This lively and lavishly illustrated book tells the extraordinary history of the bicycle, an invention that precipitated nothing short of a social revolution. Recounting a story replete with disputed patents, brilliant inventions, and missed opportunities, David Herlihy shows us why the bicycle captured the public’s imagination and the myriad ways it has reshaped our world.

A comprehensive genealogy of the two-wheeled savior of mass transit. . . . Herlihy takes what could have been just another history book and makes it a story worth telling your friends about.” Publishers Weekly

"Fun and informative." Baltimore Sun

Immensely absorbing.”Edward Koren, New York Times Book Review

"Lovingly written and beautifully illustrated."David Schoonmaker, American Scientist

A delight.”Robert Messenger, Wall Street Journal

Herlihy has traced the bicycle’s family tree with a thoroughness reminiscent of Laura Hillenbrand and her thoroughbred, Seabiscuit. . . . Bicycle is a good read for all and a must for the cyclist’s home library.”Joe Simnacher, Dallas Morning News

"[One of] the best cycling-related books I've seen in the past decade."Joe Lindsey, Mountain Bike