Motorbooks – The Bell Bookshop

Motorsports Mavericks

Emma — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Motorsport’s most thrilling and perilous era, brought to life with expert narration, exclusive interviews, and Pete Biro's spectacular photography.

In the 1960s and ’70s, every form of racing demanded courage in the face of disproportionate risk. In Motorsports Mavericks, the award-winning team of photographer Pete Biro and racing historian George Levy brings us the rise and fall of this “Golden Age” of motorsports through the insights and analysis of the participants themselves-putting us in the same room with history’s greatest racing legends. Pete Biro’s unforgettable photography, much of it unpublished or long unseen, conveys the speed, danger, and glory in vivid detail.

It was a time of:

Extremes – Top speeds spiked, risk soared, and racing's popularity exploded.
Legends - AJ Foyt, Dan Gurney, Don Garlits, Richard Petty, Mario Andretti, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Derek Bell, and more became household names piloting all manner of race cars in series including Formula 1, NASCAR, drag racing, Indy 500, and sports prototypes.
Innovation - Bold experimentation prevailed, led by designers, engineers, and team owners like Enzo Ferrari, Colin Chapman, Jim Hall, and Robin Herd. Racers were as much test pilots as competitors.

It was a window in time that would open and just as certainly close. Racing will never be-can never be-like that again.

Featuring a foreword by auto racing icon Roger Penske, Motorsports Mavericks is a visual feast and an insightful, wistful, occasionally humorous look at that golden-and-simultaneously-fraught age when all race drivers courted danger with little in the way of a safety net. Whether you’re an F1 enthusiast, a NASCAR fan, or just love motorsport, this book offers an exhilarating ride.

Alternative for the Masses

Emma — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Get the definitive story of the ’90s alt-rock movement straight from the musicians and figures who lived it.

No period in the history of rock music offered such an abrupt shift in prevailing tastes as the 1990s. While just a short while before, radio and MTV were clamoring for hair metal bands, suddenly alt-rockers such as Jane’s Addiction, Nine Inch Nails, Faith No More, Primus, Smashing Pumpkins, and of course, Nirvana, brought a sea change not just in what the most popular bands sounded like, but also in fashion, politics, and seemingly all aspects of pop culture.

In Alternative for the Masses: The Oral History of the ’90s Alt-Rock Revolution, veteran music critic Greg Prato presents more than 60 new interviews conducted exclusively for the book-with an emphasis on the 1990-1995 peak period-including insights from renowned names like:

Ian MacKaye (Fugazi, Dischord Records)
Frank Black (Pixies)
Corey Glover (Living Colour)
Moby (solo artist/DJ)
Al Jourgensen (Ministry)
Les Claypool (Primus)
Kennedy (host of MTV’s Alternative Nation)
Matt Pinfield (host of MTV’s 120 Minutes)
Butch Vig (producer of Nirvana’s Nevermind)
Tanya Donnelly (Belly, Breeders)
Fred Armisen (Portlandia, Saturday Night Live)

Prato also includes excerpts from one of the last interviews with Steve Albini, arguably the period’s most influential recording engineer and producer, responsible for influential albums by the likes of Nirvana and PJ Harvey producer, among many others.

Prato sets out his book in thematic chapters covering topics such as:

The Lollapalooza music festival
The impact of Nirvana
Alt-rock’s many subgenres
Notable producers of the period
The impact of women rockers
MTV’s influence
Drugs and addiction
and much more!

Do you long for the days when it seemed rock artists were all about daring to be different, speaking their minds, and shaking up the music industry? The last decade before the internet, downloads, and streaming took over music? Alternative for the Masses will take you back to that time when alt-rock truly promised something different.

Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run

Emma — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s masterpiece of American rock ‘n’ roll with this handsomely produced and stunningly illustrated volume.

Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run: 50 Years is the definitive story of a landmark album in American rock music. In 1975, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band released what would become their breakthrough album and arguably the most lauded album of Springsteen’s long, illustrious career. Born to Run has sold over 9 million copies and counting and continues to inspire musicians and music fans young and old from around the world.

In this book, music journalist Sean Egan takes a deep dive into one of the legendary musician’s most famous albums on its 50th anniversary. Chapters cover Springsteen’s career prior to 1975, track-by-track analyses of each side, the studios where it was recorded, the supporting tour, and The Boss’s career after the LP. Illustrated with performance and off-stage photography as well as memorabilia, the book is presented as a slipcased hardcover.

Springsteen fans new and old can expect:

A deep dive into how the album came together and why it is regarded as a masterpiece
Track-by-track analyses of the studio cut as well as insight into the many disregarded tracks and ideas leading up to its recording
Historical insight and analysis about the state of rock in the mid-’70s and how Springsteen assembled a wildly talented group of musicians in the E Street Band
The story of the battle between Springsteen and Columbia Records after his previous albums failed to ignite the public’s passion
And much, much more

This display-worthy book is a must for every Bruce Tramp’s collection.

