Some Unusual Engines

Some Unusual Engines explores designs, prototypes, and production engines that diverged from conventional automotive engineering practices. L.J.K. Setright covers both successful and failed experiments from the early 20th century through the modern era. The book focuses on unique mechanisms, alternative configurations, and unconventional approaches to internal combustion. Technical diagrams and photographs support detailed explanations of how each engine functions and why engineers pursued these unorthodox solutions. Each chapter presents a different engine type or design philosophy, from rotary valves to sleeve valves to variable compression ratios. Setright includes context about the inventors, companies and economic conditions that drove development of these alternative technologies. The work stands as both a historical record of mechanical innovation and a meditation on the tension between engineering orthodoxy and radical experimentation in automotive design.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of L.J.K. Setright's overall work: Readers consistently praise Setright's deep technical knowledge and unique writing style, though many note his work requires focused attention to follow. His prose combines engineering precision with cultural observations and historical context. What readers liked: - Detailed mechanical explanations made complex topics clear - Integration of social history with technical content - Original perspectives on automotive development - Rich vocabulary and literary references What readers disliked: - Dense, academic writing style can be challenging - Sometimes meanders from main topics - Occasional perceived condescension toward readers - Limited illustrations in technical sections From Amazon/Goodreads: "Drive On!" averages 4.3/5 stars (42 reviews) "The Power to Fly" averages 4.1/5 stars (28 reviews) Reader quote: "Reading Setright is like attending a fascinating lecture by a brilliant professor who occasionally forgets his audience isn't as knowledgeable as he is." - Amazon reviewer Criticism quote: "Brilliant insights buried in overwrought prose. Needs an editor with a machete." - Goodreads review

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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 explores several revolutionary engine designs that never achieved mainstream success, including the Wankel rotary engine and the sleeve-valve engine. 📚 Setright wrote over 50 books about automobiles and engineering during his career, with "Some Unusual Engines" considered one of his most detailed technical works. ⚙️ The author was fluent in 11 languages and often incorporated linguistic discussions into his technical writing, explaining the etymology of engineering terms. 🏎️ Besides writing about engines, Setright was an accomplished motorcyclist who tested vehicles for various publications and insisted on riding his motorcycle year-round in all weather conditions.