Get New Releases Audiobooks in Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

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Title: Full Throttle

Subtitle: The Life and Fast Times of NASCAR Legend Curtis Turner

Author: Robert Edelstein

Narrator: Rex Linn

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-21-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 34 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Edelstein's gripping biography thrillingly recreates the life of this American legend, from his days as a teenage moonshine runner in Virginia, through millions earned (and just as quickly spent) in fearless finance deals, to his incredible comeback after four years of being banned from the NASCAR circuit.

Critic Reviews:

"A well-researched, thoroughly enjoyable account of the life of this NASCAR pioneer and iconoclast." (Booklist)

"[The author] draws on concrete sourcing based on Turner's personal files to give the book depth and perspective." (Publishers Weekly)

"[Edelstein's] impeccable biography of Turner, Full Throttle, kicks up dirt on NASCAR's juiced-up early days." (New York Times)

Members Reviews:

Great Story & Great Narration

If you are a NASCAR fan or if you just like a great story than this is worth the download. Narration could not be any better for the tone of the book.

Great Story

Curtis Turner was outrageous! He lived his life to the fullest with no fear, and drove the way he lived. From the early days of running from the law, to the dirt tracks, to the super speedways, Curtis was the ultimate competitor. It is a must read for anyone with interest in the history of NASCAR, but would appeal to a much wider audience. The reader's voice is perfect for the book.

Great book, excellent narrator

I'm 35 and I followed NASCAR my whole life but I had no idea what all was going on behind the scenes in those days. It is so great to get the information together and hear all the stories of the old days. I loved it and I'm glad I now know who Curtis Turner was. It reminds me of stories my dad would tell about his youth.

loved it!

this is a true must-read for any Motorsport enthusiast. Curtis Turner embodies what NASCAR was and is, and this book does a wonderful job of telling his story. I highly recommend this to anybody who has even the slightest interest in Motorsports

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Title: Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins

Subtitle: The Autobiography

Author: Rupert Everett

Narrator: Rupert Everett

Format: Abridged

Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-20-06

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 63 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Whether sweeping the stage for the Royal Shakespeare Company or costarring with Faye Dunaway and an orangutan in Dunstan Checks In (they both took ages to get ready), Rupert Everett always brings as much energy and talent to his life as he does to his career. Who else has lived in Paris with Beatrice Dalle, modeled for Versace and Valentino, been possessed by the spirit of Anthony Perkins, and played bridge with Christopher Isherwood?

A superb raconteur and a keen observer of human folly, Rupert Everett turns his life into a captivating story of love, nostalgia, fame, glamour, gossip, and drama. From the eccentricities of the British upper classes to the madness of Hollywood, from the Russian steppes to an Easter egg hunt in Elizabeth Taylor's garden, Everett reveals himself as a storyteller and a charming guide to life lived in the fast lane.

Critic Reviews:

"Glowingly, resplendently alive...beautifully written...damnably charming." (Independent, UK)

"[A] continuously brilliant memoir, the best theatrical autobiography since Noel Coward's...a superb and unexpectedly inspiring achievement." (Guardian, UK)

Members Reviews:

Rupert Everett really is a lot of fun

As far as Hollywood memoirs go this is an enjoyable listen. Mr Everett has a great wit and keeps you entertained and supplies enough giggles and gossip to endear you even more to him.

funny break with a touch of reality

I love his voice! this was a great peek into the life of a rising star and the trials associated with being gay in an awakening world. I liked this listen!

Loved it!

Beautiful writing and great stories. I didn't realize that mr Everett was such a talented writer.

Interesting read, I want to know more...

I so enjoyed this book very much. Rupert Everett is down to Earth and yet traveled in an echelon of high society. His story is very intriguing and approachable. I want to know more about him, his thoughts and life. I would definitely recommend it.

trip and slip

Trip and slip with an amusing actor and his past. Kept me smiling. Thanks Mr. Everett.

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Title: Gazza

Subtitle: My Story

Author: Paul Gascoigne

Narrator: Christian Rodska

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 40 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-05-06

Publisher: Headline Audiobooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

So much has been written about Gazza over the years, but he has said little - until now. For the first time, he talks in depth about the key events in his life: the injuries that threatened his career, what really happened when he was dropped from Glenn Hoddle's World Cup squad, his battles with alcoholism and other health problems, as well as his private life away from the spotlight. He also recalls the outrageous antics that have made the headlines, and discusses his hopes for his life after football.

Gazza is loved by fans of the game throughout the country, and his autobiography is quite simply the most remarkable footballing story you'll ever read.

