Listen free for 30 days
-
James May's 20th Century
- Narrated by: James May
- Length: 4 hrs and 32 mins
- Abridged Audiobook
- Categories: Computers & Technology, History & Culture
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £10.49
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Reassembler
- By: James May
- Narrated by: James May
- Length: 2 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the humble garden lawnmower to the ear-splitting electric guitar, James May returns with a typically wacky account of what makes these great machines work, one piece at a time. Reassembly is merely a form of therapy; something that stimulates a part of my brain that is left wanting in my daily life. When I rebuild a bicycle, I reorder my head. So might you....
-
-
Superb but alas, much like Hammond, too short.
- By MrAndyThompson on 01-12-20
-
Diddly Squat
- A Year on the Farm
- By: Jeremy Clarkson
- Narrated by: Jeremy Clarkson
- Length: 2 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Welcome to Jeremy's farm. It's an idyllic spot, offering picturesque views across the Cotswolds, bustling hedgerows, woodlands and natural springs. Jeremy always liked the idea being a farmer. But, while he was barrelling around the world having more fun with cars than was entirely reasonable, it seemed obvious that the actual, you know, farming was much better left to someone else. Then one day he decided he would do the farming himself. After all, how hard could it be?
-
-
Disappointing. Nothing new and short. Very short.
- By Mark67 on 12-11-21
-
Car Fever
- The Car Bore's Essential Companion
- By: James May
- Narrated by: James May
- Length: 2 hrs and 4 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As well as writing about his first love, cars, James has a go at political correctness, the endless rules and regulations of daily life, the internal combustion engine and traffic wardens. He discusses gastropubs, Jeremy Clarkson, and other trials of modern life. His highly entertaining observations from behind the wheel will have you laughing out loud, whether you share his opinions or not.
-
-
Enjoyed
- By Anonymous User on 03-07-19
-
How to Land an A330 Airbus
- And Other Vital Skills for the Modern Man
- By: James May
- Narrated by: James May
- Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Being given yet another pointless 'man manual' that told him 50 ways to tie a bow tie in under 30 seconds made James May certain there was a need for another kind of book. This book, in fact. He reckons there are nine vital things that a chap should be able to do.
-
-
Captain Slow teaching us all we need to know.
- By james on 31-03-11
-
And on That Bombshell
- Inside the Madness and Genius of TOP GEAR
- By: Richard Porter
- Narrated by: Richard Porter, Ben Elliot
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Interesting but it feels like it was rushed
- By Adam Buckler on 22-11-15
-
As You Do
- Adventures With Evel, Oliver, and The Vice-President Of Botswana
- By: Richard Hammond
- Narrated by: Richard Hammond
- Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The wry, honest and often hilarious chronicles of a very brave and clever TV presenter, Arctic Explorer and general drawer of the Short Straw. Moving quickly on from the devastating crash that nearly killed him he ranges widely over his life and times: a visit to Glastonbury with James May reminds of him of his early years of playing in a band and how and why he never quite made it as a rock star.
-
-
Dissapointing
- By StoremanUK on 21-02-09
-
The Reassembler
- By: James May
- Narrated by: James May
- Length: 2 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From the humble garden lawnmower to the ear-splitting electric guitar, James May returns with a typically wacky account of what makes these great machines work, one piece at a time. Reassembly is merely a form of therapy; something that stimulates a part of my brain that is left wanting in my daily life. When I rebuild a bicycle, I reorder my head. So might you....
-
-
Superb but alas, much like Hammond, too short.
- By MrAndyThompson on 01-12-20
-
Diddly Squat
- A Year on the Farm
- By: Jeremy Clarkson
- Narrated by: Jeremy Clarkson
- Length: 2 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Welcome to Jeremy's farm. It's an idyllic spot, offering picturesque views across the Cotswolds, bustling hedgerows, woodlands and natural springs. Jeremy always liked the idea being a farmer. But, while he was barrelling around the world having more fun with cars than was entirely reasonable, it seemed obvious that the actual, you know, farming was much better left to someone else. Then one day he decided he would do the farming himself. After all, how hard could it be?
-
-
Disappointing. Nothing new and short. Very short.
