Drive On! A Social History of the Motor Car

Drive On! traces the social impact and evolution of the automobile from its inception through the late 20th century. The narrative follows both the technological developments and cultural changes brought about by cars across different societies and eras. The book examines how automobiles transformed cities, commerce, and human relationships through personal mobility. Key figures in automotive history appear alongside analyses of how different cultures adopted and adapted to motorized transportation. The text incorporates engineering insights and mechanical details while maintaining focus on the human elements of automotive history. Major historical events and sociological shifts are viewed through the lens of how they influenced, and were influenced by, the rise of car culture. This work presents the automobile as more than a machine - it serves as a mirror reflecting humanity's relationship with technology, freedom, and progress. The interconnected themes of innovation, mobility, and social change create a broader commentary on modernization itself.

Readers appreciate Setright's deep technical knowledge and his thorough exploration of how cars shaped society. Reviewers note his clear explanations of engineering concepts and ability to connect automotive developments to broader historical trends. Several readers criticize Setright's writing style as overly verbose and pretentious, with one Amazon reviewer calling it "unnecessarily complex and pompous." Others mention the book's meandering structure and tangential diversions. Common praise focuses on: - Historic photos and illustrations - Coverage of lesser-known automotive pioneers - Analysis of car culture's sociological impact Common complaints: - Dense, academic writing style - Lack of clear chronological organization - British-centric perspective Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) Amazon UK: 3.5/5 (12 reviews) Amazon US: 3.7/5 (8 reviews) Most critical reviews still acknowledge the book's informational value while taking issue with its accessibility to general readers.

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🚗 L.J.K. Setright was known for his eccentric writing style and vast technical knowledge, often wearing a fedora and smoking a pipe while typing his manuscripts on a vintage typewriter. 🚗 The book traces automotive history through a social lens rather than just technical specifications, exploring how cars changed dating customs, family dynamics, and even architecture. 🚗 The author rode motorcycles extensively and was fluent in seven languages, which helped him research automotive developments across different cultures and countries. 🚗 Setright challenged common automotive myths in the book, including the widely held belief that Henry Ford invented the assembly line (he actually adapted existing meat-packing plant techniques). 🚗 Despite being published in 2002, the book predicted several modern trends, including the rise of electric vehicles and the growing importance of aerodynamics in car design.