Luke Smith – författare

Containing the stories of four iconic car manufacturers, this collectable box holds a stunning set of books paying tribute to automotive excellence.Exploring four world-renowned manufacturers who have made car production into an art form, each of these four little books follows the story of a brand from its creation, moving through its development history, the key models that define it, and its impact on the motoring landscape today.Discover the truth behind the prancing horse with The Story of Ferrari, the engineering excellence that drives the 911 in The Story of Porsche, the effortless style that attracted James Bond in The Story of Aston Martin and the outrageous power behind the fantastic machines in The Story of Lamborghini.Featuring hundreds of exquisite images and text by expert authors, these definitive guides to luxury cars are the perfect gift for any petrolhead.

Shortlisted for Motorsports Book of the Year in the Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards 2026'On the Grid is incredibly special. I loved every thoughtfully written word'Will Buxton 'Luke is one of the foremost journalists within the paddock. His book draws the curtain back on our sport... Very few titles have covered the stories of the unsung members of the F1 community in this level of detail and with such vibrancy'Toto Wolff 'Even if you think you know everything there is to know about Formula 1, you'll learn something within these pages'GP Racing Formula 1 might only have twenty drivers in its most elite competition, but each is supported by a world-class team of mechanics, engineers, strategists, party planners and much more. In On the Grid journalist Luke Smith takes us behind the scenes of the past, present and future of the sport, telling its story through the eyes of the people who create it, including the all-important fans. We see thrilling drama, cutting-edge technology, the stress and the glamour. Smith takes us to the starting grid, full of engine fumes and sweat, to yacht parties in Monaco and to the pit lane for the critical mid-race decisions. We see how a fifty-pence screw in the wrong place could cause a £15m car to break down, how F1 has influenced not just the cars we drive but life-saving medical equipment and even croissants, how you create a Grand Prix track from scratch. On the Grid shows us what it’s like to work in a high-pressure and inherently dangerous sport; showcases the personalities that give it such drama and intrigue; examines how the sport is addressing its critics around inclusivity and environmental impact. For both long-time fans and newcomers, what results is the definitive, access-all-areas account of what makes F1 stand alone in world sport.

Shortlisted for Motorsports Book of the Year in the Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards 2026'On the Grid is incredibly special. I loved every thoughtfully written word'Will Buxton 'Luke is one of the foremost journalists within the paddock. His book draws the curtain back on our sport... Very few titles have covered the stories of the unsung members of the F1 community in this level of detail and with such vibrancy'Toto Wolff 'Even if you think you know everything there is to know about Formula 1, you'll learn something within these pages'GP Racing Formula 1 might only have twenty drivers in its most elite competition, but each is supported by a world-class team of mechanics, engineers, strategists, party planners and much more. In On the Grid journalist Luke Smith takes us behind the scenes of the past, present and future of the sport, telling its story through the eyes of the people who create it, including the all-important fans. We see thrilling drama, cutting-edge technology, the stress and the glamour. Smith takes us to the starting grid, full of engine fumes and sweat, to yacht parties in Monaco and to the pit lane for the critical mid-race decisions. We see how a fifty-pence screw in the wrong place could cause a £15m car to break down, how F1 has influenced not just the cars we drive but life-saving medical equipment and even croissants, how you create a Grand Prix track from scratch. On the Grid shows us what it’s like to work in a high-pressure and inherently dangerous sport; showcases the personalities that give it such drama and intrigue; examines how the sport is addressing its critics around inclusivity and environmental impact. For both long-time fans and newcomers, what results is the definitive, access-all-areas account of what makes F1 stand alone in world sport.