- By Mark67 on 12-11-21
-
Car Fever
- The Car Bore's Essential Companion
- By: James May
- Narrated by: James May
- Length: 2 hrs and 4 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As well as writing about his first love, cars, James has a go at political correctness, the endless rules and regulations of daily life, the internal combustion engine and traffic wardens. He discusses gastropubs, Jeremy Clarkson, and other trials of modern life. His highly entertaining observations from behind the wheel will have you laughing out loud, whether you share his opinions or not.
-
-
Enjoyed
- By Anonymous User on 03-07-19
-
How to Land an A330 Airbus
- And Other Vital Skills for the Modern Man
- By: James May
- Narrated by: James May
- Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Being given yet another pointless 'man manual' that told him 50 ways to tie a bow tie in under 30 seconds made James May certain there was a need for another kind of book. This book, in fact. He reckons there are nine vital things that a chap should be able to do.
-
-
Captain Slow teaching us all we need to know.
- By james on 31-03-11
-
And on That Bombshell
- Inside the Madness and Genius of TOP GEAR
- By: Richard Porter
- Narrated by: Richard Porter, Ben Elliot
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
Interesting but it feels like it was rushed
- By Adam Buckler on 22-11-15
-
As You Do
- Adventures With Evel, Oliver, and The Vice-President Of Botswana
- By: Richard Hammond
- Narrated by: Richard Hammond
- Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The wry, honest and often hilarious chronicles of a very brave and clever TV presenter, Arctic Explorer and general drawer of the Short Straw. Moving quickly on from the devastating crash that nearly killed him he ranges widely over his life and times: a visit to Glastonbury with James May reminds of him of his early years of playing in a band and how and why he never quite made it as a rock star.
-
-
Dissapointing
- By StoremanUK on 21-02-09
-
Or Is That Just Me?
- By: Richard Hammond
- Narrated by: Richard Hammond
- Length: 3 hrs
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
More of the wry, honest and often hilarious chronicles of Richard Hammond - TV presenter, adventurer, and general drawer of the Short Straw. Continuing where As You Do and Did I Just Say That? left off, this one focuses on just a few of the many hair-raising stunts, expeditions, and encounters experienced by Richard Hammond over the last eventful year.
-
-
honest and very funny account of turning 40
- By Audrey on 09-12-10
-
Grease Junkie
- A Book of Moving Parts
- By: Edd China
- Narrated by: Edd China
- Length: 7 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As you'll discover in his incomparable memoir, inventor, mechanic, TV presenter and walking tall as the definition of the British eccentric, Edd China sees things differently. An unstoppable enthusiast from an early age, Edd had 35 ongoing car projects while he was at university, not counting the double-decker bus he was living in. Now he's a man with not only a runaround sofa, but also a road-legal office, shed, bed and bathroom.
-
-
Avoiding the Rock in the Road
- By Jim 8888 on 26-08-20
-
The Man in the White Suit
- The Stig, Le Mans, The Fast Lane and Me
- By: Ben Collins
- Narrated by: Ben Collins
- Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Stig gets his kit off and reveals how he came to be Top Gear's iconic racing driver and so much more - including what it's like to thrash an Aston Martin DBS, train for the Army and face the terror of Jeremy Clarkson's underwear…When the Black Stig disappeared off the end of an aircraft carrier in 2003, we were introduced to The White Stig. Faster. Stranger. Harder to keep clean. And ever since, millions have wondered – who is The Man in the White Suit? They're about to find out.
-
-
6/10
- By Paul layden on 13-09-16
-
Adventures from the Technology Underground
- Catapults, Pulsejets, Rail Guns, Flamethrowers, Tesla Coils, Air Cannons, and the Garage Warriors Who Love Them
- By: William Gurstelle
- Narrated by: Marc Cashman
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The technology underground is a thriving, humming, and often literally scintillating subculture of amateur inventors and scientific envelope-pushers who dream up, design, and build machines that whoosh, rumble, fly, and occasionally hurl pumpkins across enormous distances.
-
How to Build a Car
- By: Adrian Newey
- Narrated by: Richard Trinder
- Length: 12 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The world's foremost designer in Formula One, Adrian Newey OBE is arguably one of Britain's greatest engineers and this is his fascinating, powerful memoir. How to Build a Car explores the story of Adrian's unrivalled 35-year career in Formula One through the prism of the cars he has designed, the drivers he has worked alongside and the races in which he's been involved.
-
-
So much better than you think it will be!
