Mike Mueller

The Complete Book of Ford Mustang by Mike Mueller is everything I hope for in a book like this: great pictures, enough technical info to understand the differences between models, and plenty of history to better understand the longevity of the model.

I have become hooked on these types of books. Large format, just enough information for someone like me, who only ever owned two Mustangs in my life (one of which I try not to hold against them), to appreciate the entire history. I think there is enough technical information for those more mechanically inclined.

I don't write book reports like some people, I gave that up in elementary school, I'm more interested in giving you some idea whether you might like the book. Because of the wonderful photographs and history of each model, I think even the casual Mustang admirer or car lover will find a lot to enjoy. Those more mechanically inclined won't mistake this for a Chilton's but will, I think, find enough technical info to keep them happy as well.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (meer)

The Complete Book of Corvette: Every Model Since 1953 by Mike Mueller exceeded my expectations in both appearance and information given.

I was expecting a book with wonderful photographs and a little bit of information about each model. I would have been perfectly happy with such a book. While the pictures were as expected, plentiful and well-chosen for both appearance and historical importance, it was the accompanying text that I really came to enjoy as much as the images.

While not a detailed history of the Corvette, that would take a large volume since it would involve everything from design and engineering, financing, company politics, and who knows what else, this does a very good job of offering some narrative to the story rather than simply information about each model. From what the competition was doing (think the first Thunderbirds) to what features were tested but didn't make it into the production models (though they often did for later models, witness the last entry in the book, the mid-engine model).

Highly recommend this to everyone with an interest in the Corvette, from the diehard fan to the casual fan. I only owned one in my lifetime ('63 split window) so fall some place between the extremes on the spectrum, but always appreciate learning about the evolution of a product.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (meer)