Growing up Harley-Davidson Memoirs of a motorcycle dynasty

Partly a personal memoir but primarily a history of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company, this is a pleasant departure from the many other company histories. Written by a granddaughter of one of the company's founders, it focuses mainly on the company's formation and growth during the early to mid-1900s and has the added perspective of details and commentary on the personal, social, and working lives of Harley's founding families. Much of this is anecdotal, derived from memories, family stories, and diaries, and will surely contribute to the lore that surrounds the Harley-Davidson motorcycle for example, that it was developed as a quicker, more fun way to get to the fishing hole than by bicycle. The observations, perspectives, and style of the book make it interesting and useful, although some of the material is sketchy or doesn't tie in well. Vintage photographs add interest but often have little link with adjoining text. A good addition for public library motorcycling collections and perhaps for academic libraries seeking historical material on Harley-Davidson. David Van de Streek, Pennsylvania State Univ. Libs., York (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.