Overview
- This is the first bicycle book to chart the facts and myths surrounding the invention of the bicycle in the 19th century, and then to consider its cultural impact on western and non-western society
- An accessibly written addition to the world of transport studies
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About this book
This is the first history of the bicycle to trace not only the technical background to its invention, but also to contrast its social and cultural impact in different parts of the world, and assess its future as a continuing global phenomenon.
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Keywords
- Bicycle
- bike
- bicycling
- cycling
- bicycle history
- bicycle literature
- bicycle and art
- bicycle culture
- bicycle mobility
- sustainable transport
- bicycle protest
- bicycle future
- safety bicycle
- high bicycle
- velocipede
- velo
- Michaux
- Starley
- bicycle touring
- bicycle and health
- future
- global history
- history
- history of literature
- mobility
Table of contents (5 chapters)
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Front Matter
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Back Matter
Reviews
"Using four thematic chapters, this book is notable in providing an assessment of the history of the bicycle that is firmly lodged in sociology and cultural studies, representing the most current academic approaches to the subject. Its global outlook is particularly welcome. It is a valuable addition to the literature of cycling history and to transport studies more generally."
- Nicholas Oddy, Head of Design History and Context, Glasgow School of Art, UK
'Paul Smethurst has thoroughly digested his bicycle history and produced a deeply researched, original and perceptive cultural and social history of the bicycle. Among the many recently published new titles exploring this ever-fascinating subject, Paul's is particularly noteworthy for its broad explorations and international focus.' Dr Andrew Ritchie, bicycle historian and author of Major Taylor: The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World
About the author
Paul Smethurst is Associate Professor in English at the University of Hong Kong, China, where he teaches courses in travel writing, literature and the environment, and fictions of globalisation. His books include Travel Writing and the Natural World (2013) and The Postmodern Chronotope (2000). After taking early retirement in 2015, he plans to continue writing from his home in Bali.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: The Bicycle — Towards a Global History
Authors: Paul Smethurst
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137499516
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan London
eBook Packages: Palgrave History Collection, History (R0)
Copyright Information: Paul Smethurst 2015
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-137-49949-3Published: 23 April 2015
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-137-49950-9Published: 23 April 2015
eBook ISBN: 978-1-137-49951-6Published: 22 May 2015
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XIV, 194
Number of Illustrations: 28 b/w illustrations
Topics: Cultural History, World History, Global and Transnational History, Social History