The Bicycle — Towards a Global History

• Bicycle
• bike
• bicycling
• cycling
• bicycle history
• bicycle literature
• bicycle and art
• bicycle culture
• bicycle mobility
• sustainable transport
• bicycle protest
• bicycle future
• safety bicycle
• high bicycle
• velocipede
• velo
• Michaux
• Starley
• bicycle touring
• bicycle and health
• future
• global history
• history
• history of literature
• mobility

"Using four thematic chapters, this book is notable in providing an assessment of the history of the bicycle that is firmly lodged in sociology and cultural studies, representing the most current academic approaches to the subject. Its global outlook is particularly welcome. It is a valuable addition to the literature of cycling history and to transport studies more generally."

- Nicholas Oddy, Head of Design History and Context, Glasgow School of Art, UK

'Paul Smethurst has thoroughly digested his bicycle history and produced a deeply researched, original and perceptive cultural and social history of the bicycle. Among the many recently published new titles exploring this ever-fascinating subject, Paul's is particularly noteworthy for its broad explorations and international focus.' Dr Andrew Ritchie, bicycle historian and author of Major Taylor: The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World

Paul Smethurst is Associate Professor in English at the University of Hong Kong, China, where he teaches courses in travel writing, literature and the environment, and fictions of globalisation. His books include Travel Writing and the Natural World (2013) and The Postmodern Chronotope (2000). After taking early retirement in 2015, he plans to continue writing from his home in Bali.  

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