Average customer rating:
- Very slow and tiring read
- "Matter of Fact"
- What a trip! And I wasn't even born yet when most of it happened!
- Somewhat interesting, ultimately disappointing
- Sight Unseen, Sound Unheard
|
White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s
Joe Boyd
Manufacturer: Serpent's Tail
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
| Actors & Actresses
| Artists, Architects & Photographers
| Authors
| Composers & Musicians
| Dancers
| Entertainers
| Movie Directors
| New Age
| Television Performers
| Theatre
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
History & Criticism
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Rock
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Instruction & Study
| Theory, Composition & Performance
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
White Bicycles: Making Music in the 1960s - The Joe Boyd Story
-
Sweet Warrior
-
Darker Than the Deepest Sea: The Search for Nick Drake
-
Laurel Canyon: The Inside Story of Rock-and-Roll's Legendary Neighborhood
-
Hotel California: The True-Life Adventures of Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young, Mitchell, Taylor, Browne, Ronstadt, Geffen, the Eagles, and Their Many Friends
ASIN: 1852429100 |
Book Description
"This is the best book about music I've read in years, and a gripping piece of social history."-Brian Eno
When Muddy Waters came to London at the start of the 1960s, a kid from Boston called Joe Boyd was his tour manager; when Dylan went electric at the Newport Festival, Joe Boyd was plugging in his guitar; when the summer of love got going, Joe Boyd was running UFO, the coolest club in London; when a bunch of club regulars called Pink Floyd recorded their first single, Joe Boyd was the producer; when a young songwriter named Nick Drake wanted to give his demo tape to someone, he chose Joe Boyd.
More than any previous sixties music autobiography, Joe Boyd's
White Bicycles offers the real story of what it was like to be there at the time. As well as the sixties heavy-hitters, this book also offers wonderfully vivid portraits of a whole host of other musicians: everyone from the great jazzman Coleman Hawkins to the folk diva Sandy Denny, Lonnie Johnson to Eric Clapton, Sister Rosetta Tharpe to Fairport Convention.
Record and film producer
Joe Boyd was born in Boston in 1942 and graduated from Harvard in 1964. He went on to produce Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, Fairport Convention, R.E.M., and many others. He produced the documentary
Jimi Hendrix and the film
Scandal. In 1980 he started Hannibal Records and ran it for twenty years. He lives in London.
Customer Reviews:
Very slow and tiring read.......2007-08-31
This has got to be the most boring book about the music business I've ever read. I really tried to make myself believe it was going to be a true page turner, but it wasn't. The only reason I continued to turn the page is because, well... I'd paid for the book! I'm not the biggest fan of folk music, but I do like it and I love the blues, but this book made me dislike both genres (while I was reading, mind you). Mr. Boyd had such a long and fulfilling career in the music business, but the way he told the story was just plain boring. I've read many biographies on this business and have read some real bizarre stuff, but this book was quite tame. Don't get me wrong, I was GLAD that it was tame. I was quite impressed with Mr. Boyd's self-control and his professionalism. He sounds like a total "stand-up guy." But boy, does he tell a boring story. I usually pass my books on to friends so that they we can converse on the book, it's characters, the author, and so on. I must admit, when I FINALLY finished this book, I promptly threw it in the trash. I will give Mr. Boyd one other thing, I was so happy that he made mention of all the blues greats that have graced stages and auditoriums worldwide. That in itself was very much worth this book purchase, but that's about it.
"Matter of Fact".......2007-08-20
Woody Allen made a film called "Zelig" about a little guy who found his way into all the significant events of the 20th Century.
Well, record producer Joe Boyd's life in the 60's was kind of like that. He was all over the place, at the Newport Festivals (both jazz and folk), touring with bluesmen through Europe, and finally at the epicenter of both the British psychedelic and English Folk Rock scenes.
With all that material to draw from, you would think that this book would be a regular psychedelic sundae, vibrating like a day-glo art poster. Nope. It's just a recounting of Joe's ups and downs in the music business. There are nice reminiscences about Sandy Denny and Nick Drake, and Joe drops some little known facts about his resume, such as his involvement in the Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood "Powerhouse" recordings, and his production of Pink Floyd's "Arnold Layne"--plus his notable failures, such as missing out on opportunities to sign Procol Harum, or to profit from the Abba catalogue.
But, Joe is primarily known for his involvement with Folk-Rock, and he doesn't really pour forth with details, here. What about "Liege and Lief", generally called the greatest British folk-rock album of all time? What about Vashti Bunyan, a cult artist in her own right? She gets about one paragraph. And what about Linda (Peters) Thompson? Joe lets it drop that he was in an intimate relationship with her, yet she merits only a sentence or two.
This book isn't badly written, but it doesn't really give you a great picture of the music. It could have been much better. People who are curious about the time would be better served checking out the music. I guess a CD sampler of Joe's productions, also called "White Bicycles", is available. Otherwise, there is the great "Nuggets II" box set, which I recommend without reservation.
