Sing Holiday by Peter CHAMBERLAIN
CHAMBERLAIN, Peter. Sing Holiday. London: Arthur Barker Limited, 1937.
First edition. Rare. A vivid and entertaining novel about the Isle of Man Grand Prix motor races. The main character, Mr Matthews travels to the Isle of Man for a week’s holiday, where he lands right in the middle of the excitement and exoticism of the Grand Prix racing. At first, he is bewildered and irritated by the noise and the boisterous motor racing culture, but eventually, he becomes an insider and a fan. During the 1930s, the Isle of Man hosted three Grand Prix events inspired by the Monaco Grand Prix – attracting racing teams to compete on a street circuit in Douglas, the island’s capital. The circuit was beautiful, being reminiscent of the Bay of Naples as one character remarked, with Douglas Bay on one side, and the town standing against the green slopes of the hills behind. This book is filled with colourful details and insights into the only Grand Prix events held on street circuits on the British Isles.
The dust jacket features racing scenes from the Isle of Man – the bay, streets and crowds, with Mr. Matthews at centre in the pub drinking with the drivers and crew.
431 pp. 8vo, original cloth, some staining to edges. Endpapers partially browned. Internally clean. In original dust jacket, some wear to extremities. Very good minus.