Critic Reviews:

"A very honest book.' (Daily Telegraph)

"Hilarious, terrifying, and touching." (Daily Express)

Members Reviews:

A very interesting and moving story

I did not know much about the personal life of this sportsman, but found his story very interesting. He did not read the book himself, but the narrator was excellent.

Footballing Legend

Alarming story of what goes on inside the head of one of British football best midfielders not to mention a Rangers legend.

From the highs of playing for club and country to the lows of addition, anxiety and wife beating.

An eye opener.

Hope Gazza gets better

legend

the legend that is Paul Gascoigne

footballing hero!!!

coys!!!

wish he was 21 again and playing for spurs.

Less than two football matches long?

I've always loved Gazza and the stories that surround him. Sadly a mere couple of hours just doesn't even give you an insight in to his career and life's ups and downs. I sadly learnt more from Chris Evans autobiography about Gazza, than from this.

Brilliant

Loved it all made me laugh

Love this guy!

Good old relax in the sun listening to gazza life x

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Title: Soldier

Subtitle: The Life of Colin Powell

Author: Karen DeYoung

Narrator: Coleen Marlo

Format: Unabridged

Length: 23 hrs and 15 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-05-06

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 79 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

With dramatic new information about the inner workings of an administration locked in ideological combat, DeYoung makes clearer than ever before the decision-making process that took the nation to war and addresses the still-unanswered questions about Powell's departure from his post shortly after the 2004 election. Drawing on interviews with U.S. and foreign sources, as well as with Powell himself, and with unprecedented access to his personal and professional papers, Soldier is a revelatory portrait of an American icon, a man at once heroic and all-too-humanly fallible.

Photograph ©Timothy Greenfield-Sanders/Corbis Outine

Critic Reviews:

"DeYoung paints a favorable but balanced portrait of Powell, and she avoids using him as an instrument for Bush-bashing. Powell emerges from her account as a person who grew to meet his wider responsibilities." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Nice, informative, entertaining

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes. it is very informative. Interesting. Gives a perspective to anyone following the US policy in the world.

What about Coleen Marlos performance did you like?

Yes she was clear, emotional and loud.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Soldier of a nation.

Very Interesting Book

I loved this book. It wasn't too long or boring at all. Tons of great info and back stories. The narration was wonderful. I highly recommend this book.

Good but too long

This is a good book but could have been GREAT if it were not caught up in minutiae. One never wants a good book to end but the unabridged version of this book was excruciating to get through. The first part is enjoyable and informative but once the narrative gets to the point of Bush's first election, it is mired in too much detail. On the positive side, it paints an illuminating picture of Powell's experiences in government service and how his personality and background shaped his vision and actions. For those wanting the gist of the story, I suggest the abridged version, although I have not listened to it and generally loathe abridgements.

Soldier

This book is a wonderful lesson in history and what it takes to make a General in the military. Although I found it interesting, I was disappointed in the fact that there is no emotion to speak of. His children and family seem like they are in a back closet somewhere and not even a part of his life. His experience dealing with Bush and Rumsfield was particularly interesting to me.

The problem with slinging mud....

What would have made Soldier better?

The author transferred her ideology onto that of the subject of the book. at one point I couldn't believe what I was hearing and went to check to see if this was an authorized biography, to my relief, I found that it is not.

Would you ever listen to anything by Karen DeYoung again?

Absolutely not. by slanting this book to this degree, she lost all credibility in my opinion.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narration was adequate and professional. If anything, it was impacted negatively by the substance of the book.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

the Narration and production qualities were fine, the ending at least gave dignity to Powel.

Any additional comments?

We all have working and personality differences with some of our co-workers.

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Title: The Big Bam

Subtitle: The Life and Times of Babe Ruth

Author: Leigh Montville

Narrator: Scott Brick

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 36 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-16-06

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 117 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Based on newly discovered documents and interviews, including pages from Ruth's personal scrapbooks, The Big Bam traces Ruth's life from his bleak childhood in Baltimore to his brash entrance into professional baseball, from Boston to New York and into the record books as the world's most explosive slugger and cultural luminary.

At a time when modern baseball is grappling with hyper-inflated salaries, free agency, and assorted controversies, The Big Bam brings back the pure glory days of the game. Leigh Montville operates at the peak of his abilities, exploring Babe Ruth in a way that intimately, and poignantly, illuminates a most remarkable figure.

