1. Introduction 2. Resistance to Change 3. Entrepreneurs 4. Trials 5. The ‘Old Brigade’ and the New ‘Steady and Careful Artisan’ 6. Tourists 7 . Futures 8 Conclusion Bibliography Appendix Index
An exploration of the emergence and development of bicycling and automobility in modern Britain, with a focus on SF Edge and his network of entrepreneurs.
Craig Horner is Senior Lecturer in History at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. His recent research focuses on motoring in British society. He is the editor of The Cheshire Motor Vehicle Registrations, Vol. 1: 1904–07 (2019)
Craig Horner's treatise on the early days of cycling and motoring
in Britain takes a scholarly yet entertaining look at the changing
attitudes to the new mobility and its gradual diffusion down
through the clearly defined social strata of pre-Great War England.
Key figures in this scenario highlighted in the text were Selwyn
Francis Edge and his secretary Dorothy Levitt, who did much to
popularise motoring among a wider audience. The ample list of
references consulted invites further reading.
*David Burgess-Wise, Society of Automotive Historians in Britain,
UK.*
Craig Horner’s absorbing analysis brings home just how much of the
cultural landscape of modern British automobility was established
as early as 1910. Out were the niche enthusiasts’ toys driven by
the 1890s posh, in were the slightly boring branded cars affordable
by the consumer of ‘moderate means’ – the advance guard of mass
motoring. Only by understanding the enormity of this century-old
cultural achievement can we dream of inspiring tomorrow’s motorist
to spend less time behind the wheel
*Colin Divall, Professor Emeritus, University of York, UK.*
This is no dry tome. It is suffused with entertainment, and the
author knows how to hold the attention of his reader… the strength
of this book is the proficiency Horner demonstrates in weaving
myriad sources into a coherent picture of those exciting early days
[of automobility].
*The Automobile*
![]() |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
![]() |