The Noblest Invention: An Illustrated History of the Bicycle

The Noblest Invention: An Illustrated History of the Bicycle Review

Why We Ride

From the time we first wobble away from Mom or Dad on two wheels, we're hooked. The mobility, the freedom that the bicycle brings is our first taste of independence. For many, that feeling persists, and bicycling becomes a lifelong love. It represents the promise of the open road, the enthralling sense of speed, the quiet places, the challenging trails-- all in the pleasant company of family, chums, or just yourself. And then there's that moment of terrified, bittersweet pride when your own child rides on once you have let go.

The Noblest Invention celebrates this unique interaction between humans and machine. The editors of Bicycling magazine have created a unique history of the bicycle that illustrates, through personal essays and breathtaking photography, why this simple machine has captured the imagination of people of all ages around the world. Chronicling the evolution of the bicycle from the primitive wooden Laufmaschine to the high-tech mountain bike with its specialized frame and suspension, this book takes a fascinating look at the innovations, the early creators and their wares, and how the bike has had an impact on culture as a tool in the workplace and as an inspiration for artists and writers alike.

From the timeless allure of the greatest annual sporting event, the Tour de France, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, to the mystery of the bicycle's true inventor (did da Vinci really have a hand in it?), take a trip with this remarkable feat of engineering. Remember, relive, and most important, enjoy the ride.

The Bicycle in Wartime: An Illustrated History (Revised Edition)

The Bicycle in Wartime: An Illustrated History (Revised Edition) Review

'The Bicycle in Wartime' is a landmark work in the field of military history. Complemented throughout with an extensive collection of archival photographs, maps and early book, newspaper and magazine illustrations, this new edition has been revised to include new text and photographs and additional material on 21st century military technology. This book is concerned with three underlying themes. The key concept is that of bicycling, which is fundamental to the role the machine has played in wartime. The military cyclist is not a soldier on wheels, but a soldier with wheels. There is an immense difference. The second theme is how the technology has been exploited and developed for military purposes. Lastly, of special interest, is how the bicycle's use and potential have been perceived. Many military minds dismissed it as irrelevant to warfare, while others adopted it to great effect against their enemies.

Bicycle History: A Chronological Cycling History of People, Races, and Technology

Bicycle History: A Chronological Cycling History of People, Races, and Technology Review

Since its invention in the 1860s, the bicycle has had a fascinating history. Author James Witherell has spent years collecting the essential, the trivial and sometimes just downright odd facts that make up the story of the bicycle. Instead of composing a narrative history, he's arranged them in chronological order, painting an informative, fun and irresistible picture of what might be mankind's greatest invention. Witherell has given special emphasis to the Tour de France.

Tour de France: The History, The Legend, The Riders

Tour de France: The History, The Legend, The Riders Review

One of sport's toughest ordeals, the three-week Tour de France sees riders pitted against all kinds of terrain and weather in unrelenting competition with their rivals. In this updated edition, Graeme Fife sets the 2009 race in the context of the event’s remarkable history, which began in July 1903. Combining meticulous research with a fast-paced narrative style, he penetrates the mystique of the race and paints a colorful picture of the men whose exploits have given the Tour an enduring universal appeal.

The Bicycle in Wartime: An Illustrated History (Revised Edition)

The Bicycle in Wartime: An Illustrated History (Revised Edition) Review

'The Bicycle in Wartime' is a landmark work in the field of military history. Complemented throughout with an extensive collection of archival photographs, maps and early book, newspaper and magazine illustrations, this new edition has been revised to include new text and photographs and additional material on 21st century military technology. This book is concerned with three underlying themes. The key concept is that of bicycling, which is fundamental to the role the machine has played in wartime. The military cyclist is not a soldier on wheels, but a soldier with wheels. There is an immense difference. The second theme is how the technology has been exploited and developed for military purposes. Lastly, of special interest, is how the bicycle's use and potential have been perceived. Many military minds dismissed it as irrelevant to warfare, while others adopted it to great effect against their enemies.

The Noblest Invention: An Illustrated History of the Bicycle

The Noblest Invention: An Illustrated History of the Bicycle Review

Why We Ride

From the time we first wobble away from Mom or Dad on two wheels, we're hooked. The mobility, the freedom that the bicycle brings is our first taste of independence. For many, that feeling persists, and bicycling becomes a lifelong love. It represents the promise of the open road, the enthralling sense of speed, the quiet places, the challenging trails-- all in the pleasant company of family, chums, or just yourself. And then there's that moment of terrified, bittersweet pride when your own child rides on once you have let go.

The Noblest Invention celebrates this unique interaction between humans and machine. The editors of Bicycling magazine have created a unique history of the bicycle that illustrates, through personal essays and breathtaking photography, why this simple machine has captured the imagination of people of all ages around the world. Chronicling the evolution of the bicycle from the primitive wooden Laufmaschine to the high-tech mountain bike with its specialized frame and suspension, this book takes a fascinating look at the innovations, the early creators and their wares, and how the bike has had an impact on culture as a tool in the workplace and as an inspiration for artists and writers alike.

From the timeless allure of the greatest annual sporting event, the Tour de France, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, to the mystery of the bicycle's true inventor (did da Vinci really have a hand in it?), take a trip with this remarkable feat of engineering. Remember, relive, and most important, enjoy the ride.