The essential exploration of the design, history, and culture of the motorcycle - an icon of the machine age. Motorcycles are ubiquitous in the world's streets and cities, evolving over decades in engineering and design to meet individual transportation needs. With the coming demise of the internal combustion engine and the rise of electric-powered vehicles, motorcycle design is being revolutionized by new technologies, the demands of climate change, and global social transformation. The book showcases 100 superb examples of motorcycle design from the late 19th century to the present and then on beyond to the technological innovations of the future. The essays and texts accompanying each image have been written by internationally renowned motorcycle experts, Professor Charles M. Falco and Ultan Guilfoyle, who reveal the motorcycle's influence on realms as diverse as film, fashion, sport, advertising, and technology. Beautifully illustrated with specially commissioned photography and archival ephemera, the engaging text will prove compulsive reading for design lovers and motorcycle fans alike. A must-have companion, The Motorcycle, Design, Art, Desire traces the exciting evolution of this automotive icon - and the culture of desire, freedom, and rebellion that surrounds it.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 320

Dimensions: 213 x 278 mm

Publication Date: 20-02-2023

Boat life, this is like vanlife on the water - explore the world across the great blue waters. Boatlife visually explores a nomadic lifestyle on the water featuring unique homes from sailboats to trawlers. Through illustrated maps, itineraries and background information, this book will inspire your own adventure, while taking you on a journey across bodies of water from The Americas and Europe to voyages alongside Scandinavia and the Arctic Circle. Thanks to the ever growing popularity of alternative living propelled by a pandemic, and the increasing affordability of boats, the boatlife movement is fast on the rise. People are choosing to escape their stressful life on land for a simpler and more mindful world on the water. Whether it be spending the summer on the Mediterranean or a weekend in the Caribbean - explore a universe filled with new landscapes, cultural experiences, and endless adventures.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 256

Dimensions: 225 x 290 mm

Publication Date: 16-05-2023

Pack up your panniers and grab your helmet. Life is short. Get ready for adventure with Riding in the Wild, a comprehensive guide to riding classic motorcycles on and off the roads. Written by motorcycle enthusiast and travel expert Jordan Gibbons, this book takes you on a journey around the globe, showcasing the best motorcycle regions and routes that offer unforgettable experiences. From the rugged terrain of the Australian outback to the winding roads of the Scottish Highlands, Gibbons offers informative advice on what to pack, what to wear, and the best bikes to take on your journey. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner looking for a new way to explore the world, Riding in the Wild has something for everyone. With stunning photography, maps, illustrations, and inspiring stories, this book is a great companion for anyone with an adventurous spirit.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 272

Dimensions: 225 x 290 mm

Publication Date: 30-09-2023

A ground-breaking survey of more than 650 of the most exceptional cars ever designed, organized geographically The Atlas of Car Design is a global survey of the world's greatest car designs, featuring more than 650 of the most revered (and occasionally reviled) models, from more than 190 manufacturers and more than 30 countries. Organized geographically then chronologically by decade, the book covers more than a century of exceptional and noteworthy car design - from Japanese cult classics, French Art-Deco masterpieces, German iconic models, Italian icons, and British performance machines, to American styling sensations, and pop culture and family favorites. This fresh take on an eternally popular subject, charts car design's evolution across centuries and continents. Packed with images, combining period photography, studio shots, and original car advertising, the book's oversized format generously displays the cars in all their remarkable detail. With captivating texts that tell stories of engineering feats, economic twists and turns, high-society lifestyles, and the desires of the masses, this book is a must-have for car and design fans of every kind.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 568

Dimensions: 247 x 348 mm

Publication Date: 29-08-2023

The de Havilland DH.106 Comet was the first jet airliner. Prototypes first flew in 1949, deliveries of production aircraft began in 1951, and the type entered commercial service in 1952. It was expected to deliver great prestige and prosperity to the postwar British aerospace industry, but the Comet's reputation was badly tarnished by several fatal crashes. About a quarter of the aircraft built were destroyed or written off in accidents. This book by freelance aviation journalist Wolfgang Borgmann provides an account of the type's development and production in the 1940s and then proceeds to describe the technical details and operational histories of all variants, including models 1, 2, 3, and 4. The work features about 250 images, the majority of which are in color. The de Havilland DH.106 Comet was the first jet airliner. Prototypes first flew in 1949, deliveries of production aircraft began in 1951, and the type entered commercial service in 1952. It was expected to deliver great prestige and prosperity to the postwar British aerospace industry, but the Comet's reputation was badly tarnished by several fatal crashes. About a quarter of the aircraft built were destroyed or written off in accidents. This book by freelance aviation journalist Wolfgang Borgmann provides an account of the type's development and production in the 1940s and then proceeds to describe the technical details and operational histories of all variants including models 1, 2, 3, and 4. The work features about 250 images, the majority of which are in color. Even dedicated fans of the Comet will find new information and unseen images. Aircraft in various nostalgic liveries are featured, including those from BOAC, Air France, PanAm, Nigeria Airways, and Japan Airlines. Military variants operated by the RAF and RCAF are also included. This book is the perfect addition to the A Legends of Flight Illustrated History seriesAs the first jetliner operated in scheduled service, the de Havilland Comet is a very important aircraft type in airline history. It set the standards for modern air transport and is therefore a MUST for this book series

