From Boneshakers to Choppers: The Rip-Roaring History of Motorcycles - Tapa dura

The fastest book on two wheels explores the timeless appeal of the motorcycle.

In 1885, two German inventors strapped a motor to a bicycle, and the world's first motorcycle was born. Riders have been hooked ever since.

Climb aboard From Boneshakers to Choppers and discover how these two-wheeled wonders spawned subcultures that continue to flourish today. From early endurance contests that catapulted Harley-Davidson to fame to pulp novels featuring rugged biker heroes, you'll witness the burgeoning motorcycle image of the early 20th century.

Move on to wartime when the military pushed the motorcycle's portability by designing collapsible motorbikes to drop -- by parachute -- behind enemy lines. Then follow the motorcycle through the definitive postwar years: the birth of the Hell's Angels, the ultimate cool of biker Marion Brando in The Wild One, and the scooter-as-fashion craze of the mods. You'll also discover the world of adventurous female bikers, take to the tracks of stunt riders, and hit the road with cross-continent racers.

Brimming with an amazing collection of archival and contemporary photographs, FromFrom Boneshakers to Choppers will take you on an unforgettable ride.

Lisa Smedman is a novelist, short-fiction writer, and one of the founders ofAdventures Unlimited magazine. She lives in Vancouver, B.C.