Patrick Foster Knihy

The definitive, fully illustrated celebration of an auto manufacturer that paved its own way by going off-road is now updated to celebrate Jeep’s 80th anniversary. Few American vehicles, or vehicles made anywhere else in the world for that matter, are as universally iconic as the Jeep. From olive drab WWII military relics to the beloved Wrangler with its rear-mounted spare tire, open-air design, and telltale roll cage, the Jeep is a true classic. In Jeep: Eight Decades from Willys to Wrangler, automotive writer Patrick R. Foster chronicles Jeep vehicle design and production from the beginning of World War II to present. Beginning with the Jeep as a crucial component of the American war fleet, Foster expertly recounts the corporate shifts, financial struggles and successes, close calls, and, above all, the enduring machines that have carried Jeep from the early 1940s to its triumphant role as a modern-day embodiment of American perseverance. More than 200 color and black-and-white historical photos and period advertisements complement his expertly written narrative of Jeep's entire history, now updated to include five years of new model editions and prototypes, its return to the pickup market, and recent stunning marketplace successes. The resulting book reminds us that sometimes the road less traveled was just waiting for the right truck.

AMC/Jeep expert Patrick Foster provides 1001 facts covering all makes, models, shapes, and sizes that made the Jeep brand so popular over the last 75+ years! Included are the military Jeeps; Willys Jeep wagons, pickups, and forward control models; CJ-5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 variants; full-size Jeep Wagoneer, Gladiator, and Cherokee models; the Jeepsters and Commandos; the XJ Cherokee, Wagoneer, and Commanche models; the Wrangler YJ, TJ, and JK models; and finally, the overseas models. Jeeps have an enduring popularity that has spanned decades and generations, from the very first purpose-built military vehicles to the modern mall lot warriors of today. Originally owned by Willys, then AMC, then Chrysler, then Fiat, the Jeep brand has outlived some of the manufacturers that produced them. Jeeps are icons; the brands and the style of the original Jeeps are globally recognized. While having evolved more radically in recent times, they have a universal appeal that persists to this day. Each of the eight chapters covering the models listed will provide interesting facts related to legend and lore, body and interior, engine and driveline, suspension and brakes, and finally number crunching and press commentary. It is the first Jeep book of its kind. Join Jeep expert and historian Foster as he relives everything cool and fun about the Jeep. No Jeeper’s library should be without it.

This is the shocking story of a life secretly shattered by pathological gambling addiction, and the first steps to putting the pieces back together.For more than 12 years, Patrick Foster lived a double life. Turning 31, a popular and sociable young teacher and former professional cricketer, he had a lovely girlfriend and a supportive family. But he was hiding a secret and debilitating gambling addiction from even those closest to him.Huge bets had led to huge debts, thousands of lies and mental health issues that pushed him to the edge of the platform at Slough station, where he was moments from taking his own life in March 2018. That month he had turned a £30 bet into £28,000, then lost £58,000 on a single horse, Might Bite, in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, watching the race ina silent classroom as his students undertook a mock exam in front of him.Gambling addiction affects more than 1.4 million people per year in the UK alone. It is a growing and pervasive issue: gamblers are getting younger, more women are betting every day, and the industry is worth more than £14 billion.This book explores the reasons behind gambling addiction and its terrible consequences, through the eyes of one man – who almost didn't survive.

In the rich history of the American automobile industry, one name stands out: Packard. For years, the Packard Motor Car Company produced vehicles that were regarded as the finest, offering a diverse lineup of sedans, coupes, convertibles, and limousines, along with an extensive range of Custom coachwork. Packard was not the most expensive brand—Duesenberg held that title—nor the fastest, as Stutz often claimed that honor. However, Packard earned universal admiration for crafting luxury cars that were fast, sleek, stylish, quiet, durable, and reliable. They combined all the attributes luxury buyers desired into one exquisite package, built with pride and exceptional quality. Renowned for its legendary engineering, Packard was managed as one of the best-run businesses globally—solid, profitable, and dependable. The company's stock was highly coveted, and its management was widely respected. Often described as cars "built by gentlemen for gentlemen," Packards dominated the luxury market from the 1920s to the early 1950s, leaving Cadillac and Lincoln struggling to keep up. This book by Patrick Foster chronicles the rise and fall of this iconic marque, detailing the remarkable cars it produced and the legacy it established.

Pack your 8-tracks and platform shoes and hustle back to a decade when muscle cars died, economy cars were born, and disco was the dance. While 1970 ushered in some of the finest and fasted cars ever, regulations and gas prices turned muscle into economy. Award-winning author Patrick R. Foster guides readers on a trip through a tumultuous decade in automotive history. Witness the demise of big block gas-guzzlers and convertibles and the near-demise of the Chrysler Corporation. Relive the birth of the American subcompact, custom vans, t-tops and a new aesthetic. Remember Pintos, Pacers, Vegas, X-bodies, and the proliferation of front-wheel drive—hallmarks of the 70s auto-evolution. Foster doesn’t stop with the hot cars. To put it all into perspective, he stops along the way to sample the music, movies and manias that made the 70s sensational. -A fabulous decade of American automobile history.-More than 400 photos of the decade’s greatest cars and culture, including movies, music and trends.