We all know who was the first person to run a mile in under 4 minutes.
Roger Bannister.
It’s one of those facts that one just knows.
And yet…this absolutely outstanding account of the quest to break the 4 minute barrier, “The Perfect Mile”, has you on tenterhooks the whole time – even though you know the outcome.
This is entirely due to the superb story telling ability and the gripping writing of Neal Bascomb.
Imagine knowing the outcome of the book and yet being unable to put it down.
This book taught me so much – as a Brit, I somehow instinctively knew about Roger Bannister – but I admit to not knowing about the other runners who dreamed of breaking this barrier – John Landry & Wes Santee. Their rivalry, their career paths, their motivation- all this was new to me, and makes for an extraordinarily good book.
The British press went suitably wild after Roger Bannister broke the tape and one editorial heaped heady praise on the young athlete:
“Roar, Lion, Roar! There’s been nothing to compare with this since the destruction of the Spanish Armada…”
Gosh.
A super read – and you really do not have to be a runner to appreciate the passion and dedication of these young men, their families, their coaches, their friends…and the amazing worldwide enthusiasm for this symbolic milestone.