- By Robert on 14-04-18
-
Two Legends of WWII: The Spitfire and Mustang Story
- Flying Machines and Their Heroes, Volume 4
- By: Errol Kennedy
- Narrated by: Robert Powell
- Length: 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The fourth book in the series tells the amazing story of the two most famous fighters in World War II. The Spitfire, the much-loved aircraft of the British nation and the RAF, became a symbol of British strength, hope, and defiance during WWII. The Mustang was unquestionably the finest of all the USAF fighters.
-
How to Drive
- By: Ben Collins
- Narrated by: Ben Collins
- Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Former Top Gear Stig Ben Collins shares expert skills and wisdom refined over a 20-year career as one of the best drivers in the world - from Le Mans Series racing to NASCAR, piloting the Batmobile and dodging bullets with James Bond. Ben's philosophy of anticipation, smoothness and speed, honed over thousands of hours of elite-level performance, is really about economy of motion - which also gives you greater control, safety and fuel efficiency. How to Drive is about driving better, not faster.
-
-
As much fun as a speed awareness coarse
- By Griff on 03-12-18
-
How Not to Be a Professional Racing Driver
- By: Jason Plato
- Narrated by: Jason Plato
- Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two-time championship-winning and record-breaking racing driver Jason Plato is a living, breathing example of what you shouldn't do if you want to become a professional racing driver. Since joining the Williams Touring Car team in 1997 it's no coincidence that he has had more race wins than Lewis Hamilton and Stirling Moss, competed in more races than Jenson Button and set the largest number of fastest laps ever. But it's also no coincidence that he once spent several days in prison in Monaco for stealing a JCB.
-
-
Brilliantly entertaining and funny!
- By Scott Woodwiss on 19-09-19
-
You Are Here
- From the Compass to GPS, the History and Future of How We Find Ourselves
- By: Hiawatha Bray
- Narrated by: Jonathan Yen
- Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The story of the rise of modern navigation technology, from radio location to GPS—and the consequent decline of privacy. What does it mean to never get lost? You Are Here examines the rise of our technologically aided era of navigational omniscience—or how we came to know exactly where we are at all times. Filled with tales of scientists and astronauts, inventors and entrepreneurs, You Are Here tells the story of how humankind ingeniously solved one of its oldest and toughest problems—only to herald a new era in which it’s impossible to hide.
-
-
Both educational and entertaining
- By Sergii R. on 16-11-18
-
Fred
- The Definitive Biography of Fred Dibnah
- By: David Hall
- Narrated by: Clive Mantle
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fred Dibnah's World celebrates the life and work of Britain's best known steeplejack and national treasure, Fred Dibnah. Before his death in 2004, Fred presented many popular series, including Magnificent Monuments, The Age of Steam and Made in Britain, all of which attracted viewers in their millions.Fred is the companion to the 12-part BBC2 series celebrating the life of this great man, which combines highlights from some of Dibnah's classic programmes with previously unseen footage.
-
-
Fantastic Read. Very Moving.
- By Amazon Customer on 15-04-15
-
The Mechanic's Tale
- Life in the Pit-Lanes of Formula One
- By: Steve Matchett
- Narrated by: Steve Matchett
- Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Formula One Grand Prix mechanic Steve Matchett takes the listener on a compelling journey through his life in the pit-lane, from his beginnings as a young apprentice through his time at Ferrari and BMW to his later success with Benetton. He gives eye-witness views of the great drivers, including Michael Schumacher, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, and Ayrton Senna. He also talks of key Benetton personalities and explains how the team was transformed into a strong, competitive organization, winning three World Championships.
-
-
RUBBISH
- By geo s on 06-07-20
-
Beyond
- Our Future in Space
- By: Chris Impey
- Narrated by: Julie McKay
- Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Beyond dares to imagine a fantastic future for humans in space - and then reminds us that we're already there. Human exploration has been an unceasing engine of technological progress, from the first homo sapiens to leave our African cradle to a future in which mankind promises to settle another world. Beyond tells the epic story of humanity leaving home - and how humans will soon thrive in the vast universe beyond the Earth.
Summary
How much should you pay for a return trip to the moon? How are Winnie the Pooh and the artificial heart related? Did teenagers exist before 1950? If not, who invented them? James May's 20th Century answers all these questions and more.
