Brick by Brick: The Biography of the Man Who Really Made the Mini - Leonard Lord

The myth that Alec Issigonis conceived the Mini is just one whisp of the smoke screen that obscures the untold story of post-War Britain's greatest industrialist. This is more than a motoring story. You will find commentary on life in the first half of the 20th century as you explore the drama of one man's determination to overcome adversity. Someone who 'shot from the hip' as no other tycoon. This is a tale of political and military intrigue. Of spectacular business acumen. Of bitter, violent, industrial conflict. An account of savage jealousies and sexual intrigue. To record the life of Leonard Lord the author has visited a vast number of sources. In recent times some have sought to implant the roots of the British motor industry's ills and ultimate collapse in the policies of Leonard Lord. This is both disingenuous and unjust. This, for the first time, is his story.

Martyn Nutland is an award-winning motoring writer and transport historian. He trained as a journalist in his native Wales. As the motoring correspondent on the South Wales Echo he was noted for his outspoken views on cars of the day (1970s). His first automotive book traced the development of the immediate post-War Bentleys and Rolls-Royces. Regarded by many as the seminal work on the subject it is now in its second edition. You can still obtain copies from the usual sources. He has written about many of these topics and has a transport website martynlnutland.com Martyn's other transport enthusiasms are extremely diverse - old lorries, buses and motor coaches; steam and diesel railway locomotives; stationary engines; traditional wooden boats and maritime history generally. In fact, most things associated with engineering. He now lives in rural France where he indulges his passion for that country and restores vintage Austin Seven motor cars.