Critic Reviews:

"[Montville is] one of America's best sportswriters." (Chicago Tribune)

Members Reviews:

The Big Bam

I nearly gave up on this book. Over 40 minutes into it before the author stopped speculating and inventing heresay. Reminded me of the awful Babe Ruth movie "The Babe" with John Goodman. Lots of information, but overall disappointing for a baseball nut who understands that Baseball is a game re-invented because of Babe Ruth and that no other figure in its history has been as significant.

See Just How Great the Babe Was

We know he hit a lot of home runs, but his single season and total records have been broken. So was he really a big deal? This book puts it all into perspective. His stats were staggering compared to everyone else in the era... 3 times as many home runs as the previous leaders. He was as popular as Michael Jordan and John Mayer put together... a symbol of the country. And wait until you read how fast the Babe was going when he was ticketed for speeding down Broadway. The Brick / Montville duo is the best. I would say this is not as good as the Ted Williams book, but close.

Outstanding book

This was an excellent book on the life of Babe Ruth. Every baseball fan should read. Babe Ruth was probably one of the greatest or the greatest ever to play the game. This book tells a story not only about baseball of this era but the life he lived.

Great baseball book

What a ride thru the life and times of the Babe!!! The book had me smiling and laughing all the way thru, the guy just never stop moving!!!

Babe still rules

Great story.

The Babe saved baseball no doubt about it.

This was great book.

I wonder if he would hit a hundred HRs today!

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Title: Forgotten Voices of the Holocaust

Author: Lyn Smith

Narrator: Andrew Sachs

Format: Original Recording

Length: 5 hrs and 10 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-01-05

Publisher: Random House AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 63 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Following the success of Forgotten Voices of the Great War, the series now chronicles one of human histories darkest hours. The author comes to the project following her significant work in recording the experiences of Holocaust survivors for the Imperial War Museum sound archive, one of the most important archives of its kind in the world. The intertwined moving and revealing interviews reveal the sheer complexity and horror of the Holocaust. The great majority of survivors suffered considerable physical and psychological wounds, yet the overall story is far from being just gloom and doom. There are many poignant vignettes describing acts of charity, reciprocity and kindness in the face of the most extreme form of barbarism. As well as revealing the story of the Holocaust as directly experienced by victims, these testimonies also illustrate how, even enduring the most harsh and degrading conditions and treatment as well as suffering massive family losses, hope, the will to survive, and the human spirit shines through.

©2005 Lyn Smith and the Imperial War Museum; (P)2005 Random House Audiobooks

Members Reviews:

other testimonies

If you are intrested. Two websites I find very good are: http://voices.iit.edu.interview.html and http://holocaust.umd.umich.edu (Voice/Vision of holocaust survivors from University of Michigan)

The difference between these and those at the holocaust memorial web site is that they were done in 1946 in DP camps. I have to remember that the interviewer is a professor sticking to the facts because I think he was a lousy interviewer, but thank goodness someone thought to do this. Most were done in German and Yiddish and translated to English. Some audio but text to speech helps.

A bit short, but very compelling

I read and listen to a lot of WWII history. Every time I think I'm beyond being shocked at the atrocities of the war, I'm proven wrong. 9 times out of 10 it's a story from the Holocaust that gets me.

This audiobook, told in the first person by the actual people involved, is no exception. The tone tends to be matter-of-fact, rather than emotional, but that adds to the impact of what you're hearing. One of the stories hit so close to home that I broke down and wept at one point, and that's not the sort of thing I do often.

My only complaint is that the work was too short, skipped too many parts of Europe, and skipped over large sections of the war. It's entirely possible that I wouldn't have been satisfied until they'd made a 100 hour compilation.

I highly recommend this audiobook, as well as the other Forgotten Voices books to have come out of the Imperial War Museum. This one, however, is not for the faint of heart. The soldier's war was much different than what was experienced in the ghettos, concentration camps and hideouts throughout Europe. This is an unblinking chronicle of some of the worst things humans have done to one another in recorded history.

You know what to expect, yet you can't believe it.

The Holocaust. Mankind at its worst. You think you've heard it all before.

But this book is different. The individual accounts from actual survivors touch your very soul. I am so grateful for the courage of the survivors to share their stories. You hear how the survivors struggle to tell even their own children why they were in camps, and what happened to their friends and families. Touching.

