The Hidden Lives of Taxi Drivers: a question of knowledge takes us into and beyond our familiar landscape. It uncovers the real me behind the taxi driver.
Read More
The Hidden Lives of Taxi Drivers: a question of knowledge takes us into and beyond our familiar landscape. It uncovers the real me behind the taxi driver.
Read Less
Add this copy of The Hidden Lives of Taxi Drivers: A question of to cart. $12.87, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2022 by Callender Press.
Add this copy of The Hidden Lives of Taxi Drivers: a Question of to cart. $16.60, new condition, Sold by BargainBookStores rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Grand Rapids, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2022 by Callender Press.
Add this copy of The Hidden Lives of Taxi Drivers: a Question of to cart. $25.82, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2022 by Callender Press.
Add this copy of The Hidden Lives of Taxi Drivers: a Question of to cart. $54.35, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2022 by Callender Press.
Honestly, this work of non-fiction reads more like a revamped anthropology textbook than I would have expected. But within its pages are hidden jewels of interesting facts, vivid personal stories, historic information, and a host of fun tidbits about the art of taxi driving.
Opening with the origins of paid personal transportation, the author shares a wealth of knowledge, displaying her keen ability for research. From the origins of the word ââ?¬Å"hackneyââ?¬Â? to a look at paid transport around the globe, the reader will be in grave danger of learning more about taxis than they ever thought possible.
But the historical significance is not the only interest here. With her vast love of anthropology, the author brings us into the very society of the taxi driver. Focusing mostly on the drivers in her hometown of Milton Keynes in south central England, Ms. Finnegan introduces the reader to the near-invisible realm of the cab driver. Her thirst for knowledge in an area many see frequently but never pause to ponder, is well-displayed in the information she has gleaned from the drivers she�s interviewed. What started for her as a simple way to pass the time while taking a taxi became a veritable mission to shine light on a service position most often held by immigrants.
Sprinkled with little-known fun facts, personal proverbs of the drivers, and such tongue-in-cheek platitudes as the Ten Commandments of St. Fiacre and the Ten Commandments of Road Safety, this small book allows the reader into this hidden-in-plain-sight domain. Within these pages you�ll meet people from many countries and hear their stories of tragedy, loss, dreams, and triumphs. You�ll discover the many reasons some choose to drive a taxi even when they have other forms of income. The personal stories are diverse and particularly inspiring, reminding us that there�s more to this service industry than meets the eye.
ââ?¬Å"The Hidden Lives of Taxi Driversââ?¬Â? by Ruth Finnegan is recommended for those who enjoy brief dives into anthropological, cultural, and sociological information. It will also be of interest to readers who simply enjoy learning more about the world around them. Itââ?¬â?¢s a fast read, packed with jewels of wit and wisdom.
L.T.
Nov 25, 2022
Literary Titan
The Hidden Lives of Taxi Drivers, a Question of Knowledge, can be described in one word enthralling. The author is enthusiastic when narrating; the tales she shares are mesmerizing. In just a few pages, you can live through dozens of cabbies' lives and experience life on the road. Ruth Finnegan writes her stories in a manner that makes the reader engrossed. As a result, this book is both entertaining and enlightening. As a reader, you learn that every industry is unique and how committed the stakeholders are. The taxi business has existed for ages, and Ruth Finnegan helps the reader compare this means of transport to others.
I like that the author discusses the various forms of taxis. She writes about early methods of transportation, how kings in ancient empires traveled compared to commoners, and how taxis were perceived to be luxury by some not long ago. Ruth Finnegan writes about traditional taxis, their role in the transportation industry, and the effect of modern online taxis like Uber and Bolt. Reading through the well-researched discussions gives one a sense of realization. Not many people understand the dynamics of the taxi business, and the author's notes help clarify some of the misconceptions. No matter how trivial a topic may appear, the author manages to bring life into the discussion.
In this fascinating book, you will virtually travel with taxis in various United Kingdom cities like Cambridge, Belfast, Milton Keynes, and Birmingham. The lives of taxi drivers are interesting, and the author is inspiring with the stories. In her unique way, Ruth Finnegan pays homage to taxi drivers through her book. She also encourages readers to appreciate their cabbies and give them the respect they deserve, as the profession has a few challenges. I appreciate the author for the facts, research, and, my favorite, the pictures, maps, and illustrations. I enjoyed going through the images, as they made the book more appealing. One could tell that taxi drivers worldwide could relate to the author's stories even when talking about U.K. taxi drivers.
Ruth Finnegan is engaging. Every chapter in the book will make you feel like you are interacting with the author one-on-one. Apart from the excellent storytelling, one cannot help but point out the author's sense of humor. Ruth Finnegan is naturally hilarious and gives the reader light moments after every few chapters. The educational aspect of the book deserves mention as even with the many beautiful stories, the author learns about hidden issues in the industry, Issues that are barely addressed in casual conversations or in the mainstream media.