What a trip! And I wasn't even born yet when most of it happened!.......2007-08-10
As a musician and general music junkie, I'd rate this as a must have. Joe Boyd is just as important to learn from as those blues and jazz bands he resurrected in the last 50s and early 60s. I also sensed the sadness and reverence he had towards Nick Drake, the sad honesty about Sandy Denny, as well as rejoicing in the still flourishing career of Richard Thompson, all of which are influences of mine.
I wonder if he has ever been to the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
Somewhat interesting, ultimately disappointing.......2007-07-22
As previous reviewers said, I "couldn't NOT read this book" and "devour" it with the special anticipation of having seen the words 'Produced by Joe Boyd' on so many of my cherished album covers. However, though it contains a few new facts about the artists and some insight regarding the music business only an insider would know, the book was a disappointment. As earlier reviewers here have stated, it's too short - with not enough information about the actual sessions and music-making itself. The text also seems to be missing something - perhaps over-edited? Perhaps shortened for some reason at the last minute? And some of the potentially fascinating little stories he relates are left dangling in space. The subtitle of the book is 'Making Music in the 1960s', but there's very little of that in the narrative. I wanted to find out what is was like to observe luminaries such as Nick Drake at work in the studio. I wanted to be a fly on the wall at a Fairport Convention session with Sandy Denny & Richard Thompson. What made the Incredible String Band tick? How did these artists get their signature SOUNDS? I was looking for a window on Joe Boyd's working world; What we get are mildly interesting and too-quick glances of the surface of '60s-'70s music.
Sight Unseen, Sound Unheard.......2007-07-17
In the mid to late 60s, there were so many unheralded masterpieces, even the recording companies couldn't keep up with them. Most were relegated to
the old school, family-owned record store. Illinois Speed Press, The United States of America and Joe Boyd and the Field Hippies were a few of them. Some of their members went on to nominal fame in other groups, but they mostly languished in the bargain bins. If this is the same Joe Boyd,
and his way with prose is as adroit as his way with music, you are in
for an incredibly interesting ride. I haven't read the book yet, but I
haven't been moved to make a purchase of anything sight unseen or sound
unheard since I read an article in Hit Parader about CSN three months before their debut album was released in 1969.
Book Description
This is the delightful and often humorous story of an around-the-world bicycle trip taken by two young people, Barbara and Larry Savage.
It took them two years and 25 countries. Along the way, these neophyte cyclists encountered warm-hearted strangers, bicycle-hating drivers, rock-throwing Egyptians, over-protective Thai policemen, and great personal joys.
They returned to a new life in Santa Barbara, one Barbara never lived to savor. She was killed in a street accident, Barbara and her bicycle vs. a truck. We are lucky to have this memoir, throughout which her vitality, warmth and compassion glow.
Slightly edited for radio presentation.
Customer Reviews:
Miles From NoWhere by Barbara Savage.......2007-10-09
This book is really interesting. I learned things that I never had any idea about on the different parts of the world. The stories are told in a humorous way and I laughed alot and have told other people about the book and I am sure there will be alot of them buying it. To me it is amazing what they did by taking that trip in the 70's when the bikes were alot heavier and they didn't have the equipment available to them that we have now... they were seriously very brave and really in great shape to do what they did. I really enjoyed the book and hated for it to end.Miles from Nowhere: A Round the World Bicycle Adventure
A Lot of Ground to Cover.......2007-09-05
I give "Miles From Nowhere" four stars rather than five only because during the course of such a long and trying bicycle adventure, Barbara Savage and her husband, Larry, must have experienced depths of emotion that Savage simply did not explore in the book. She covered some high points and some low points, but I never came to feel that I knew them or fully understood their motivations. Also absent, for a book more than twenty years old (and now considered a classic of adventure travel), was any updated or epilogue information about their lives after their ride. We know that Barbara Savage was tragically (astoundingly, ironically) killed on her bicycle within the few years of their return, but adventures of this magnitude do not end just with a return airplane ticket. The adventure, you see, is not about bicycling around the world, but rather, about Barbara and Larry Savage themselves.
That said, the two covered so much ground during their two-year ride that going into great detail would probably have swollen the book beyond any reasonable marketability. So my criticisms must be taken only as what more could have been learned, not what Savage actually included in the travelogue. I cannot agree with the reviewer who felt that the Savages were self centered and did not include an appropriate amount of cultural interpretation in the text. It seems to me that their cultural descriptions were quite vivid--some of the extremes of what they experienced actually made me cringe. As a solo adventure traveler myself, I am now rethinking some of my travel destinations, and although I consider myself to be pretty tough on the road, I do not believe that I could endure much of what Barbara and Larry Savage endured. These were two rugged people who handled themselves very well, and their story was a pleasure to read.
