[BOOK REVIEW] Paradiddles, Pistons, Propellers and Portraits

Paradiddles, Pistons, Propellers and Portraits

By Stuart Spencer

Review by Letitia Mace

As a book, Paradiddles, Pistons, Propellers and Portraits is thoroughly summed up by Paul Skilleter’s press release, but to this I would like to add my own thoughts after reading it myself.

I was gratified when Stuart asked me if I would like to review his autobiography as I have known Stuart for a number of years and hold him in high regard. To me, Stuart is a humble, modest ex-Jaguar man and a very talented artist, so his biography shed new light on the person I thought I knew… he once gifted me a large signed print of his artwork depicting an XJ220 cutaway as an acknowledgement for my efforts in organising the first XJ220 reunion and I considered his compliments regarding my daughter Esta-jane’s work as an artist as a genuine affirmation of her talent!

On seeing Stuart’s book for the first time the very title taught me something new, as I had no idea of the meaning of the word paradiddle and the intrigue drew me in to learn more!

In his lifetime, so far, Stuart has seen huge social and technological changes and this inspired him to write his book. When Stuart was a child “eating out” was a sandwich in the air raid shelter and “photoshop” meant going to collect your prints – a week after leaving the negatives at the local chemist!

In recalling life events in his multi-faceted career Stuart includes interesting facts about the people he met or worked with along the way – some famous, some influential, and some who were just very important to Stuart and therefore fondly remembered.

It was Stuart’s love of cars and talent as an artist that took him to Jaguar and, to summarise my own observations on this book, it is a definite read for a Jaguar enthusiast as it portrays life on the inside of the company from Stuart’s unique perspective and also includes some fascinating insights into the motor industry in general.

Thank you Stuart for a wonderful addition to my Jaguar library.