Darwin Holmstrom

Indian Motorcycle: 120 Years of America's First Motorcycle Company by Darwin Holmstrom is a fun history of the company and, peripherally, of the country (or at least as it applies to motor transportation).

I have recently read several books on specific manufacturers of motorcycles and automobiles and most, understandably, use the frame of going model to model to tell the story. For most companies that is probably the best format. This book is more of a history with models and modifications incorporated into that history. I found this to work very well in this case. Between the way the company operated and the fact they declared bankruptcy the history of the company's rise, fall, and resurrection is more compelling than simply moving from model to model.

I was particularly interested in the chapter on the resurrection of the brand. The design and engineering that went into it was, I think, a wonderful glimpse behind the scenes.

Definitely for Indian Moto(r)cycle fans as well as those interested in the history of transportation in the US. There is even some good information on what not to do when your company is on top or near the top of your industry. Great pictures and history.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (más)

It seems a large portion of this book is dedicated to The Life Harley-Davidson in popular culture.
I admit I picked up this book to learn more about the early years of Harley-Davidson and I appreciate the section on 'War Booty' which seems rather fitting as Elvis Presley is on the cover and my favorite movie of his was GI Blues. And when one thinks in the terms, 'Leader of the Pack", Elvis did stand out.

But more than the pop -culture movies, such as, The Wild One, Easy Rider, Judgement Day, The Wild Angels or Wild Hogs, this book is truly geared to anyone that enjoys the beauty of the machine or the freedom it provides.

I reviewed for Net Galley… (más)