About the Author

Donald Stevens was born in the East End of London, but grew up in Haywards Heath, the Sussex market town to which he was evacuated in 1939. In his early teenage years he became fascinated by aeroplanes and other machines, and on leaving school began training as a mechanical engineer.
At 19, he joined the newly-formed design consultancy Norris Brothers Ltd as its first employee, and became a member of the design team for Donald Campbell’s Bluebird hydroplane. Following National Service in the RAF, Donald became project co-ordinator for the design and construction of the Bluebird car.
This is his first book.

Reviews

"Essential reading for anyone interested in the Proteus-powered beauty." - Classic Sports Car
"This book is as engrossing as it is inspiring. Perhaps the best book ever written on a land speed car." - Racecar Engineering"With many previously unpublished photos, drawings and speed graphs, this book will prove fascinating to anyone with even the faintest interest in Campbell and the Bluebirds. A superb 160-page, very personal account of one of Britain's great and serial speed record competitors." - Totalkitcar

"This book is excellent for both technical and not so technical readers. This is a book to savour and revisit time after time. Donald Stevens waited a long time to write this book. We should be grateful he let us into his world." - Fast Facts
"There are plenty of technical details and illustrations in this book to keep the mechanically minded engrossed, but the background to the personalities involved, the fascinating contributions of the various specialist suppliers and the nail-biting will-they/won't-they excitement make this a highly recommended read to anybody with an interest in cars, record breaking or British engineering and endeavour at its finest." - MG Enthusiast
"Highly recommended, particularly to engineering readers." - Speedscene
"A well-written and fascinating book that's packed with interesting photographs, drawings and other information. It's an absolute 'must' for anyone with an interest in the 'Bluebird Era.'" - Teme Valley Times