The World on Wheels.
Paris: Published by the Author, no date [1926] Stock Code: 135554
First edition, first printing of Duncan's memoirs. This copy is signed by the author and numbered 144 on the half-title.
Herbert Osbaldeston Duncan (18621945) was an English racing bicyclist, the founder of several cycling and motoring magazines, and pioneer of the British automobile industry. Credited with having introduced the chain-driven bicycle to the French, Duncan moved on to the automobile industry and worked first as commercial manager of the British Motor Syndicate (BMS), before moving to France in 1897 and taking over the management of de Dion-Bouton from 1898 until 1916. Duncan took part in the 1896 London to Brighton Emancipation Run bringing together French and British manufacturers and models in a miniature of the Paris-Marseilles race, competing to show that the motor car was a practical means of transport. "To those interested in motoring, 'H.O.D. is a household word', claimed French pianist and motoring enthusiast Ernest Vavin" (Reid).
Description
Quarto. Contemporary half sheep, titles in gilt on spine, orange speckled paper-covered boards, peacock marbled endpapers.
Illustrations
Photographic portrait frontispiece and numerous in-text illustrations.
Condition
Light wear to extremities, a little scuffed and sunned; a very good copy.
DELIVERY
With the exception of framed items*, Peter Harrington offers free delivery on all UK orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website. Delivery to USA and the rest of the world is similarly free for orders over £200.
ABOUT US
Established in 1969, Peter Harrington is one of the leading rare book firms in the world. It is a proud member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association – along with ILAB, the PBFA and Lapada – and from shops in Mayfair and Chelsea, London, sells rare books, prints and ephemera to customers across the world.
Email: mail@peterharrington.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7591 0220
