Predictions of the imminent demise of the internal combustion engine have proven premature (writes Ian Bamsey). It will be with us for the foreseeable future and forced induction, thanks to its efficiency improvement potential, will play a major role in its ongoing development.

Forced induction has been a phenomenon since the nineteenth century and the importance of documenting the lessons of this long and fruitful technological journey cannot be overstated. Thankfully for future generations it has now been authoritatively chronicled.

This documentation is the work of a renowned scholar of automotive history who has studiously investigated forced induction for decades. As such Karl Ludvigsen’s book ‘Power Unleashed – Trailblazers who energised engines with supercharging and turbocharging' is a hugely important record of a highly significant technical adventure.

The magnitude of this latest work by engine expert Ludvigsen is indicated by the fact that its index accounts for no less than 33 pages. Split into three hefty hardback volumes housed within a slipcase, in total it runs to nearly 2000 large format pages carrying three-quarters of a million words and over 3500 illustrations.

Thus is presented the definitive account of the forced induction of internal combustion engines. That includes those employed in motorsport from the earliest blown examples predating World War One through to the birth of today’s highly sophisticated turbo hybrids.

The introduction to this mighty tome states that, “In all its forms, forced induction is one of the most thrilling innovations ever created for the soul of a car,” and who could argue with that?

Through erudite words and splendid accompanying illustrations Power Unleashed explores its technological journey in mind boggling depth, including recounting enlightening tales of the relentless pioneers. Written in a manner that can be understood without the need for an engineering qualification, professionals and technically interested enthusiasts alike will be greatly rewarded by this expansive publication.

Ludvigsen says, “Forced induction has fascinated me since I was a student engineer in the 1950s, and this project represents a lifelong journey of discovery. I hope readers will share my admiration for the brilliant minds who turned air and pressure into power.”