PRESS RELEASE

Donald Campbell - Memories & what really went wrong

Stories of Donald Campbell and his world speed record attempts are legendary. This larger than life character and his determination to become the fastest man on land and water are the essence of bygone days when the spirit of adventure was at its peak. However, his name lives on and the details surrounding his death still excite interest. "The Bluebird Years" by Arthur Knowles (with additional material written by Graham Beech) is a personal and moving story beginning with his first encounter with Donald Campbell up to January 1967, where he gives an eyewitness account of the terrible accident and what happened afterwards. It is published by Sigma Leisure at £9.95 on 1st April, 2001 and will be available through bookshops or direct from the publisher. "The Bluebird Years" is divided into three sections. The main part of the book is Arthur Knowles' original work, called "With Campbell at Coniston", written at the time of the final, tragic water speed record attempt. Arthur Knowles knew Donald Campbell and was with him in the months preceding the fateful day when all the hopes and dreams of a nation were shattered. All the setbacks, highs and lows and conversations that took place are all recorded here as well as the superstitions that haunted Donald Campbell, the emotions of his colleagues after the disaster, the desperate search for the body and the speculations and theories that surrounded the accident. Part one of the book, written by Graham Beech, details the background to the original book, the Campbell dynasty biographies and the history of land and water speed records. There is also a chapter on the building of the famous Bluebird boat. Part three is about the aftermath of the accident. Ken Norris, the designer of Bluebird K7, records his own memories of the final days and puts forward his theory into what caused the fatal accident, by mentally recreating Donald Campbell's final attempt. Graham Beech says, "Quite simply "The Bluebird Years" was written as there is still a great deal of interest in Donald Campbell and his record attempts. Republishing "With Campbell at Coniston" and adding new material means that up-to-date information, photographs and diagrams could also be incorporated. He was, and still is, a hero to many."

The Bluebird Years Homepage

The Campbell Family

Into the future

Gallery

Bluebird in action

The Recovery of the Boat.