The Brooks Compendium of Cycling Culture

Description

Saddle manufacturer Brooks England have been a British household name and an international cycling icon for 150 years. What continues to motivate and inspire this classic marque? With the help of a variety of writers, artists, journalists, designers, photographers and illustrators, this eclectic compendium of cycling's joys depicts Brooks's unique and idiosyncratic view of the wide-ranging impact of the bicycle and its place in the world, alongside their dedication to function, quality and style. While Brooks is, at its heart, a British company, the team explore the bicycle as a worldwide phenomenon that has connected people - the Tour de France luring professional cyclists of all nationalities to the continental countryside - and continues to provide lone travellers with a gateway to all corners of the earth, celebrating journeys undertaken in some of the planet's most extreme environments, from South America's Atrato Swamp to Siberia. Alongside these ambitious projects, the simple joy of cycling to work, the sense of freedom and adventure afforded to all those who cycle for leisure, and the satisfaction gleaned from crafting the bicycle itself are exalted. The result isn't a book about a saddle maker, but a collection of fascinating contributions from leading creatives from a broad cultural spectrum who are as passionate about their work as they are about their cycling.

Guy Andrews has worked for over 20 years as a cycling journalist, author and editor. In 2006 he founded and co-published cycle racing reportage magazine Rouleur and edited the magazine for almost ten years. During those years Guy also produced and edited seven photographic annuals and promoted exhibitions to coincide with them in London, New York and Berlin. Guy has written several books on the subjects of bicycles, bicycle racing, design and technology. Brooks England is a Saddle manufacturer and has been a British household name and an international cycling icon for 150 years

'A thoughtful almanac of essays, interviews and photography that is as comforting for the brain as the British brand's saddles are for the posterior' - Mr Porter, The Daily 'A fascinating read' - Bikeradar.com 'Unusual, entertaining and a surprising mix of stories about the culture of cycling and its place in history' - Road cc 'The feel of the book, reflecting Brooks' place in the cycling market, is one of quality ... chock-full of fascinating articles covering all aspects of cycle culture'' - Cycle magazine