Historical Dictionary of Cycling

This one-volume dictionary, written by two experts on Olympic history, features 500-plus alphabetically arranged entries with cross-references. The length of entries ranges from several lines for a simple definition, to four or five pages, e.g., for the Tour de France race. The breadth of topics is extensive. Individuals, specific races, types of cycling, and topics related to cycling are covered. The book treats controversial issues like doping in a factual, unbiased manner. Overall the writing is readable and concise. Numerous black-and-white photos supplement the text, and ten appendixes list winners in various classes of racing, award winners, and record holders. A chronology of cycling, starting with 1493 and extending to the present, provides interesting reading. A lengthy, topically arranged bibliography will be helpful to those looking for additional information. This monograph will make a good addition to libraries with collections in the history of sports in general or cycling in particular. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. * CHOICE *
Historical Dictionary of Cycling provides excellent reference material covering 150 years of cycling condensed in 415 pages. Entries on events, machinery, personalities, chronology, organizations and statistics are clearly laid out and written in an accessible style. The main emphasis is on competitive cycling but there are sections on cycle development and the sociological aspects of cycling. There are also key passages on doping and other current topics exercising discussion by the bodies which govern cycling as a sport....Historical Dictionary of Cycling is, as the cover notes say, “an excellent resource for students, researchers and anyone wanting to know more about cycling”... Ideal for sports reference sections. * s *