A History of the World’s Most Famous Motorcycle

Harley-Davidson
A History of the World’s Most Famous Motorcycle
by Margie Siegal

The slim profile of this new book from Shire Publications belies its technical prowess. But if you’re familiar with authou Margie Siegal’s approach to vintage motorcycling, that’s no surprise. Siegal always provides engineering and product development insights while being economical with language. But appropriate to this type of historical perspective, those details are also adroitly placed on a backdrop of social setting and cultural climate.

Siegal follows Harley-Davidson’s progress from backyard business to global manufacturing monster, through two world wars and a perhaps an even more challenging battle with an infiltrating motorcycle manufacturer from overseas. Engine development is traced from the earliest single and first twin to current models, often addressing the reasons behind model changes such as market shifts and buyer concerns. Siegal also frames the social impact of Harley-Davidson motorcycles through the decades, suggesting how and why the company’s products have reached iconic status not only in the United States but around the world.

Lushly illustrated with images by photographer Dana Shirey and archival photos from the Dudley Perkins archive, there’s plenty of eye candy offsetting the well-researched text. Technical enough for the gearhead without intimidating the newbie, every reader is sure to learn something from this book’s straightforward and thoughtful perspective.

$9.95
www.shirebooksusa.com
Shire Publications and Old House Books
Shire Publications are sold by Random House