Motorcycling An Illustrated Social History

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Motorcycling An Illustrated Social History

In the 120 years of their existence, motorcycles have been used as a means of basic and affordable transport, for work and play, in war and peace and in all kinds of sport and competition. Whilst many books look at the history of particular marques or types of motorcycle, in this book the author turns his readers attention to the social history of motorcycling.

Through the use of over 250 photographs (many of them appearing for the first time), he brings new insights into the impact that motorcycles have had on our everyday lives, from fashion to necessity, from flappers to mods and rockers, from milkmen to racers.

The book concentrates upon the Golden Age of motorcycles from the turn of the century to the mid-1960s, before the time when foreign makes put paid to Britains manufacturers. The author focuses on the everyday experiences of ordinary riders who recorded their personal, sometimes intimate, interaction with their machines through the medium of photography.

Lengthy captions provide technical information and social comment on each of the photographs. In this way, this fascinating book reflects not just the history of the motorcycle, but also its place in the development of life in Britain during an era when British machines reigned supreme. The growing numbers of classic bike enthusiasts will be thrilled to see so many fascinating and unusual images published in one volume.

Roger Fogg is a retired teacher who confesses to owning more vintage motorcycles than are strictly necessary. He writes on the subject of motorcycles for various magazines, and is a member and past Chairman of the Cornwall section of the Vintage Motorcycle Club.

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