Bicycle: The History

by David V Herlihy
Bicycle: The History cover
Good Books rating 4.25
History
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  • ID: 6095
  • Added: 2025-11-01
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9780300104189
  • Publisher: Yale University Press
  • Published: 2004-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The bicycle, often referred to as the nineteenth century's 'mechanical horse,' opened up a new world of transportation and freedom for people of all classes. This book delves into the engineering marvel that not only changed how people traveled but also had a profound impact on society and culture. /n/n From its early designs to its evolution into the modern bicycle, this history explores the technological advancements and the social changes that accompanied this invention. It's a story of innovation, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of a simple yet transformative machine.

Reviews
Technology and Culture · 2007-01-24
comprehensive 4.25

The book offers a colourful and reliable account of the bicycle boom of the 1890s and subsequent developments. It is praised for its thorough research and engaging narrative.

The review in Technology and Culture highlights how 'Bicycle: The History' provides a colourful and for the most part reliable account of the bicycle boom of the 1890s and subsequent twentieth-century developments. The reviewer appreciates the book's thorough research and engaging narrative, which make it a valuable resource for understanding the bicycle's impact on society and culture. The book's comprehensive coverage of the bicycle's history is particularly noted, with a focus on the technological advancements and social changes that accompanied its development. The reviewer finds the book to be both informative and engaging, with a good balance of technical details and historical context. The narrative is praised for its ability to connect the bicycle's technological advancements to broader social changes, making it a valuable addition to the history of technology and culture.

Quick quotes

    It gives a colourful and for the most part reliable account of the bicycle boom of the 1890s.

    The book provides a comprehensive coverage of the bicycle's history and its impact on society and culture.

    The narrative is praised for its ability to connect the bicycle's technological advancements to broader social changes.

New Scientist · 2005-03-16
informative 4.50

The book is described as a worthy coffee-table history, filled with anecdotes and statistics that provide a rich tapestry of the bicycle's development. It is noted for its engaging narrative and comprehensive coverage.

The New Scientist review describes 'Bicycle: The History' as a worthy coffee-table history, perfect for cyclists and history enthusiasts alike. The reviewer appreciates the book's wealth of anecdotes and statistics, which paint a vivid picture of the bicycle's development. The narrative is engaging, making it a enjoyable read for those interested in the history of technology. The book's comprehensive coverage of the bicycle's impact on society and culture is particularly highlighted, making it a valuable addition to any bookshelf. The reviewer finds the book to be both informative and entertaining, with a good balance of technical details and historical context.

Quick quotes

    Bicycle is a worthy coffee-table history for cyclists, stuffed with countless anecdotes and statistics.

    With a sad tale or two along the way, the book provides a rich tapestry of the bicycle's development.

    The narrative is engaging, making it a enjoyable read for those interested in the history of technology.

The New York Times · Edward Koren · 2005-01-30
engaging 4.00

The book provides a detailed and engaging account of the bicycle's history, highlighting its impact on society and culture. It is praised for its thorough research and engaging narrative.

Edward Koren's review in The New York Times highlights how 'Bicycle: The History' by David V. Herlihy offers a comprehensive look at the bicycle's evolution. Koren appreciates the book's depth, noting its detailed exploration of the bicycle's impact on society and culture. The narrative is engaging, filled with anecdotes and historical insights that make the book a compelling read for both cycling enthusiasts and history buffs. Koren particularly enjoys the book's ability to connect the bicycle's technological advancements to broader social changes, making it a valuable addition to the history of technology and culture.

Quick quotes

    This lively and engrossing history retraces the extraordinary story of the bicycle.

    A history of disputed patents, brilliant inventions, and missed opportunities.

    The book is a worthy coffee-table history for cyclists, stuffed with countless anecdotes and statistics.

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