The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, The Who & Quadrophenia, Prince and Purple Rain, and Queen & A Night at the Opera, with more to come.

The Complete Book of Spacecraft

Emma — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Marvel at the history of space exploration through its daring vehicles, exhaustively chronicled in this authoritative volume featuring more than 250 artworks.

In 1957, the world looked on with both uncertainty and amazement as the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the first man-made orbiter. Sputnik 1 would spend three months circling Earth every 98 minutes and cover 71 million miles in the process. The world’s space programs have traveled far (literally and figuratively) since then, and the spacecraft they have developed and deployed represent almost unthinkable advances for such a relatively short period.

In Spacecraft, illustrator and aerospace professional Giuseppe De Chiara teams up with aerospace historian Michael Gorn to present a huge, profusely illustrated aerospace history profiling and depicting spacecraft from Sputnik 1 through the International Space Station and everything in between, including concepts that have yet to actually venture outside the Earth’s atmosphere.

This updated and revised edition includes:

Expertly written profiles depicting and describing the design, development, and deployment of manned and unmanned spacecraft from around the world, including satellites, capsules, spaceplanes, rockets, and space stations-now updated with the latest models
Vivid scale illustrations of the many international spacecraft in multiple-view, sometimes cross-section, and in many cases shown in archival period photography to provide further historical context
Earthbound and spaceborne data and intel chronicling every technological leap, engineering challenge, and monumental achievement, from troubleshooting the lunar landers of the ’60s to engineering solar-driven sails to propel futuristic craft to Mars and beyond
A look ahead to an era of privatized space travel and even plans for lunar and Martian space stations and settlement

Dividing the book by era, De Chiara and Gorn feature spacecraft not only from the United States and Soviet Union/Russia, but also from the European Space Agency and China. The mind-blowing machines examined in this volume include the rockets Energia, Falcon 9, and VEGA; the Hubble Space Telescope; the Cassini space probe; and the Mars rovers, Opportunity, and Curiosity.

For anyone who has marveled at humankind’s attempts and advances in leaving Earth, Spacecraft: The Complete Guide to the Rockets, Satellites, Capsules, Shuttles, and Stations That Put Us in Space is the definitive reference.

Formula 1 75 years

Emma — Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Celebrate 75 years of Formula 1 racing, from 1950 through the modern era, with this riveting pictorial history.

There is Formula 1, and then there are all other forms of motorsport. F1 is what every competition driver aspires to, whether they admit it or not. Top drivers, top teams, top racing cars, top tracks. It is the pinnacle of motor racing.

Formula 1 marks its 75th anniversary in 2025. Established as the top motorsport category in Europe in 1950, its grand-prix roots go back to the earliest days of the automobile. There was the first car, then there was the second car. The racing commenced shortly thereafter.

Written by top F1 journalists Stuart Codling and James Roberts, Formula 1 75 Years takes you on a thrilling ride through it all with:

A full history of the teams and their cars, from the return of pre-war greats like Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, and Lancia to the rise of new specialists like Ferrari, Lotus, and Cooper up through today’s top competitors like Red Bull, Williams, and McLaren
Legendary drivers, including Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and more
Sidebars highlighting key events, behind-the-scenes machinations, legendary cars, and every champion
Stunning historic and contemporary photography, with image selection and captions by top automotive photographer James Mann

This engaging and beautifully designed overview of the world’s greatest motorsport is a must-have for every fan’s collection.

The complete book of classic and modern Triumph motorcycles, 1937-today

Emma — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The ultimate illustrated reference for Triumph lovers and fans of British motorcycles, this revised and updated third edition collects all the motorcycles from this iconic brand through 2024.

Originally formed as a bicycle company in 1885, Triumph produced its first motorcycle in 1902, which was simply a bicycle fitted with a Belgian Minerva engine. From there, the company, in various iterations, went on to build some of the most iconic motorcycles of all time.

Written by respected Triumph expert Ian Falloon, the third edition of The Complete Book of Classic and Modern Triumph Motorcycles: 1937 to Todaycovers all the major and minor models, including:

The legendary 1937 Speed Twin
Era-defining motorcycles such as the Thunderbird, Tiger, Trophy, and Bonneville
Modern machines such as the Speed Triple, Thruxton, Tiger adventure bikes, Speed 400, and Rocket III
Non-production models and factory racing and speed-record-setting motorcycles that have become integral parts of Triumph’s stellar reputation

Detailed technical specifications are included alongside compelling photography, much of it sourced from Triumph’s archives. Sidebars offer Triumph cultural snapshots like The Wild One film, actor James Dean, land-speed record setters, Steve McQueen’s racers, and competition stories.

This is the book no Triumph fan should be without!

David Bowie

Emma — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This value-priced reissue of Bowie at 75 (2022) celebrates the beloved rock star with expert commentary, hundreds of images, and an illustrated gatefold timeline.

