Revolutions: How Women Changed the World on Two Wheels

Revolutions: How Women Changed the World on Two Wheels cover
Good Books rating 4.23
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Technical
  • ID: 6284
  • Added: 2025-11-09
  • Updated: 2025-11-09
  • ISBN: 9781474611398
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2021-04-01
  • Reviews: 3

Revolutions is a gloriously celebratory book that introduces readers to the women who are part of the rich and varied history of cycling. Many of these women were told they couldn't or shouldn't cycle, but they did so anyway, whether winning medals or spreading the word about votes for women. Their stories are an inspiration, and this book brings their often-forgotten tales to the forefront. From Simone de Beauvoir's love for cycling in 1940s Paris to Annie 'Londonderry' Kopchovsky's historic around-the-world journey, these women challenged societal norms and embraced the freedom that cycling offered. Their courage and determination make for a fascinating and empowering read. The book is not just a collection of inspiring stories but also a tribute to the women who have been pushed to the margins or forgotten in the history of cycling. It highlights the impact of cycling on their lives and the broader societal changes they helped bring about. Whether it's Alice Hawkins' fight for universal suffrage or Zahra Naarin Hussano's challenge to religious and cultural taboos in Afghanistan, these women's stories are a testament to the power of cycling as a tool for change and empowerment.

Reviews
Talia Whyte · Talia Whyte · 2022-01-12
inspiring 4.20

The book is commended for its insightful exploration of women's cycling history and its impact on society. It is praised for its engaging and well-researched content.

Talia Whyte's review of 'Revolutions' is quite positive, highlighting the book's insightful exploration of women's cycling history. They appreciate how the book delves into the revolutionary impact of bicycles on women's freedom and societal roles. The reviewer also praises the book's engaging narrative style and extensive research, making it a compelling read for those interested in history and feminism. The review emphasizes the book's ability to capture the transformative power of cycling on women's lives, making it an inspiring and informative read.


Quick quotes

    A really good solid book

    A feminist history of cycling

    Exploring, amongst other things, the revolutionary impact bicycles had on women's freedom

Performance in Mind · 2021-11-10
fascinating 4.50

The book is celebrated for its extensive collection of women's cycling stories and its historical significance. It is noted for its inspiring and well-researched content.

Performance in Mind's review of 'Revolutions' is highly positive, featuring hundreds of stories of women who loved to ride and changed history as they did it. The reviewer appreciates the book's extensive research and its ability to inspire readers with the stories of women who broke conventions and cycled their way to freedom. The review highlights the book's historical significance and its engaging narrative, making it a must-read for anyone interested in women's history and cycling.


Quick quotes

    It features hundreds of stories of women that loved to ride and changed history as they did it

    A history and celebration of women's cycling

    The highly praised and fascinating story of the women through history who broke from convention and cycled their way to freedom

The Guardian · 2021-03-27
inspirational 4.00

The book is praised for its engaging and informative exploration of women's cycling history. It highlights the transformative impact of bicycles on women's freedom and societal roles.

The Guardian's review of 'Revolutions' by Hannah Ross is quite positive, describing it as a likable, informative, and barnstorming book. They appreciate how Ross tells the story of how bicycles became a symbol of women's liberation and empowerment. The review emphasizes the book's ability to capture the revolutionary impact of cycling on women's lives, making it a compelling read for those interested in history and feminism. The reviewer also highlights the book's engaging narrative style, which makes complex historical events accessible and enjoyable.


Quick quotes

    A barnstorming book

    The story of how such meanings – sometimes eagerly adopted, sometimes resisted – became attached to the bicycle

    A history and celebration of women's cycling

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