An excellent, inspiring read.......2007-09-04
I loved this book. It's an easy read, and exceptionally inspirational as Barbara Savage recounts she and her husband's journey on bikes around the world in the late '70s. Barbara's writing style is great and at times even laugh-out-loud hilarious as you read about some of the outrageous and surprising circumstances she and Larry find themselves in. This book has also made the impossible seem possible...who knows maybe someday I'll bike around the world!...
Inspiring.......2007-05-29
This book was a treat to read. They were so courageous to do what they did and it was so fun to live vicariously through their experiences. I highly recommend reading it. I checked it out from the library, but I am going to buy a copy now to keep in my stash at home to read again in the future and to lend to friends.
Knowing about the tragic ending to Barbara's life gave parts of the book an ominous feeling, like when they mentioned the possiblity of biking through Latin America one day. And I can't help but wonder what Larry is up to now, like if he did any more lengthy bicycle tours. Just curious.
I read it again for the 3rd time.......2007-01-10
I have just completed my 3rd reading, spread over 7 years, of Miles from Nowhere. I laughed as loudly as I did the first time and still found it hard to put it down. The book is my special reminder of how to live your life and chase your dreams. I feel ashamed that I have not yet started on my world bike tour but this summer (2007) looks like it will be the year. I often feel indebted to Barbara and Larry for their book and for their willingness to share such a wonderful experience. The book is a must read for anyone with a sense of adventure and a sense of humor.
Average customer rating:
- How Schwinn was lost
- How Schwinn blew it!
- Excellent story of a piece of Americana
|
No Hands: The Rise and Fall of the Schwinn Bicycle Company, an American Institution
Judith Crown , and
Glenn Coleman
Manufacturer: Henry Holt & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Company Profiles
| Biography & History
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Economics
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
| Agricultural
| Commercial Policy
| Comparative
| Consolidation & Merger
| Cooperatives
| Debt & Deficits
| Development & Growth
| Econometrics
| Economic Conditions
| Economic History
| Economic Policy & Development
| Exports & Imports
| Free Enterprise
| Inflation
| International
| Labor & Industrial Relations
| Macroeconomics
| Microeconomics
| Money & Monetary Policy
| Natural Resources
| Privatization
| Public Finance
| Statistics
| Sustainable Development
| Theory
| Unemployment
| Urban & Regional
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Production & Operations
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Transportation
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Bike Repair
| Cycling
| Individual Sports
| Sports
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Nonfiction Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Sports Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Dancing Chain: History and Development of the Derailleur Bicycle
ASIN: 0805035532 |
Amazon.com
Crown and Coleman, journalists with Crain's Chicago Business, report how Schwinn, America's premier manufacturer of bicycles, developed, flourished, coasted, and finally flew from its seat headfirst into bankruptcy in 1992. The company's heyday was in the 1950s, when its lovingly crafted, chrome-bedecked monsters were a kid's dream. But the company ignored a shift that occurred in the 1970s--kids of the '50s, by then young adults, had taken to cycling, a sport that demanded lighter frames. When management finally realized the trend, they discovered that Schwinn's underfinanced, antiquated Chicago plant could not produce the welding on the new, thinner tube frames, forcing them to outsource the work to Taiwan's Giant Bicycles. Giant was then tiny, but--thanks to Schwinn--it soon fulfilled the promise of its name to become the biggest bicycle manufacturer in the world. A salutary tale of "no hands" management.
Customer Reviews:
How Schwinn was lost.......2003-03-28
This is the often rather grim story of the fall of a great empire. The Schwinn company was built by an immigrant with a knowledge of mechanics and a fierce dedication to quality. Over several generations, the company gradually fell apart, as subsequent, born-privileged Schwinns took less interest in the company product, focusing on marketing at the expense of manufacturing, and arrogantly believing that the prestige of their name brand would endure over their stubborn reluctance to innovate or modernize. Along the way we get informative and interesting glances into the beginning of BMX and mountain biking, fascinating portraits of the personalities involved, and a strange sense of the interconnectedness of all the big names in the bike industry, as Schwinn's errors lead to the rise of Trek and Giant, and effect many other familiar bike companies. Definitely worth a read.
How Schwinn blew it!.......2000-07-13
Since hubby and I are both avid cyclists and also work at a bike shop (myself part time, him full time) this book interested me. It is at once a history of the bicycle in general, and about Schwinn in particular. Ms. Crown and Mr. Coleman relate in vivid detail the creation of the Schwinn bike by Ignaz Schwinn, and how subsequent generations of the family (who owned the company up until the 1990's) developed new products, but later let opportunities (such as the development of the BMX and mountain bike -which was created with old Schwinn parts) slip through their fingers. By the 70's the controlling family members appeared to have little or no interest in bicycles -- only in their annual incomes from their family trust -- and failed to realize that they were letting down the family name and reputation for quality.The book also touches on other bike manufacturers, such as Specialized, Gary Fisher and Trek, and how these companies profited by Schwinn's 'falling asleep at the wheel' old boys' club-type school of thought. Apparently, Schwinn never realized until it was far too late that there was/is a vast adult market out there! This book is compelling reading for anyone interested in bicycle history, or just American business in general. Highly recommended if you can find it!
