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

Geoff Cragg is a tenured instructor in the Faculty of Faculty of
Communication and Culture at the University of Calgary in Alberta.

From Boneshakers to Choppers presents its material in an enthusiastic and visually intense manner that younger readers will probably enjoy. Author Lisa Smedman devotes reasonable space to the origins of the motorcycle and the earliest attempts, using steam and internal-combustion engines, to create successful self-propelled vehicles, but omits later developments in the technology. Readers who desire a comprehensive and detailed coverage of the technical evolution of motorcycles will need to look elsewhere. And readers who are interested in the history of the motorcycle in Europe and England may regret the book’s primary focus on the U.S.

On the other hand, it is not reasonable to expect a slim volume of just over 110 pages to present a thorough and detailed history of the motorcycle from a global perspective. What this book does focus on is the place of the motorcycle in the everyday life and popular culture of North America, with greater detail from the 1950s onwards—material that is approachable and interesting to young readers. Of particular interest is the attention paid to the achievements of female riders. The list of print and electronic sources at the end may also encourage further reading. And although some material seems to be included more for its visual merit than its importance, the visual richness is another element which its intended audience will likely find attractive.

Overall, From Boneshakers to Choppers is an excellent introduction for younger readers to the world of motorcycling. Highly recommended.