Book excerpt: First held in 1927, and staged periodically over the next 30 years, the Mille Miglia ("thousand miles") road race was one of the greatest of all motorsport events. It attracted a vast number of entries, from amateur drivers in family cars as well as the great drivers and marques. Published to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the last race, this fascinating book recreates the races, the atmosphere, the politics, the technical changes – even the weather and road surfaces.