Excellent story of a piece of Americana.......1998-12-10
Frankly, this is the first book I've read cover to cover in a long time. Whether you like bicycles, business stories, or want to read a fascinating behind the scenes look of an American icon, this book is for you.
Book Description
This new collection from cyclist Bob Roll reflects his unique perspective on the professional racing circuit and his own brand of dry humor. Straightforward yet sly, funny but perhaps a little crazy, Roll calls it like he sees it. Here are anecdotes about the Tour de France, international mountain-bike tournaments, training struggles, heart-stopping crashes, and personal vendettas, all of which provide a fascinating inside look at the world of championship cycling.
Customer Reviews:
Where To Get Your Bobke Fix!.......2007-09-12
While watching Le Tour De France this year (2007) my wife and I fell in love with Bob Roll. What a character! And when the Tour was over we went into withdrawal...
So we were delighted beyond belief to find we could get our Bobke fix with "Continuing Misadventures."
Is "Bobke II" for everyone? Not likely. Not everyone likes "cowboy poets." But if you kinda sorta grok where Mr. Roll's coming from, this book is a treat!
And whenever my wife and I bike a century now? We plan, to borrow Bobke's phrase, "To finish in good order."
Now... haven't seen anything in VELONEWS recently by Mr. Roll... starting to shake... Is that a little purple elephant on the wall?
Dr. Kirtland C Peterson
A lot of diary entries.......2007-06-13
I love Bobke. I love him on TV, and I will forever picture him, Chris Carmichael, and Lance Armstrong spending a week in North Carolina in 1997 (maybe early 98). They did long rides every day and Bobke basically convinced Lance not to drop out of road racing. We all know what happened after that as far as Lance's career goes.
I wish he'd write about that week. (Maybe he has, but if so I'd have gotten that book I think.)
This book is just a series of diary entries, nothing really to sink your teeth into. I read awhile and then skimmed to the end. Sorry, man.
Purely Entertaining.......2007-05-08
This is certainly not a literary work of art, but I doubt it was meant to be. It does give great insight into the work ethic and desire of a guy who was had a nice cycling career, but was never much more than a working class cyclist. If you enjoy the antics and commentary of Bob Roll, you'll love it. It is pure "Bob" and pure entertainment. I greatly enjoyed it.
Bobke II.......2007-04-01
Ok it took me 2 days to read it. Not literature, not inspiring, just a good interesting read. Glad I read it.
Stuck on stupid.......2006-07-03
I don't know if Bob Roll thinks it is still funny after all these years to say "Tour DAY France" or if he is just stuck on stupid. Whatever the reason, I can not get over this imbecillity to have any further concern with whatever else might be sloshing around inside his skull.
Book Description
The bicycle is almost unique among human-powered machines in that it uses human muscles in a near-optimum way. This new edition of the bible of bicycle builders and bicyclists provides just about everything you could want to know about the history of bicycles, how human beings propel them, what makes them go faster, and what keeps them from going even faster. The scientific and engineering information is of interest not only to designers and builders of bicycles and other human-powered vehicles but also to competitive cyclists, bicycle commuters, and recreational cyclists.
The third edition begins with a brief history of bicycles and bicycling that demolishes many widespread myths. This edition includes information on recent experiments and achievements in human-powered transportation, including the "ultimate human- powered vehicle," in which a supine rider in a streamlined enclosure steers by looking at a television screen connected to a small camera in the nose, reaching speeds of around 80 miles per hour. It contains completely new chapters on aerodynamics, unusual human-powered machines for use on land and in water and air, human physiology, and the future of bicycling. This edition also provides updated information on rolling drag, transmission of power from rider to wheels, braking, heat management, steering and stability, power and speed, and materials. It contains many new illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
too much for me.......2007-04-11
I like science. I like bicycles. This book goes into much greater depth than most people will want. I couldn't even finish it. If you build bikes and/or are a physicist or engineer and like biking then you will probably enjoy it.
Informative.......2007-03-08
Definitely a good book for bike nerds like myself. Really technical and thick reading. If you like stuff like that, then get this book.
good basic bicycle history and information.......2007-01-12
This book is just what I hoped it would be with a lot of good information for anyone interesed in the bicycle world. It goes into every detail of the reasons for the development of the design of the modern bicycle.
thank you,
Robert W Logsdon
The Bible !.......2006-12-22
Awsome book - into bikes ? ... YOU need this.
Cuts out the mythology often pedalled about bikes !!