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Title: Howard Hughes

Subtitle: The Untold Story

Author: Peter Harry Brown, Pat H. Broeske

Narrator: Michael Prichard

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-06-05

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 79 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Howard Hughes was one of the most amazing, intriguing, and controversial figures of the 20th century. He was the billionaire head of a giant corporation, a genius inventor, an ace pilot, a matinee-idol-handsome playboy, a major movie-maker who bedded a long list of Hollywood glamour queens, a sexual sultan with a harem of teenage consorts, a political influencer with intimate ties to Watergate, a Las Vegas kingpin, and, ultimately, a bizarre recluse whose final years and shocking death were cloaked in mystery. Until now, few people have been able to penetrate the wall of secrecy that concealed this complex man. In this revelation-packed biography, the full story of one of the most daring, enigmatic, and reclusive power brokers America has ever known is finally told.

©2000 Peter Brown and Pat Broeske; (P)2000 Books on Tape, Inc.

Members Reviews:

great book!

Would you listen to Howard Hughes again? Why?

yes, he has a great story and outlook on life

What was one of the most memorable moments of Howard Hughes?

his struggles when going into business, incredible!

Which scene was your favorite?

nothing specific

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

it would be impossible to listen to this book in one sitting

Well Researched, on the affairs he had any way

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Less about his sex life, more about his accomplishments and what it took to achieve them

Which character as performed by Michael Prichard was your favorite?

Prichard did a good job with the reading. The editing was bad in some places. You could definately tell it was a different day with both sound level, voice and tone changing.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

They did their research as far as I can tell.

Any additional comments?

Howard Hughes was a very complex, interesting and landmark figure. This is a three volume set. I would say easily two-thirds of the book are about his conquests of Hollywood starlets and wannabes. How many times do you have to go into his methods for meeting, courting, manipulating bedding and then dumping a woman? Many of the women (girls) were underage and would have resulted in jail time for him in this day and age. It just got so repetitive after awhile. I certainly don't appreciate this side of Hughes, but dwelling more on what and how he accomplished what he did , would have been more entertaining. The book makes it look like he spent 23 hours a day chasing tail, and one hour a day building a multi-billion dollar empire. The authors also seem to go out of their way to emphasize the Mormon aides around Hughes and how they manipulated him with drugs and information control. I find it ironic, that Hughes the master of manipulation control and brass knuckle tactics is protrayed as a helpless victim here. He created the world and asylum he ended up living in. He surrounded himself with sycophants, and like every other billionare, president, king, emperor that sounds himself with a court of yes men and brown nosers, they begin to see themselves as the source of power and assume control.

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Title: Summary of Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder, by Claudia Kalb | Includes Analysis

Author: Instaread

Narrator: Michael Gilboe

Format: Unabridged

Length: 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-22-16

Publisher: Instaread

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Summary of Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder by Claudia Kalb | Includes Analysis

Preview:

Claudia Kalb's Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder: Inside the Minds of History's Greatest Personalities offers 12 short biographies of famous individuals, focusing on their individual struggles with mental illness. The biographies are used to help illustrate and provide information about different mental disorders, such as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and gambling addiction. In turn, the discussion of mental illness provides insight into the personalities of notable historical individuals, including Abraham Lincoln, George Gershwin, and Marilyn Monroe.

Mental illness has had a complicated and uncertain effect on the lives of the famous. However, mental illness in historical figures is difficult to diagnose. This is in part because historical records are imperfect. But it is also because the same symptoms can point to a variety of illnesses....

PLEASE NOTE: This is key takeaways and analysis of the book, and NOT the original book.

Inside this Instaread Summary of Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder:

About the Author

With Instaread, you can get the key takeaways, summary, and analysis of a book in 15 minutes. We read every chapter, identify the key takeaways, and analyze them for your convenience.

Members Reviews:

A good look at a new book

Author Claudia Kalb describes her book, Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder, as a look inside the minds of historyâs greatest personalities, and then goes on to offer 12 short biographies of famous people and their struggles with known or suspected mental illnesses. She includes such people as artist Warhol, Abraham Lincoln (who suffered from depression), Howard Hughes, and Marilyn Monroe. While the book, according to Instareadâs Summary of Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder by Claudia Kalb, is somewhat entertaining, it does little to shed light on the true impact of mental illness, but is rather the authorâs personal take on it. It is limited in a scientific sense as the 12 subjects are all Caucasian and from the U.S. or Europe.

Like all Instaread books, this one gives a good look inside to help you decide if the bookâs worth buying. I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Packed with intriguing revelations. Smart quick read.

This is a Summary and Analysis about "Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder: Inside the Minds of Historyâs Greatest Personalities" by Claudia Kalb. This is a non-fiction book that offers 12 short biographies of famous individuals, focusing on their individual struggles with mental illness. The book has information about different mental disorders, such as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and gambling addiction.

