I'll preface this post by saying that although I work in a bookstore, putting a list up was someone else's idea. I'm not much of a holiday gift giving guy, but since I know a thing or two about books, I thought I'd share.
There's been a bevy of bicycling books that have come out in the last year. The list below includes new and newish (less than a year old) books and one MUST have book. Most are on my staff recommend shelf at the bookstore.
I'll start with the MUST have:
This is the second edition of this book, although it's not that new (2006). The original title was "The Art of Urban Cycling" which was a little more accurate. Think of it as a 21st century version of Effective Cycling without all the ridiculous politics and overblown opinions. It's not vehicular cycling - it's better.
I'd like to call this a "coffee table" book, but it's a little small for that. Still, the photos of the bikes are stunning. The photos are of bicycles over the last 100 years, with descriptions and history. Although the basic form of the bicycle hasn't really changed that much over the last century it's interesting to see the innovations that have come and gone.
Edit: I wanted to add that the bicycles in this book are from the collection of one person, Michael Embacher. The 100 bicycles are in no way really representative of the history of bicycling (only in as much as they are part of it), but more it seems of what Mr. Embacher chose to collect. Out of the books this season, I'd say this is my favorite.
I'm constantly getting the titles of this book and the one listed directly above it confused - I'm not sure why. Nonetheless, this is a lovely little hardback with an A to Z vocabulary listing of words pertaining to all things cycling. It's nothing you'd sit down and read from cover to cover, but rather pick up and read a few pages here and there. A great bathroom reader for the cyclist in the family.
Most of the information in this book is pretty basic. It's mostly for somebody who has just starting riding or wants to start riding and wants a book about maintenance and repair but nothing crazy technical. It's definitely a lot more readable than your typical maintenance guide. It also has some great stuff about commuting and riding in the city.
I'm a total bicycle blog slut. Seriously, I must read over a hundred bicycle blogs a day. So why buy a book that's just a collection of bicycle blogs? Because they are British, that's why. All kidding aside, I had not read any of these posts from the Guardian. Funny, poignant, and nicely worded just what you'd expect from the Guardian. It's a cute little paperback that would be a good stocking stuffer.
This is a great history book for kids. It's geared towards middle school ages (Grades 6-9). It's about how bicycles helped further the women's movement. Has a few short bios of important women and great photos throughout. Although it's for kids, it would be of interest to many adults, too.
I sent this to my 3 year old nephew who loves it. The illustrations are bold, with solid colors and simple words. Get them started young!
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