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Silver Arrows In Camera:
A Photographic History of the Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union Racing Teams 1934–39
by Anthony Pritchard

This book delivers more than its subtitle promises! If the word “photographic” were missing from the title, no one would feel short-changed by the contents. Not only is this book an excellent source of period photography, it also contains a thorough textual treatment in the form of extensive photo captions as well as contextual narrative. That said, the book does keep a narrow focus on the car-specific aspects of the story, which, considering that the history of Germany’s Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow cars of that era is utterly inseparable from the political context of the time, is a useful qualifier to keep in mind. Put another way, the story of Nazi Germany, Hitler’s fascination with cars in general and motorsport in particular, state subsidies, the propaganda value of victorious racing efforts, political pressure exerted on manufacturers, or cronyism are referenced where they materially affect the competition history of the cars but the book neither dwells on these matters nor attempts to unravel the many, often unholy, alliances. And it certainly isn’t in its purview to pass judgment.

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