A description of the development history of Mazda's rotary power plant, and the model timelines of the vehicles these engines powered - how one small Japanese automaker remained independent and became famous using a unique engine. Examines the commercial ups and downs in North America, using rotaries to become a high performance icon and V8 alternative, and charting the racetrack achievements of Mazda rotary racers around the world including in home-country Japan. Also reveals the pollution control and fuel economy challenges facing Mazda as they strove to keep rotary engines in production to satisfy high performance fans globally.

Marc Cranswick has had a lifelong interest in cars and all things mechanical, and has written about and drawn the cars that he loves for many years; these include a variety of European, Japanese and American marques. Formal study of the postwar American car market has led to a series of books about the cars and trucks of the Big 3 and independent automakers. He writes enthusiast-directed model history books, and has involvement with many specialist car clubs. His reference book The Cars of American Motors – An Illustrated History, was featured on NBC’s business channel CNBC. His other books include Ford Mustang II & Pinto (as seen on channel PBS' MotorWeek); Ford Midsize Muscle - Fairlane, Torino & Ranchero; BMW Classic 5 Series 1972 to 2003; MOPAR Muscle - Barracuda, Dart & Valiant 1960-1980; Mazda Rotary-Engined Cars, and Pontiac Firebird - The Auto-Biography.