Bicycling Science.......2006-03-18
Through history of Bicycles. Lots of details, too many for most readers interest. Many, many pages of small print could probably be condensed down to less than 200 pages of a larger font. Worth reading for a complete bicylce geek other wise time would probably be better spent reading other bicycle books. However, does provide some interesting trivia such as a person could pedal a 100 miles on a gallon of milk and gave a distance for a gallon of petrol, though I forgot the distance.
Book Description
In this highly original history of the world's most famous bicycle race, Christopher S. Thompson, mining previously neglected sources and writing with infectious enthusiasm for his subject, tells the compelling story of the Tour de France from its creation in 1903 to the present. Weaving the words of racers, politicians, Tour organizers, and a host of other commentators together with a wide-ranging analysis of the culture surrounding the event--including posters, songs, novels, films, and media coverage--Thompson links the history of the Tour to key moments and themes in French history. He argues persuasively that this hugely popular sporting event has been instrumental in French attempts to grapple with the great challenges they have confronted during their tumultuous twentieth century--from World Wars, political divisions, and class conflict to economic modernization, women's emancipation, and threats to public health. Examining the enduring popularity of Tour racers, Thompson explores how their public images have changed over the past century. He concludes with a discussion of the longstanding practice of doping and considers the complex case of the seven-time champion Lance Armstrong.
Product Description
Six-Day bicycle racing was once the biggest spectator sport in America: In the 1920s and 1930s, those envents held at indoor tracks around the country attracted bigger crowds and paid bigger purses than baseball, football, or hockey. This highly pictorial books tells the story of six-day racing in America from its beginning in the last decase of the 19th century up to attempts at revival in the 1970s. A lively text by Peter Joffre Nye and an amazing collection of duotone photographs allows the reader to relive this exciting period, this almost forgotten era of American sports history.
Customer Reviews:
Six-Day Heaven!.......2007-03-10
This book captures the essence of track racing in America in it's glory days. It is informative and fun to read. The illustrations are great also!
My father raced in Chicago in this era and had many tales to tell, and Nye's book captures that same essence.
Essential reading for any cycling fan.......2007-02-05
"The Six-Day Races: America's Jazz-Age Sport" (Cycle Publishing, May 2006) paints a complete and engaging picture of six-day bicycle racing from its origins to the height of the sport's popularity in the `20s and `30s. Author Peter Joffre Nye (with Jeff Groman and Mark Tyson) has produced an amazing and genuinely passionate preservation of this era of professional cycling in the U.S., when the sport was more popular with spectators than football or baseball.
The book utilizes a incredible collection photographs, posters, and images of race programs. Amazing details, including colorful anecdotes from the riders, make reading the book as vivid and exciting as watching any video or DVD. You can practically hear the clang of the "prime" (preem) bell, smell the tobacco smoke, and hear the rumble of the boards as the riders thunder around the track. The book is a virtual time machine.
Every aspect of the sport is chronicled, from track construction, to the riders, the tactics, what can loosely called "sports medicine", the effects of politics and war, the managers and race promoters, the rise and fall of public interest, the abrupt end of careers and finally the emergence of a new generation of American track stars in recent decades.
Today, doping scandals and controversy threaten to kill fan enthusiasm for the sport of cycling. In this book, we can rediscover forgotten heroes and we can honor the sport's pioneers. Their athletic feats and the times they lived in will be forever preserved for future fans. This book is a must read for any cycling enthusiast and an essential part of any bike shop library.
Long Over Due Effort - Thanks!.......2006-11-05
Jeff, Peter and Mark have done a fine job of bring this almost forgotten part of American Sports history back to life with their very nicely done effort. Great pictures and great stories. Thank goodness Jeff saved all of those items, bikes and stories so they could be enjoyed by all. If you ever get to Bainbridge Island, WA visit Jeff's shop Classic Cycle on the main street of town and view his wonderful cycling museum. Thanks Jeff for a job very well done!
Words, Photos Work Hand-in-Glove.......2006-11-03
An outstanding reotrospective of a not-so-long-ago sport now lost to time. The packaging and photos work hand-in-glove with the words to make the reader feel as if he were a part of the cycling frenzy of this era. In today's pop-culture mindeset where things are forgotten and discarded in a flash, this book does justice to a unique aspect of "Americana" that should be, and now is preserved.
A must read!.......2006-07-11
This excellent book reveals a forgotten era when six-day racing was the most exciting and captivating sport in the Unites States. Whether you're a fan of cycling or just enjoy sports history, this book is a treasure. The photos are incredible!
-Andrew Homan
Book Description
This lively and lavishly illustrated book tells the extraordinary history of the bicycle, an invention that precipitated nothing short of a social revolution. Recounting a story replete with disputed patents, brilliant inventions, and missed opportunities, David Herlihy shows us why the bicycle captured the public’s imagination and the myriad ways it has reshaped our world.
