Behind The Wheel

Some people regard driving as a simple means of getting from one place to another. Others understand that it is an endlessly entertaining theatre of human behaviour, populated by optimistic learners, overconfident commuters, enthusiastic Sunday drivers, sat-nav sceptics, serial back-seat critics and that one individual who firmly believes indicators are an optional luxury. Behind the Wheel takes a wonderfully observant look at our relationship with the motor car, proving that while vehicles have evolved dramatically, the people operating them remain reassuringly eccentric.

Michael J. Burgess explores the many quirks, customs and curiosities of life behind the wheel, blending motoring history, fascinating anecdotes and gentle humour into a thoroughly enjoyable read. Whether discussing memorable cars, unusual journeys, driving habits or the strange rituals that accompany motoring, Burgess reminds us that owning a car has never been solely about transport—it has always been about personalities, aspirations and occasionally wondering why the dashboard warning light has suddenly decided today is the day to become involved.

The book wanders through the rich tapestry of motoring culture with an easy conversational style, celebrating everything from iconic vehicles and famous roads to the peculiar social conventions that somehow developed around driving. It serves as a reminder that every generation believes it contains the last truly competent motorists, while simultaneously insisting that everyone else on the road has somehow acquired a licence through a competition on the back of a cereal packet.

Beautifully produced by Michael O’Mara Books, Behind the Wheel is packed with entertaining facts, engaging stories and attractive illustrations that make it perfect for dipping into whenever a few spare minutes appear. It isn’t a workshop manual or a technical guide—it is a celebration of the endlessly fascinating world that surrounds the automobile and the wonderfully unpredictable creatures who insist on sitting behind its steering wheel.

Whether you’re a lifelong petrolhead, a casual admirer of classic cars or simply someone who has ever found themselves trapped behind a caravan travelling at geological speed on a bank holiday weekend, there is plenty here to raise a smile. Burgess writes with affection rather than cynicism, capturing the peculiar charm of motoring in a way that feels nostalgic without becoming sentimental.

This copy is in Very Good condition, with clean pages, a sound binding and only light signs of previous ownership. It remains an attractive, well-preserved example that is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian, whether destined for the bedside table, the coffee table or the glovebox—although the latter may require a rather generously proportioned vehicle.

Offered, as always, by Crappy Old Books, where the name continues to imply a warehouse of literary survivors held together with optimism and sticky tape, while quietly producing handsome books like this instead. Behind the Wheel is a charming reminder that although cars may become faster, safer and increasingly capable of parking themselves, the wonderfully irrational business of being human behind the wheel remains gloriously unchanged.

Keep browsing: See more Transport books Other books by Michael J Burgess