturally-aspirated engine it later came to be (E90, E95).

- Knut

New Book

Similar threads