“A comprehensive genealogy of the two-wheeled savior of mass transit. . . . Herlihy takes what could have been just another history book and makes it a story worth telling your friends about.”—Publishers Weekly
"Fun and informative."—Baltimore Sun
“Immensely absorbing.”—Edward Koren, New York Times Book Review
"Lovingly written and beautifully illustrated."—David Schoonmaker, American Scientist
“A delight.”—Robert Messenger, Wall Street Journal
“Herlihy has traced the bicycle’s family tree with a thoroughness reminiscent of Laura Hillenbrand and her thoroughbred, Seabiscuit. . . . Bicycle is a good read for all and a must for the cyclist’s home library.”—Joe Simnacher, Dallas Morning News
"[One of] the best cycling-related books I've seen in the past decade."—Joe Lindsey, Mountain Bike
Customer Reviews:
a crank invention.......2007-03-21
They're impractical toys of the rich. The technology is flawed. People will never put up with their limitations. It's too difficult and expensive to get them repaired. Young dandies and showoffs only want to be seen riding them. Ten years from now, people will wonder why we wasted our time on them.
Anyone who has been reading the Detroit newspapers for the last 10 years or so has seen all these arguments used repeatedly against hybrid cars, fuel cell technology and any number of non-fossil-fuel vehicle prototypes. (Only substitute "movie stars" for "dandies.")
Yet the arguments cited above come from the mid-19th century, and their target is a simple tool the whole world now takes for granted: the bicycle.
The peculiarly gleeful, small-minded scorn unique to Luddites of any era is vividly brought to life in "The Bicycle," David V. Herlihy's wonderful illustrated history.
In hindsight, it seems there could be no simpler or more obvious invention. Yet Herlihy demonstrates that the bicycle went through a very long and complicated struggle to get where it is today.
For decades, the velocipede was little more than a glorified scooter, an "aid to walking" powered by kicking the ground. Herlihy picks his way through the variants that come and go, including the 1814 "draisine" of German inventor Karl von Drais, and it's a maddening story indeed. One poor entrepreneur after another goes boom and bust as people latch on to the fad and then tire of it. "Chain the goddamn wheel to a crank!" you want to scream, but history is a cruel one-way mirror. All the reader can do is look on helplessly as the bicycle-haters get their way for more than half a century -- until 1867, when the pedal-driven crank finally closed the circle and set the bicycle rolling on a globe-girdling adventure still in progress.
The reader may have noted that no name was credited above with this crucial breakthrough, and that's another bumpy side to the bicycle's history. Herlihy sifts patiently -- but not too patiently -- through a tangled chain of conflicting claims and patents that make it extremely difficult to pick out the Henry Fords or Wright Brotherses of velocipede-dom.
The heart of the drama, though, is provided by the unceasing, and very entertaining, press wars over the alleged dangers and benefits of bicycling, which Herlihy quotes generously.
As bicycles increase in popularity, cities pass ordinances banning them from sidewalks, yahoos gather round solitary riders and throw stones, pundits decry the decline of civilization. "Velocity is the fashionable mania of the present day," clucks a London newspaper in the early 1800s. "We walk with a Velocipede, are whirled around in a light Post Coach, or run into Fortune in five minutes by a successful speculation." Another newspaper worries that bicycles will make it easier for burglars to glide away from the long arm of the law, perhaps forgetting that if bicycles are outlawed, only outlaws will have bicycles.
Volatile 19th-century sexual politics were badly chewed up in the bicycle's gears, with heated exchanges over whether bicycling was a fit pastime for ladies, and if so, what the well-turned ankle should wear. In 1895, Ethel Dumont of Victoria, British Columbia rode onto the streets in bloomers, provoking a huge sensation (the press called her a new "Lady Godiva") and the threat of a court summons. Women who simply liked to bike became caught up in the polarized atmosphere in which female bicycling was often seen as an aggressive badge of emancipation.
Of course, voices were also raised in the bicycle's defense. Herlihy quotes a letter to the editor in a York, England newspaper in the early 1820s: "We hope in the course of the summer to see [velocipedes] scuddling about in all directions, to the great discomfiture of indigestion, bad spirits, paleness, leanness and corpulency." Now these arguments have returned as well, to be used against a sprawling, obese, car-driven world the bicycle may outlive.
Herlihy's text is exhaustive but far from exhausting, and he avoids flights of poetic abstraction his subject could easily provoke. But the best thing about "Bicycle" its hundreds of fascinating illustrations, all in color on heavy enamel paper that makes the book weigh twice as much as its unassuming size indicates.
There are plenty of period diagrams and photos of bicycle variants over the years, including crazy curiosities with more and less than two wheels, but most of the illustrations trace the evolving public attitude toward bicycles.