Hendrix, Joplin, Mercury?few rock artists garner as much adulation after passing as they did in life. In David Bowie, veteran rock journalist Martin Popoff examines the rocker’s extraordinary life through the lens of 75 significant career achievements and life events, guiding you through all 27 studio albums, as well as a curated selection of earworm singles. But Popoff delves deeper to reveal the events that helped chart the course of Bowie’s career:

Guest appearances with artists like Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Tina Turner, and Queen
Key performances such as Live Aid
Collaborations with an incredible roster of guitarists that included Mick Ronson, Adrian Belew, Robert Fripp, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Nile Rodgers, and Earl Slick
Film and television roles
Romance?and more.

From his eponymous 1967 debut LP and ending with Blackstar, released just two days before his death, Bowie is regarded as one of the most influential musicians and performers of the previous five decades, during which he constantly redefined himself. In examining 75 touchstones, Popoff gives you a unique view of Bowie’s career arc from folkie to the breakthrough single “Space Oddity” to his flamboyant glam rock alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, and beyond.

Illustrated with live concert and candid offstage photography as well as memorabilia including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, and more, this incredible package also includes a gatefold timeline, making for a stunning tribute to one of the most influential and admired stars in rock history.

Bruce Springsteen at 75

Emma — Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Experience the extraordinary career of “The Boss” with this richly illustrated package featuring two gatefolds, exclusive pullout poster, 8″ Ã 10″ glossy, and a sturdy slipcase.

Twenty-time Grammy winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and best-selling author?Bruce Springsteen is, of course, also one of rock’s most revered songwriters and performers. In Bruce Springsteen at 75, veteran rock journalist Gillian G. Gaar reveals this rock icon through 75 career releases, performances, and accolades. This exquisite volume features:

Slipcased hardcover format
Stunning concert and candid offstage photography
Images of memorabilia, including gig posters, vinyl record sleeves, ticket stubs, period ads, and more
Gatefold Bruce Springsteen timeline
Unpublished 8″ Ã 10″ photo
An exclusive pullout poster

Through seven-and-a-half decades, Gaar covers it all:

Bruce’s childhood in New Jersey and early garage bands, The Castiles and Steel Mill
All 20 studio albums, including those with the E Street Band and as a solo artist
A selection of his greatest singles, like the rock standards “Born to Run,” “Hungry Heart,” and “Born in the U.S.A.”
Relationships with notable bandmates Steven Van Zandt and the late Clarence Clemons
Legendary gigs, from his early residency at New York’s The Bottom Line to his longest ever concert to his more recent Broadway show
His relationship with wife and bandmate, Patti Scialfa
Awards like his Rock Hall induction and the Presidential Medal of Freedom
…and much more

Beginning with his 1973 debut LP Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. and continuing through his latest release and tour, Bruce Springsteen is one of the most beloved performers and musicians in rock ‘n’ roll history, influencing countless acts for decades.

This book is your unprecedented retrospective of The Boss’s career, from teenage Jersey garage rocker to international star and celebrity.

Porsche 911

Emma — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Celebrate six decades of rear-engine excellence with this beautifully illustrated exploration of 60 milestone Porsche 911s.

Porsche’s 911 is the quintessential sports car-focused, purposeful, race-proven, and exciting. Since its prototype debut in 1963, the 911 has defied expectations while never losing its form or its giant-slaying heart.

In Porsche 911 60 Years, best-selling Porsche author Randy Leffingwell delves into the stories of sixty 911s-one from each year from 1964 to 2024. The 911’s entire history–engineering, design, development, racing, and culture-is revealed one fantastic car at a time. This unique approach to the 911’s legacy includes such icons as:

1964 901 Cabriolet prototype
Bruce Jennings 1967 911 S
1971 911 S Safari
Louise Piech 1975 930 Turbo
Le Mans-winning 1980 935 K3
1987 Ruf CTR Yellowbird
1991 964 Carrera RS
1997 Ruf Turbo R
1998 996 GT1 Le Mans winner
2006 50th Anniversary Porsche Club of America 911 coupe
2010 911 Sport Classic
2018 Turbo S Exclusive
2023 Dakar
And many more

Porsche 911 60 Years is also the story of the people behind the cars: Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche, who co-designed the 911’s timeless shape and his successors, Anatole Lapine, Harm Laggaaij, and Michael Mauer; Peter W. Schutz, the Porsche CEO who saved the 911 from the cutting-room floor and the Porsche leaders who carried on, most notably Wendelin Wiedeking; engineering geniuses such as Dr. Helmuth Bott, Hans Mezger, and Valentin Schaeffer; and stylists and modelers Gerhard Schroeder, Heinrich Klie, Peter Reisinger, Anthony Hatter, and Grant Larson.

Each profiled car is accompanied by historic photography from Porsche’s own archive, and beautiful, contemporary photography features throughout. Porsche 911 60 Years is an essential volume for any Porsche owner or fan’s collection.