To Hell and Back: An Autobiography

This book immediately draws you in! Lauda (and whoever helped him write it) knows how to explain racing and has a broad view of the sport. Also this is the book that the movie "RUSH" was based on. In fact, the scene where Enzo Ferrari is sitting at the Ferrari proving grounds reading a newspaper while the cars are passing by at 120 was filmed almost exactly as it was written in chapter 4. If the movie left you wanting more detail and background, this is the book. You also get the bonus of reading not only about the rivalry of Lauda and Hunt, but also Lauda, Prost and Senna. I read it in four days!

So as close to an inside look at Niki Lauda that I am aware of. I should really read it again before I review it, but first reading reads like being in the first person, and describing things as they occurred, without much post analysis reflection, or at least you get it Niki style. So I say he should do another book, with his later life reflection views front and center, and if he has done one, shame on me.

I read it cover to cover and enjoyed every minute of it. Niki Lauda is such a real person with so much passion for racing and competing.

Overall a little more ‘used’ than I imagined it would be... but it’s a great read!!

This book is very informative, well laid out and interesting to read. It is exactly what I have been looking for.

I was loaned this book by one of my wifes friends who knows i like Formula 1 and i have to admit, i wasn't all that enthusiastic about reading it! I didn't know very much about Niki Lauda and wasn't particularly interested in him. However, once i read the first chapter or two of this autobiography, i was hooked. I zoomed through the rest at a rapid speed and was emotionally involved in almost everything he spoke about. Its a gem of a little book and perhaps what i valued the most was the insights Niki gives into some of the other famous figures in Formula 1 history, such as his dealings with Enzo Ferarri, Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis and Alain Prost. Keeping in mind that this was published in 1987, it is fascinating reading (i speculate that much of how Niki felt in Ron Dennis' team would sound all too familiar for David Coulthard and Fernando Alonso).In summary, an EXCELLENT little book by a very stable and perceptive man. 5 stars!

Yes, this book is underrated for one simple reason.: it's not good at all.It seems clear that the book was rushed into production following the second (and definitive) Lauda's retirement of races, in 1985. It seems there was no proper research, no real urge to tell his whole story, nor any deep meaning put into the book. They also chose a bombastic title, refering to the horrendous crash in 1976, when Lauda himself says in the book that he feels absolutely nothing about the crash, be it visiting the corner where it occurred or any kind of despair about his damaged skin.The book looks like a collection of anecdotes put together, including a insignificant sketch by Lauda of the main drivers of that age and a very short attempt to describe his "modus operandis". The book is cold, devoid of "juice". Other than that, if you read it nowadays, there is not one single surprise here, not even the animosity between Ron Dennis and him, and Carlos Reutemann and him.Well, maybe the book (if one can call it that. It seems more like a collage of paper news) is the reflex of the great Austrian driver image: cold, aloof, egotistical. A guy who himself says that his victories are thing of the past, they don't deserve attention anymore.There is no special comment about his first pole-position, even his first win in Formula One. Nothing at all. It seems that auto-racing was simple a occupation for Lauda, anything would be better than studying, there was no passion in it.I'm sure that if his autobiography (or if he decides to write another one) was written nowadays, it would have been much, much more attractive, well written, significant. As it is, this book is a waste of time.

Simply motivating! Could NOT put it down once reading commenced...!

I loved this book. The stories are great and it gives a really good insight... I must say though that the title should be different... if you are looking for a detailed book about the famous accident you will be dissapointed... there is only one chapter about it and even that is quite brief.If you are looking for a F1 book with detailed explanation of every corner of every race this is definitely not for you, otherwise it is an enjoyable read and quite funny too at times.

Absolutely loved this book. Not only is it an awesome read, giving insight to Niki but there's several pages of colour photos from back in the day.This guy is beyond brave and there's aren't many that are built like Niki.Absolute must read for F1 fans!

Well written autobiography giving previously unknown insights into this great and courageous racing driver.

Superb book My husband loved it! Great service too. Thank you

Bought as a gift. Was very well recieved.