At first, it's not a pretty tableau. Even after the crank and chain made bicycling more logical and less outlandish to watch, editorial cartoonists were merciless in their depiction of riders, who are seen running over, into and through each other in every imaginable configuration. Huge Victorian ladies are perched ridiculously on tiny wheels, mutton-chopped gentleman sprawl on the ground next to wounded trees. Later, lovely Art Nouveau posters and advertisements show a world not only reconciled, but in love with the bicycle's sublime form and function.
A Treasure.......2007-03-09
This is a beautiful book, one that I am proud to have in my library. Many will treasure it for the historical photos and illustrations alone, but in addition I actually read the book straight through from cover to cover over the course of several days, learning a great deal about the mechanical and social history of the bicycle. Strange to say, I first spotted the book in a stylish Taiwan bike shop that had it on a shelf for the edification of visiting customers. Since it was not for sale and there was no way I could do anything but browse through it in the shop, I had Amazon ship it to me in America to read there. It was well worth waiting for. One tell tale of quality: the book was utterly free of typos. A single criticism: the author could have ventured a little further into social history. For example, I waited in vain for mention of Shaw and Tolstoy as early cycling enthusiasts. Of course Mr. Herlihy couldn't cover everything, but he sticks pretty close to the development of the bicycle and the bicycle industry. Thus, my five stars assumes that the reader already loves bicycles, or is an artist, antiquarian, collector or other specialist prepared to readily appreciate a book like this.
Page 300 - Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel Tests.......2006-04-24
Herlihy, David V. Bicycle, The History
This is a most excellent history of the bicycle. However, the exageration or mistake on page 300 does reflect poorly on the research involved in preparing such a work. There are number of published works that will verify the comments regarding the actual work of the Wright Brothers.
Page 300, The Safety Era
In the section describing the work of Wilbur and Orville Wright, specifically the paragraph beginning "Starting in 1899 ..." About mid-paragraph is a description that reads as if the Wright Brothers rode a bicycle through a wind tunnel. Besides the obvious issue of wind tunnel size for such a test, this is not what occurred. The Wrights tested airfoils on a specially modified bicycle with a wheel mounted perpendicular to the front wheel, to which airfoils were mounted. They simply rode along the streets of West Dayton to test the airfoils. Lacking laboratory control or a proper method of measure, the Wrights stopped this testing to build a small wind tunnel in which to test airfoils. This testing was accomplished on the second floor of The Wright Cycle Company at 1127 West Third Street, Dayton OH, under strict scientific procedures and careful measurement. From this data the Wrights devised a co-efficient of drag used to build their 1902 and subsequent gliders and aeroplanes.
The exaggeration of their testing a bicycle IN a wind tunnel is much like the exaggerated and inaccurate reports of their flight of December 17, 1903. The brothers worked hard to correct these mistakes. The author would be wise to correct this mistake in future publications as such an exaggeration does reflect poorly on information that is less well documented than the work of the Wright Brothers.
Replicas of the bicycle set up for the experiment and of the wind tunnel are located at Carillon Historical Park, Dayton, OH, USA. The bicycle is an actual Wright Van Cleve manufactured by the brothers. The building is now located at Greenfield Village (Ford Museum) near Dearborn, Michigan, USA.
Arthur Currence, Park Ranger, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Dayton OH, USA.
Redundant.......2006-03-15
The book was interesting but the information was much too redundant. I would have enjoyed more information about the development of the drive chain and advancements made sense the 1900's and less information about the marketing of the bicycle during it's development
Hours and hours of entertainment value.......2005-10-26
This is virtually an encyclopedia of bicycle history with an extraordinary collection of photographs, drawings, catalog covers, and lots more illustrative material from the early history of the bicycle forward to today. The visuals alone in this beautiful book are more than enough reason to buy it. The writing is also to savor time and time again with great sidebars on a variety of fascincating and amusing subjects and a very informative recounting of the 200-year history of self-propelled transporation. No bicyclist could possibly be disappointed in acquiring this marvelous volume.
Average customer rating:
- Correction of previous review
- fierce
- very intelligent
- very intelligent
- very intelligent
|
Schwinn Sting-Ray (Enthusiast Color Series)
Liz Fried
Manufacturer: Motorbooks International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Antiques & Collectibles
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Classic Cars
| Automotive
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Automotive
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
History
| Automotive
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Cycling
| Individual Sports
| Sports
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Sports
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Classic Schwinn Bicycles (Collector's Library)
-
Standard Catalog Of Schwinn Bicycles 1895-2004
ASIN: 0933201885 |
Customer Reviews:
Correction of previous review.......2001-05-31
I have a copy of this book in my hands. If you read the preface, you will know that the author is a woman. Furthermore, the Library of Congress catalog record for this book indicates that she was born in 1964. I doubt she was designing Schwinn bicycles at the age of one or two. And I feel pretty safe in saying that she probably wasn't the Vice President of the company at that age either.
