Mythos Maybach, by Dr. Harry Niemann, 4th Edition 2002, ISBN 3­613­ 02275­3. Hardcover 9 x 10 1/2 in., 348 pages, about 340 illustrations in black/white and color, text in German. Published by Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart. Price in Germany Euro 49.90 (approx $53 plus postage and packing).

The author, Dr. Harry Niemann, is responsible for the great archives of Daimler/Chrysler AG and has seen published various books and many articles on the automobile and its history. Take note: This is in fact a renamed fourth edition of the earlier Wilhelm Maybach König der Konstrukteure (see book review in Automotive History Review #35) complemented with about 40 pages on classic Maybach cars of the prewar days and the new flagship of DaimlerChrysler. All that was written in the book review still applies. The fourth edition contains only little that was not published before in articles or books on the classic Maybach models. The 17 pages dedicated to the new Maybach offer some inside information on the development and specifications of the fabulous new luxury car of the renowned marque.

To any historian, collector or student of early automotive history not yet in possession of a copy of the earlier editions, the recommendation already articulated is fully valid, with the bonus of some added coverage of the various great Maybach motor cars. A very well produced, handsome book with very important and well-researched information mainly on the early work of Wilhelm Maybach.

• Ferdinand Hediger