From Publishers Weekly
With sexy full-page photo spreads and plenty of motorcycle lore, this commemorative volume celebrates the centennial of the legendary motor company. Davidson, vice president of Styling at Harley-Davidson and the grandson of one of the original founders, gives a decade-by-decade account of the company and the rise of biker culture. He describes the tinkerers perfecting the "motorized bicycle" in the basement of the Davidson family home in Milwaukee, Wisc., in 1903; the role of women riders-who were among the bike's earliest enthusiasts-and H.O.G. rallies and socials; and, of course, the postwar decades when rebel types "eager to have too much fun" captured the public imagination and forever changed the image of the motorcycle. The book includes two-page spreads of motorcycles for years during which Harley offered a new design, and Davidson shares his own passion for the machines and his memories of the family business throughout.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
This absolutely gorgeous oversize book documents the first century of Harley-Davidson motorcycles--or "motorized bicycles," as they were referred to in earlier days. The author's history of the company has a personal touch, since he is the grandson of one of the four founders. In chapters covering two decades at a time, he chronicles the business side of the company and the mechanical evolution of the product. And what a product it has been--each step in its development is illustrated here with bountiful photographs, many of which came from Davidson's personal collection and company archives. This book is a firm invitation to take to the open road, and all the publicity hype behind its publication, including an initial print run of 250,000 copies, will mean that readership interest will be high. A book to savor. Brad Hooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

FROM OUR EDITORS

"Willie G.," as he is known in cycle circles, is a third-generation descendant of Harley-Davidson Motor Company founder William A. Davidson. His connection with the firm is not merely familial: He designed several of the most important bikes of the past 40 years and is a revered figure among the millions of devoted Harley riders across the world. His tribute to this road-worthy cycle contains 20 essays and 500 photographs, including 150 in full color.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The official 100th anniversary book with the inside story as told for the first time by the legendary "Willie G." Davidson, the grandson of the founder and the man who has personally styled several of the most popular bikes.

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of a legendary American company with the official book on Harley-Davidson - the bikes, the brand, the legend. Willie G. Davidson, grandson of one of the four original founders and a legend in his own right, shares the inside story behind this remarkable company, from the making of the first production Harley-Davidson motorcycle in 1903 to the teams of designers and factory employees whose passion for producing inspired motorcycles drives its success today.

Built in a wooden shed by four young men almost one hundred years ago, the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle spawned a culture all its own. Here, the remarkable story is told with over 350 spectacular images - including vintage photographs from the early days of Harley-Davidson, full-color spreads on twenty-six milestone bikes in Harley-Davidson motorcycle as a symbol of freedom and individuality the world over.

This remarkable book was compiled with full access to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives and includes unique personal anecdotes and styling insights from Willie G. Davidson. 100 Years of Harley-Davidson is a stunning tribute to the craft and culture inside an American success story.

Willie G. Davidson became Harley-Davidson's Vice President of Styling in 1978. Willie's grandfather, William A. Davidson, along with his two brothers and William S. Harley, started the company nearly a century ago. Since the 1960s, Willie G. has been instrumental in the design of every motorcycle the Motor Company has produced.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly