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And On That Bombshell

Inside the Madness and Genius of TOP GEAR

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And On That Bombshell

By: Richard Porter
Narrated by: Ben Elliot, Richard Porter
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For 13 years, 22 series and 175 shows, Richard Porter was script editor of Top Gear, from the first faltering pilot episode in 2002 until the very last show presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in 2015.

Along the way they destroyed cars, sparked diplomatic incidents, set fire to caravans, almost killed one of the presenters, and somehow transformed Top Gear from a shabby BBC Two motoring show into an Emmy-winning, record-breaking, planet-straddling behemoth.

And on That Bombshell tells stories from behind the scenes of one of the world's most successful television programmes, taking in driving monkeys, broken bones, flying cars, angry rednecks and Jeremy Clarkson's secret nickname. A unique insight into how the show was made, it reveals behind-the-scenes disasters more comical than anything seen on screen...

*****
And now, a quote from James May: 'Richard Porter has asked me to "write a quote" for his new book about the ancient history of Top Gear. But this is a ridiculous request. How can one "write a quote"? Surely, by definition, a quote must be extracted from a greater body of writing, for the purpose of illustrating or supporting a point in an unrelated work. I cannot "write a quote" any more than I could "film an out-take". Porter, like Athens, has lost his marbles.'


Read by Ben Elliot

(p) 2015 Orion Publishing Group©2015 Sniff Petrol Limited Engineering Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV History & Criticism Entertainment Inspiring Funny Thought-Provoking
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Critic reviews

I can't imagine that it's [Top Gear] triumphant 13 year run will have a finer chronicler.
AND ON THAT BOMBSHELL is a funny and revealing look behind the scenes at the 13 years of the Clarkson-Hammond-May Top Gear era.
... a funny and, at times, thought-provoking look into the world of one of the biggest motoring programmes of all-time.
a fascinating and amusing insight into a true TV phenomenon
All stars
Most relevant
An excellent insight into some of the most memorable parts of the best television car show in the...............world!!!

Really good insight in TG

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on that side of things
if that flute porter read his own book would be higher rating.

find another

would have been higher if porter read it

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I genuinely enjoyed this book and although it isn't read by Richard himself Ben Elliott does very well to tell the story and engage the listener.

If you like Top Gear this is well worth your time in my opinion.

Loved it.

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fantastic insight into top gear, disappointed that there was no new information regarding the Clarkson incident. He seems to be afraid to give too much away. other than that, a great book.

great insight into the workings of top gear

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Richard has a familiar way with words and listening to them read out loud - you realise how key his voice was to the Top Gear and how it resonated in every episode.

Well worth an Audible credit!

Great story - on that side of things

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