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The Limit: Life and Death on the 1961 Grand Prix Circuit Audiobook
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(4.02) - 130 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Phil Hill, a lowly California mechanic who, defying all expectations, became the first American to win the Grand Prix championship. In the tradition of Seabiscuit and The Right Stuff, Cannell’s high-octane narrative evokes the lives of the daredevils who tempted fate each Sunday by driving well over 150 mph without benefit of seat belts or roll bars.
Written with the pacing of a novel, The Limit pits Hill against his Ferrari teammate, German Count Wolfgang Von Trips, as they jockey for the top spot throughout the 1961 season, culminating in one of the deadliest races in Grand Prix history. The Limit captures a distinct moment when men the world over were driven to push the boundaries of the possible.
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"I have been a fan of formula one racing since 1967 and have purchased and read many books and videos on motor racing (fiction and non-fiction) over that period. Books and movies aimed at the general public have generally fallen short of expressing the excitement and drama of this often misunderstood sport to the non-fan. This is one of the best books I have ever read and highly recommend it to both fan and non-fan alike."
— David Mesa (5 out of 5 stars)
The Limit Listener Reviews
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" Good account of the late '50s - early '60's sportscar and formula 1 racing series. Centers on Ferrari and two "frenemy" drivers, Hill and von Trips. Very enjoyable quick read. "
— Dennis, 1/31/2014 -
" Mike Cannell's book The Limit is an good history of sports cars and the Gran Prix in the 1950s and early 1960s. It focuses on the competition between Phil Hill and Von Trips for Grand Prix wins, and Ferrari's manipulation of them. Ferrari's efforts to keep them on edge in an effort to achieve faster speeds literally caused the drivers to drive themselves to death. The number and description of accidents and deaths ultimately makes this book depressing so I gave up about 75% of the way through. "
— Pam, 1/22/2014 -
" Excellent read about the 1961 Grand Prix and the events leading up to it. "
— Hardeep, 1/6/2014 -
" Amazing story...racing as it should be...dangerous! Exciting! "
— Jim, 1/5/2014 -
" The story of Phil Hill, a great American driver and his championship in 1962. In the late 50's early 60's you has a 33% chance of being killed on the great Gran Prix tracks of Europe. This is a peek into those men, with a focus on Phil Hill. Well written look at a very dangerous sport. "
— Jonathan, 11/24/2013 -
" A great recollection of stupid-brave racers, before all of the safety systems we have today. The author explains the science of racing in everyday terms while giving great biographical info on each racer and their car. A great read for anyone who loves combustible engines. "
— Ryan, 10/27/2013 -
" Misleadingly titled, this book is a biography of US sports can and Grand Prix champion Phil Hill. It failed to thrill. "
— John, 10/12/2013 -
" Not a bad portrayal of the 61 grand prix season. "
— John, 9/23/2013 -
" Really enjoyed this book! Phil Hill, Count Von Trips, and the labyrinthine universe of Ferrari's racing team In the late 1950's & 1960's. Well-told, humane story of these men and the incredible challenge of their sport. "
— Dan, 9/10/2013 -
" This book is an absolute must read for fans of Motor Sport, particularly GP racing. Primarily about Phil Hill and Wolfgang von Trips,it touches on the lives and deaths of the early drivers , manufacturers and owners. I, literally could not put it down. "
— Brent, 3/2/2013 -
" If you are a fan of Grand Prix racing, this book gives an interesting perspective on the early years of the sport. While focusing on the rivalry between Hill and Von Trips, it gives an overall view of the courage and determination needed to drive Grand Prix cars in the early years "
— gargravarr, 12/23/2012 -
" By mistake, put my review out on Beth's page. "
— Bill, 10/31/2012 -
" Good book about a classic race between Hill and von Tripp in 1961. "
— Beth, 10/7/2012 -
" Great book! I loved it! and I'm not a Formula 1 race fan at all. The story of the two drivers, their relationship, and the toll the deaths of their teammates was so well done. It was a really good book. "
— Andi, 4/25/2012 -
" Lots of death on the early Grand Prix and Sports Car racing circuit. "
— Dan, 3/26/2012 -
" A guy's book, no doubt, but a great read. Cannell makes events of more than 50 years ago seem relevant and quite interesting. "
— Walter, 2/14/2012
About Michael Cannell
Michael Cannell has written for the New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Time, Newsweek and many other publications. He was editor for The New York Times for seven years. His book, The Limit, was published by The Twelve in 2012. The Limit is now in development as a Sundance/AMC series.
About Fred Stella
Fred Stella has worked as an actor and voice talent in radio, television, independent films, and audiobooks. He was awarded the Publishers Weekly Listen Up Award for Best Male Narration in 2002. He is on the adjunct faculty staff of Muskegon Community College.