Bikers' Bookshelf

A visual history of two-wheeled motorized transport: the motorcycle. Contains around 300 photographs from PA Photos huge archives, spanning the whole of the 20th Century. Hand-picked by PA Photos own archivists, many of these images have lain unseen since they were used as news pictures when first taken. Many images have been scanned especially for this book, many from glass plates, ensuring the best possible quality of reproduction. The story of the motorcycle starts when it was little more than a bicycle frame with an engine strapped on, soon becoming a purpose designed vehicle for cheap every-day transport, navigating congested urban traffic, for long distance travel, cruising and holidays. Some machines became test-beds for mechanical refinement and thrilled spectators at race circuits and off road tracks throughout the world. From the temperamental vintage machines of the early 1900s, to the motorcycling subcultures of the 1940s Hells Angels, the 1950s Caf Racers, and the Mods and Rockers of the 1960s, all aspects of the motorcycle are celebrated.