German Baron Karl von Drais first introduced the two-wheeled tandem human-powered wooden-framed vehicle to the world, in the summer of 1817, its rider gamely steering with the front wheel while pushing along with his feet. After that history is rather vague about the bicycle. We know that the mechanically powered velocipede took off in the 1860s, soon followed by the Penny Farthing, but it wasn't until the late nineteenth century that the golden age of bicycles took off as people realised the freedoms afforded by self-powered travel, and touring and racing became popular pastimes. Today of course cycling is a global phenomenon both in professional sporting and non- professional spheres. This book of stunning photographs charts the evolution of the bicycle across 200 years of history. AUTHOR: Mirrorpix has granted access to its formidable photo archives to create this beautiful photographic history. SELLING POINTS: . Timed for the 200th anniversary of the precursor to the modern bicycle, in June 2017 . Vivid and evocative images trace the story of the bicycle, from early models through wartime and peacetime, and into the modern age . Colour photographs celebrate the modern heroes, from Olympic athletes to the Tour de France . Book produced in conjunction with Mirrorpix, presenting 120 images collated from their impressive archives 120 b/w illustraions 20 col illustrations