In this exclusive download released to tie-in with the BBC TV series, James May explores the iconic themes of the century: flight, space travel, television, mechanised war, medicine, computers, electronic music, skyscrapers, electronic espionage, and much more.
But he also reveals the hidden story behind why some inventions like the Zeppelin, the motorcycle side car, or the Theremin struggled to make their mark. He examines the tipping points � when technologies such as the car or the internet became unstoppable � and gets up close by looking at the nuts and bolt of remarkable inventions.
Packed with surprising statistics and intriguing facts, this is the ideal book for anyone who wants to know how stuff works and why some stuff didn't make it.
More from the same
What listeners say about James May's 20th Century
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
- Anabella
- 20-03-09
An Enjoyable & Informative Listen
This is a very good audiobook that requires no knowledge of the accompanying TV series or indeed any enthusiasm for motors ! James May is very engaging as a reader and his enthusiam comes through clearly. I was expecting a Top Gear approach to things but instead this book takes you on a fascinating tour of the 20th Century through vehicles, technology and human ingenuity and is full of little known facts. I found myself lost in this book quite a few times and have listened to more than once. Great value & well recommended !
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Simon W
- 21-11-08
Buy it
Very enjoyable, a great listen again and again.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Captain Toad
- 10-06-21
Not a bad light listen
Rather enjoyed that. As a fan of james may I thought it would be interesting , and so I was pleasantly surprised. Not an especially long book and perhaps just a list of facts , it’s worth a listen never the less.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Douglas Adams
- 01-03-20
Funny and educational.man style
Always liked James May, even seen a double of him near cheddar gorge.
The audiobook is funny from the start with James’s humour. The subjects are interesting to say the least and will get you thinking you’re the cleverest person in the village.
A must listen to
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- #earlyeditor🤓📚
- 30-10-19
Drones on about mostly widly know facts
Typicall boring waffles from captain slow...
drones on about mostly widly know facts just regurgitated!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 08-10-19
really really enjoyed it.
My kinda thinking. Ended up walking the dog a lot further each time I put it on. More please James.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Matt
- 27-08-19
Good but not his grestest
I like James May but this isn't the best his done, but still worth a listen
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Cliente de Amazon
- 03-01-19
Good book from captain "Slow"
James May disconnects from his role on the show with the Orangutan and Hammond, it is a light story, well put and easy for understanding narrating what James considers were the breakthrough inventions or changes which happened during the 20th century, you may agree or not with what he considers the best things of this time, but you will learn a thing or two on things that are taken for granted nowadays, which you didn't know and which in so many cases are base of our current world.
James narrates brilliantly, the story though, I believe it starts at a great pace, but it slows down as the book goes. would recommend it anyway.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mark Field
- 07-06-18
Well researched but....
Well researched but some topics feel like a bit of a filler. Ended up skipping a topic about clothes.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mael Dujardin
- 12-04-18
very nice
informative and easy to listen to. if anything, I wish it had been longer. still very good.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Chris Thompson
- 08-04-19
brilliant.
An amazing commentary on the 20th century. Being a fan of James May and things mentioned in the book it was a great literary work.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall

- Ron
- 15-05-09
Very informative and entertaining
For all the fans of Jeremy's ramblings on Top Gear, this is a must read. He points out just how much the innovations of last century have impacted our lives. He brings to life some of the most interesting and misunderstood facts about these inventions, and it is clear from his narration that he is passionate about the subjects. Very well researched, very well written, very well performed. I learned a lot and laughed a lot. Great book.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 22-05-17
great book and narration!!
I love listening to James May reading his books. Very entertaining with interesting topics. Great.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Cheryl
- 31-12-12
James May is awesome!
If you could sum up James May's 20th Century in three words, what would they be?
Any one that watches Top Gear knows.
Who was your favorite character and why?
James is funny in the way only he can be funny.
If you could give James May's 20th Century a new subtitle, what would it be?
The book that puts Jeremy Clarkson to sleep.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- S. Anderson
- 17-11-11
Absolutely James May
If you are a fan of James May from Top Gear UK... then you already love this book.
-
Overall

- jared
- 17-03-11
James May is Gold
Everything he does is both very informative, which I love, but also very entertaining. This book gives a good background on a lot of things I had never realized before and probably would never have taken the time to look up if not presented in this format.