Fancy Cycling, 1901: An Edwardian Guide (Old House Projects)

Isabel Marks

ISBN 10: 1908402717 / ISBN 13: 9781908402714

Published by Old House Books, 2013

About this Item

Shows straight-faced paragons of Edwardian society in a variety of impressive and unlikely vehicular arrangements. Num Pages: 116 pages, illustrations (black and white). BIC Classification: 1DBK; 3JJC; HBTB; WGC; WSQ; WZG. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 206 x 150 x 15. Weight in Grams: 350. 2013. Hardcover. . . . .

Seller Inventory # 9781908402714

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Fancy Cycling, 1901: An Edwardian Guide (Old House Projects)
• Publisher: Old House Books
• Publication Date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1908402717
• ISBN 13: 9781908402714
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This is a special cloth hardcover gift edition reproduction of the original 1901 book which was one of the first to promote daring tricks for weird and wonderful acrobatics on two wheels, such as handle bar riding, riding backward and standing on the seat riding, hands off! Illustrated with period photographs showing outlandish daredevil "fancy cycling" stunts that have to be seen to be believed, it wonderfully captures a bygone age when  popular fads and crazes were met with wild enthusiasm and is a delightful keepsake for cycling or sports enthusiasts.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

In the following pages it will be my humble endeavour to give an account of the many graceful, daring, and altogether fascinating feats which may be accomplished by any rider possessed of an ordinary amount of nerve, the virtue of determination, and a few spare moments secure from the rude intrusion of unsympathizing spectators.

When watching the stream of cyclists amidst the sea of vehicles and horses it is easy to distinguish between the ordinary rider and the expert. These latter may be known by the accuracy of their serpentine curves amidst the openings out of, meeting, and overtaking traffic; by their correct steering and, by the coolness with which, further progress being temporarily barred, the front wheel is right-angled, and a stationary balance maintained.

May my insignificant efforts be of some little service to the merry band of tricksters; may the track of their wheels be ever increasingly present in the land.