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-04-2024

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor entered service in 2005, and production ended in late 2011. Despite the appearance of many new designs in the interim, an argument can still be made for the Raptor as the most advanced fighter aircraft on active duty today. Primarily due to its stealth capabilities, the F-22 program remains somewhat secretive, and the aircraft cannot be exported from the US. This work provides a concise pictorial history of the aircraft, from its design and development to its adoption, combat duty, and even use as a exhibition aircraft with the Raptor demo team.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 112

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-04-2024

This is an action-filled, illustrated history of 17 history-making aircraft, bringing to life the stories of their creation and of the men who flew and fought in them. Each chapter then goes beyond the story of the aircraft to relate the experiences of their pilots and aircrew—how the machine resonated in their hands and in their hearts. Colorful characters, iconic missions, and, above all, the diverse fighting machines themselves are detailed in fast-moving, captivating narratives. Illustrating each aircraft is an original painting by a superb aviation artist, along with photographs to help further capture the essential nature of these classic warbirds. Each chapter concludes with a section on “The Legacies,” placing the aircraft in further historical context, describing the impact of each, not only on naval history but also on subsequent "MPA," and revealing the sometimes surprising international “bloodlines” that tie them together over a century of aviation history.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 305 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-04-2024

Whilst learning to fly, Amanda Harrison discovered a beautiful vintage Tiger Moth. After researching the amazing pioneers who flew this fragile aircraft, a spark was ignited, and Amanda dreamed of emulating their adventures. On 11th May 2019, she made that dream a reality, taking off from Biggin Hill with the aim of flying to Darwin, Australia in 19 days – just as her idol Amy Johnson had done in 1930. Eschewing the convenience of modern aero technology, Amanda chose to experience the authentic adventure and flew solo in a Tiger Moth. Solo2Darwin documents one woman’s exhilarating journey across the world. Indeed, the launch of her biplane, ‘Solo2Darwin’, received extensive press coverage including print features in The Times and The Telegraph and TV footage broadcasted on ITV and Channel 5 Evening News respectively. Faced with adversity, navigating through torturous mountain ranges covered in cloud, across seas, dodging thunderstorms and surviving engine failures, Amanda’s route had plenty of highs, lows and drama. Alongside this she also experienced the difficulties of solo-flying a biplane and having to navigate dangerous regions across the world. What makes Amanda’s expedition even more remarkable is that this was all undertaken whilst recovering from cancer. So strapped in and prepare to go on a journey of a lifetime. Twelve countries, 2,600 miles, 46 flying hours, two engine failures, one aeroplane, one female pilot, all equals one amazing adventure!

Bind: hardback

Pages: 192

Dimensions: 156 x 234 mm

Publication Date: 01-05-2024

This new title in this bestselling series relates 37 stories of shipwrecks, great discoveries, mysteries, and disappearances still thrilling adventure seekers. From the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, from the Baltic Sea to the Caribbean, the Antarctic, and the Indian Ocean; from ancient history to the present day, these short tales cover all aspects of high-seas adventure and feature prominent human incidents and tragic events. Combining tales of adventures and legends, they fuel the imagination of all those captivated by the sea and its sailors. The most-famous stories are part of our maritime heritage, like the legend of the Flying Dutchman, which inspired the ghost ship in Pirates of the Caribbean, or the fire that destroyed the MS Georges Philippar off the coast of Somalia, causing the death of senior reporter Albert Londres, who was then returning from China. Some are based on real historical events, like the sinking of La Belle, which put an end to the conquest of North America by the French, or the historic duel between the CSS Alabama, a Confederate raider, and a Union frigate USS Kearsarge, which moved the American Civil War to the English Channel. Many more have been long forgotten and are ready to come to life again.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 136

Dimensions: 190 x 266 mm

Publication Date: 28-02-2024

A complete history of 110 years of Alfa Romeo, the cars, the people, the racing, and the heritage. For more than 110 years, Alfa Romeo has set the standard for elegant, sophisticated, and racy Italian automobiles. The first Alfa Romeo, the Tipo 24HP, rolled off the line in 1910 and paved the way for such classic and well-known models as the Tipo 33 Stradale, Guilia, Giulietta, Alfasud, Alfetta, and Stelvio—Alfa Romeo’s first SUV. And this comprehensive book covers them all and much more. Automotive writer and Alfa Romeo buff Christian Schön celebrates the 110th anniversary of Alfa Romeo by taking a deep dive into the people, places, races, and especially the cars that are part of Alfa Romeo’s rich history and heritage. The book includes • a thorough timeline of all the important events and milestones in Alfa Romeo’s 110-year history, 1910–2020; • special sections on Alfa Romeo’s auto designs, engines, technology, concept cars, factories, and advertising, as well as the Alfa Romeo Museum in Milan and the key personnel responsible for Alfa Romeo’s rise to the top; • an in-depth look at Alfa Romeo’s racing history, including five world championship titles, a dozen European championships, 11 victories in the legendary Mille Miglia endurance race, and a victory in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM); and • exciting “behind the scenes” stories and more than 350 color and black-and-white images. Anyone with a passion for Alfa Romeo—or automotive history, design, and racing in general—will find excitement in these pages. The book is a must-have for any automotive library.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 208

Dimensions: 228 x 304 mm

Publication Date: 28-01-2024