The Noblest Invention: An Illustrated History of the Bicycle

If you are interested at all in the history of bicycling, you will enjoy this book. It is well written, not really surprising considering its source. It would make a good gift for anyone you know who rides a bicycle.

If you are looking for an encyclopedic history of cycling, this may not be your book. However, this book is lavish with wonderful photos and illustrations depicting everything from folks riding ancient high-wheelers to kids bombing around on Schwinn Sting Rays to whacked-out dudes on high tech dirt bikes. Great for flipping through on a lazy afternoon.The text is weighted somewhat toward the racing crowd, and I do agree with the reviewer who said there's not enough about touring (or, in my opinion, commuting, which is the major use of the bicycle worldwide). However, I can't help but smile when I see images of Albert Einstein on a bike or look at the "streamlined" Aerocycle built for the 1933-34 World's Fair. It looked like a motorcycle--and probably weighed as much as one too."A bicycle is the long-sought-after means of transportation for all of us who have runaway hearts," writes Lance Armstrong in the first line of the book's Forward. If that line strikes a chord with you, if you're idea of a perfect afternoon is gliding silently across a green, glowing landscape on two wheels, if you've ever viewed a bicycle as a friend (or therapist), then have a look at the Noblest Invention.