This is a great book for collectors and enthusiasts of Sting-Ray bicycles. Great photos and histories.
fierce.......2001-03-02
an amazing book about the best bike ever made. The author is very intelligent and has an excellent grasp of her subject. The only real bummer is the design. Perhaps the publisher could have had a best-seller if they had spent a nickel on the design. Otherwise a very resourseful and brilliant work.
very intelligent.......2001-03-02
a truly amazing overview of the best bicycle ever made. My only regret is the publisher's lack of design skills. The content is so amazing, yet the layout is a shame. Intelligent writer who really knows her stuff.
very intelligent.......2001-03-02
a truly amazing overview of the best bicycle ever made. My only regret is the publisher's lack of design skills. The content is so amazing, yet the layout is a shame. Intelligent writer who really knows her stuff.
very intelligent.......2001-03-02
a truly amazing overview of the best bicycle ever made. My only regret is the publisher's lack of design skills. The content is so amazing, yet the layout is a shame. Intelligent writer who really knows her stuff.
Book Description
Few sporting events can match the splendor and spectacle of the Tour de Franceas teams of cyclists gather each July in quest of the coveted yellow jersey, ready to take on the 23-day chase through the French countryside lined with millions of spectators, and the winding and steep climbs and harrowing descents of the mountainous peaks of the Pyrnes and Alps. Created with the endorsement of the Tour organization and carrying the official TDF logo, this rich anecdotal and photographic history depicts both the classic, almost mythic tales that have defined the event over the years and the rare, untold glimpses from behind the scenes. Offering coverage through 2005, it will include coverage of Lance Armstrongs record-shattering seventh consecutive win. Each full-page spread stands on its own, allowing the reader to pick the book up anywhere and instantly absorb the magic moments that have enthralled fans for over 100 years. This is a beautiful coffee table book, one that any cyclist or Tour fan will proudly display and eagerly peruse.
Customer Reviews:
Past & present legends.......2007-04-21
I loved reading this book and learning about all the legends of the Tour de France. What is especially entertaining is the way it is written. The format makes for excellent "reading bites" that do not require long sessions turning pages. Every two pages is a complete story. There are eleven chapters and two pages within each chapter that tell a story of significance history about the tour; one page is a photograph of the event described either in black and white or color and the other page tells the story and usually includes another smaller picture. This makes for very little reading perse but the story on each page is covered sufficiantly. Having watched the modern Tour de France since the eighties I was familiar with much of the tales about the heroes and tragedies that has come to some riders of the world's greatest race. However , I knew very little about the era before televison beamed the event worldwide. This I found to be very interesting as the stories about the Tour de France colorful past were presented in living detail complete with images of their historic time period. The origianl race was only six stages in 1903 but averaged 250 miles each! In 1910 the famous Pyrenees were introduced to the race. The behind the scenes events were particularly engrossing. Much is done to win a race that never gets much attention in the American press so it was nice to read about some of the things that have occurred behind the scenes at the Tour de France. The end of the book deals with the modern era and there you will find information about Lance Armstrong and his historic march to seventh tour victories and the perpetual second place best finishes of Jan Ullrich. Of course there is information about all the greats of the tour including the legends, Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Mercx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain each of whom had achieved five victories apiece before failing on their sixth attempt to win the Tour de France. The tragic death of Tom Simpson, fighting to win the yellow jersey, high on alcohol and drugs, plus the blistering heat led to his collapse and death on Mount Ventoux but not before his last words of "put me back on my bike" is also covered. Also the memorial ride in silence for Lance Armstrong's Motorola teamamte Fabio Casartelli who had a fatal crash in 1995 when he couldn't handle a turn. The comparison of eras is compelling. It is engaging to see the old timers riding their machines and posing for photographs in post race attire with a cigarette dangling from their mouths. I can't imagine how good they could have been if they had modern machines and did not smoke! All in all this was a very stimulating read that informs and entertains. Recommended for bike enthuisiasts or those that love the world's greatest race, The Tour de France.
Books:
- Why Are So Many Black Men in Prison?
- Wild Cards (Volume 1)
- Wind, Sand and Stars
- Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny
- Writing Out the Storm
- You Can Do It!: The Boomer's Guide to a Great Retirement
- 90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life
- A Ghost in the Machine: A Chief Inspector Barnaby Novel (Chief Inspector Barnaby Novels)
- A Season of Change
- Absolute Kingdom Come
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The Star Wars Enigma: Behind the Scenes of the Cold War Race for Missile Defense
- Me Talk Pretty One Day
- Baby Love: A Keepsake Book from the Heart of the Home
- Elsie Dinsmore
- History: Fiction or Science
- Low Carbon Diet: A 30 Day Program to Lose 5000 Pounds--Be Part of the Global Warming Solution!
- Life Interrupted: The Unfinished Monologue
- Augustine in the Italian Renaissance: Art and Philosophy from Petrarch to Michelangelo
- Easy Field Guide to Rock Art Symbols of the Symbols
- The Assassin: A Story of Race and Rage in the Land of Apartheid