I love Andy Warhol's art so I was intrigued about the title of the summary book and wanted to delve deeper into it. This summary book was a perfect sidekick to the original book.

This summary book has touched important points and explained in bite-sized details about mental illness on the lives of the famous. This discussion of mental illness provides insight into the personalities of notable historical individuals, including Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, George Gershwin, and Marilyn Monroe, among others.

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Title: Mud, Sweat and Tears

Author: Bear Grylls

Narrator: Tom Patrick Stephens

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-26-12

Publisher: Random House Audiobooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 68 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

Bear Grylls is a man who has always sought the ultimate in adventure. Growing up on the Isle of Wight, he was taught by his father to sail and climb at an early age. As a teenager he found identity and purpose through both mountaineering and martial arts, which led the young adventurer to the foothills of the mighty Himalaya and a grandmaster's karate training camp in Japan. On returning home, he embarked upon the notoriously gruelling selection course for the British Special Forces to join 21 SAS - a journey that was to push him to the very limits of physical and mental endurance. Then, in a horrific free-fall parachuting accident, Bear broke his back in three places. It was touch and go whether he would ever walk again. However, only eighteen months later Bear became one of the youngest ever climbers to scale Everest, aged only 23. But this was just the beginning of his many extraordinary adventures . . .Known and admired by millions, Bear Grylls has survived where few would dare to go. Now, for the first time, Bear tells the story of his action-packed life.

Gripping, moving and wildly exhilarating, Mud, Sweat and Tears is a must-read for adrenalin junkies and armchair adventurers alike. Narrated by Tom Patrick Stephens, who Bear approved himself (since he was off adventuring!)

Members Reviews:

Inspirational

What did you love best about Mud, Sweat and Tears?

Bear Grylls is human he just tries harder and never gives up.

A completely honest and inspirational listen.

Which scene was your favorite?

Climbing Everest. Always thought it was something that I might want to do. It no longer is.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book made me late for work many times as I sat in my car not wanting to stop the adventure.

good one

if u like adventures, I'm sure u will love this.

superbly narrated.packed with interesting moments and incidents. really enjoyed it. thanks audible.

Exciting and enjoyable

The book has had me gripped for the past week. I've not wanted to stop listening to it at all.

Its read very well and not like a robot.

If you like adventure, outdoors and exploring, I recommend this to you.

Inspiring and captivating

Where does Mud, Sweat and Tears rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I was skeptical about audiobooks in general at first, but after listening to this I was pleasently surprised. The narrator does an excellent job in bringing the words to life and the story is both very captivating and inspiring.

Who was your favorite character and why?

As a biography is goes without saying that my favorite character was Bear himself.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite moment was during SAS selection. Because I listened to the book while running, it inspired me to push myself a little further.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It's funny to get an insight in the number of adventures, big and small, that Bear has been involved in.

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Title: Rugby: The Game of My Life

Subtitle: Battling for England in the Professional Era

Author: Rob Andrew

Narrator: Nick Underwood

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-19-17

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Celebrities

Publisher's Summary:

An exclusive look at England Rugby from a former player with a unique perspective. Nobody has spent as much time in the front line of rugby union's first two dramatic decades of professionalism - as a player, coach and administrator (blazer) - as Rob Andrew, or taken as much flak, all this in the wake of one of the most distinguished and successful of England Rugby playing careers.

From the collapse of amateurism at the 'Lomu' World Cup in 1995 to England's disastrous showing as hosts at the 2015 tournament, Rob Andrew offers a unique insider's account of the headline-grabbing events that saw England rugby scale the greatest heights by winning the 2003 World Cup, before sinking to even greater depths, with the sacking of coaches Andy Robinson, Brian Aston, Martin Johnson and Stuart Lancaster; the traumas of the global tournament in New Zealand in 2011, which Andrew describes as the 'worst year in the history of the RFU'; and the painful ignominy of becoming the first host nation ever to fail to make the knock-out stages of a World Cup.

Rob Andrew has strong views on the managerial and governance decisions made at key moments during his time at Twickenham, on the increasingly difficult challenges faced by the sport as different nations and stakeholders pursued different agendas, and on the crucial importance of the need for enlightened and modern-styled management across the sporting landscape as commercial pressures put traditional structures under ever greater strain.

Most importantly, Andrew gives his views on the individuals who took those far-reaching decisions that impacted so negatively on the national side as it tried to compete on the world stage. Rob Andrew examines in detail the successes and failures of English Rugby in the professional era, analysing the contributing factors to both winning and losing and looking forward to how England can learn from all of this and build to be the best team in the world.