Shortlisted for Motorsports Book of the Year in the Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards 2026'On the Grid is incredibly special. I loved every thoughtfully written word'Will Buxton 'Luke is one of the foremost journalists within the paddock. His book draws the curtain back on our sport... Very few titles have covered the stories of the unsung members of the F1 community in this level of detail and with such vibrancy'Toto Wolff 'Even if you think you know everything there is to know about Formula 1, you'll learn something within these pages'GP Racing Formula 1 might only have twenty drivers in its most elite competition, but each is supported by a world-class team of mechanics, engineers, strategists, party planners and much more. In On the Grid journalist Luke Smith takes us behind the scenes of the past, present and future of the sport, telling its story through the eyes of the people who create it, including the all-important fans. We see thrilling drama, cutting-edge technology, the stress and the glamour. Smith takes us to the starting grid, full of engine fumes and sweat, to yacht parties in Monaco and to the pit lane for the critical mid-race decisions. We see how a fifty-pence screw in the wrong place could cause a £15m car to break down, how F1 has influenced not just the cars we drive but life-saving medical equipment and even croissants, how you create a Grand Prix track from scratch. On the Grid shows us what it’s like to work in a high-pressure and inherently dangerous sport; showcases the personalities that give it such drama and intrigue; examines how the sport is addressing its critics around inclusivity and environmental impact. For both long-time fans and newcomers, what results is the definitive, access-all-areas account of what makes F1 stand alone in world sport.

Follow in the footsteps of history along the GR367 Cathar Way (Sentier Cathare), a 260km (162 mile) trek from the Mediterranean coast at Port-la-Nouvelle to the Pyrenean foothills at Foix. This long-distance route threads through vineyards, rolling hills, and rugged mountains, connecting a chain of ruined medieval castles and villages that reveal the turbulent story of the Cathars – a Christian sect persecuted during the 12th and 13th centuries. Suitable for hikers with some experience, the route is divided into 13 stages of 12–27km (7–17 miles) and takes just under two weeks to complete. A northern variant offers a shorter, remoter option, while the main route includes nine iconic Cathar castles, culminating with Montségur, Roquefixade, and Foix. The path varies from gentle walks through rolling hills to strenuous ascents of up to 1000m and has clear waymarking and signage, with clear red-and-white GR balises, additional ‘Sentier Cathare’ posts, and helpful markers indicating the northern variant or misdirection points. Step-by-step route descriptions supported by 1:100,000 mapping for each stage of the Cathar Way, helping you navigate the Languedoc’s hills, valleys, and rugged Pyrenean foothills with confidence.GPX files available to download, providing digital navigation for each stage of the GR367 and enabling flexible planning with GPS devices or smartphone apps.Historical highlights include the Cathar castles of Montségur, Roquefixade, Foix, and other medieval fortresses, offering insight into the region’s turbulent 12th- and 13th-century history.Accommodation, transport, and facilities guidance, including chambres d’hôtes, gîtes d’étape, auberges, and hotels, as well as advice on where to stock up on supplies along the route.Route options and variants, with the main GR367A southern route linking all nine Cathar castles, and a northern variant for a shorter, more direct walk that still showcases beautiful scenery.Planning advice including best season to walk (April–June or September–October), expected terrain, elevation changes, and tips on navigating French and Occitan-speaking villages along the route. Plan your Cathar Way adventure with confidence, exploring one of France’s most captivating historical landscapes while enjoying a well-signposted and carefully mapped long-distance trek.

The Story of Porsche is a compact and beautifully designed review of the iconic car manufacturer. From the alluring curves to the powerful engineering, Porsche has been synonymous with both luxury and race car manufacturing for more than 90 years. In The Story of Porsche, every component of the legendary brand's success is studied and celebrated, from turbulent beginnings to its ascent to the summit of car design and construction.Blending heritage with innovation and brand identity with creativity, Porsche has produced some of the most beloved models of sport and luxury car alike. From the timeless designs of the 911 and Carrera, to the dynamism of the 917, the fabled marque has instilled class and faultless engineering into each and every one of its creations. With 19 victories at Le Mans, Porsche has also proved itself to be as successful on the racetrack as it is on the streets; revered, respected and treasured in equal measure.These victories on both the podium and in the marketplace are rendered here in stunning detail through insightful text and exceptional photography. This is a story packed with blind corners and steep climbs, in a package that will sit perfectly on any Porsche fan's bookshelf.