Cars

10 Things You Should Know, the perfect gift this Christmas

By: Lewis Kingston

Narrated by: David Thorpe

Discover more about the invention, development and future of the automobile in 10 captivating essays for those with a need for speed!

Cars have shaped our world, giving us the freedom to travel and changing the pace of life as we know it. But how were cars created? How does fuel get us from A to B? And what will cars look like in years to come?

From understanding how cars were first produced, to showing how cars are adapting for our environment, and even helping you to choose a vehicle that's right for you, this book is the essential guide to understanding how automobiles continue to shape our lives.©2025 Lewis Kingston

Critic reviews

Kingston takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of the car starting unexpectedly with France's Seven Years' War in the 18th century and finishing with the development of the self-driving car. In between these pages we have one of the clearest and most intelligent explanations of the mysterious workings of the internal combustion engine and excellent advice on how to buy a car without ending up disappointed. In short, a book for any car enthusiast of any age.

An entertaining plunge into the automotive world, from the car's faltering birth to its driverless future. Peppered with compelling facts, surprising anecdotes and useful advice, this book illuminates the marvels behind even the shortest of drives.

From steam cars to robot cars, and everything in between, this is the ultimate whistle-stop tour of all things automotive. A funny and informative delight for car geeks or car novices alike.

I've been writing about cars for a living for 20 years and even I learned a lot from this book. Lewis is the perfect person to write it, too - he understands the history and the social context of the car, but he also has a deep understanding of their mechanics. Unusually, he's able to explain these in simple terms, making something extraordinarily complex very easy to understand.

Engagingly written, impeccably researched and eminently accessible. Even the most addicted automotive aficionados can't fail to learn something new.

Kingston takes you on a whirlwind tour that's as fast-paced as the development of the automobile itself. The research and dedication to his subject matter are palpable throughout, and his engaging style makes the remarkable amount of information contained within this compact volume easy to digest. A must for burgeoning car fans and diehard enthusiasts alike.