Velocipedes, Bicycles and Tricycles: How to Make, and How to Use Them
London: George Routledge and Sons, 1869. Hardcover. A fascinating early work on the history of the bicycle. Beginning with a reflection that "Whether velocipedes are only the 'toy of the hour,' or are destined to become a permanent adjunct to our civilization and every-day life or not, no one can doubt their extending popularity", the pseudonymous author offers chapters on "advantages of velocipedes", "The Velocipedes of the Past", "The Velocipedes of the Day", "Art of Velocipede Management", "How to Manage a Bicycle", "How to Construct a Bicycle", "Velocipedum Variorium" and "Progress of the Velocipede". Many illustrations in the text, including past, present and imagined models and a short sequence of instructions on how to mount, start, and go down hill, demonstrated by a man in top hat and whiskers. Worn orange printed wrappers over boards, with loss to the corners and the rear panel. Rebacked. Publisher's ads as endpapers, with embossed stamp from W.H. Smith on front free endpaper. Previous owner's gift inscription on the half title page. Toning and occasional foxing. 127pp. 6.75 x 4.25" Good. Item #2024-Q124
Price: $425.00