Automobile Quarterly Vol 32 4

2005 Thomas McKean Memorial Cup Winner - Voted most important original research in automobile history by The Antique Automobile Club of America Best Of Books Winner, 2005 International Automotive Media Awards Author Beverly Rae Kimes, 2005 International Automotive Media Award for Lifetime Achievement Honorary This "cast of characters" provides the lens through which award-winning author Beverly Rae Kimes focuses on the early years of the American automobile industry. While some names - Ford, Dodge, Buick, and more - are easily recognized, this book also introduces snapshots of lesser known, but vitally important actors in this dramatic saga. The famous, the infamous, and the unknown are brought together by their common dedication to this great invention - and united by the fascinating stories that characterize each person.

 In 1893, Indianapolis carriage maker Charles Black created a rudimentary car—perhaps the first designed and built in America. Within 15 years, Indianapolis was a major automobile industry center rivaling Detroit, and known for quality manufacturing and innovation—the aluminum engine, disc brakes, aerodynamics, superchargers, and the rear view mirror were first developed there. When the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909, hometown manufacturers dominated the track—Marmon, Stutz and Duesenberg. The author covers their histories, along with less well known contributors to the industry, including National, American, Premier, Marion, Cole, Empire, LaFayette, Knight-Lyons and Hassler.

This comprehensive reference guide reviews the literature concerning the impact of the automobile on American social, economic, and political history. Covering the complete history of the automobile to date, twelve chapters of bibliographic essays describe the important works in a series of related topics and provide broad thematic contexts. This work includes general histories of the automobile, the industry it spawned and labor-management relations, as well as biographies of famous automotive personalities. Focusing on books concerned with various social aspects, chapters discuss such issues as the car's influence on family life, youth, women, the elderly, minorities, literature, and leisure and recreation. Berger has also included works that investigate the government's role in aiding and regulating the automobile, with sections on roads and highways, safety, and pollution. The guide concludes with an overview of reference works and periodicals in the field and a description of selected research collections. The Automobile in American History and Culture provides a resource with which to examine the entire field and its structure. Popular culture scholars and enthusiasts involved in automotive research will appreciate the extensive scope of this reference. Cross-referenced throughout, it will serve as a valuable research tool.

In recent years, Chrysler has made waves with a series of dramatic new show cars, exciting production vehicles like the Prowler and Viper, and its mega-merger with German juggernaut Daimler-Benz. It is generally accepted that Chrysler is the most forward-thinking of the Big Three American automakers, yet the company also has a wonderfully compelling past. Just in time to mark Chrysler's 75th anniversary, this beautifully illustrated history takes readers on a journey that spans the company's genesis in the 1920s to present. Marvelous archival black-and-white photography is accompanied by nostalgic period color imagery, print ads, and new color photography of classics. The story includes model from Doge, Plymouth, Imperial, and DeSoto, while sidebars highlight key figures and stunning feats of engineering and styling.

Hero or Villain? There's no question that Glenn Curtiss was one of the most significant figures in the early development of motorcycles, aviation, and engine development. This book will take you on a journey through both his life and his innovative technological developments. And what a life it was. Descriptions of this man prove to be contradictory and controversial. He was quiet, yet dashing. Kind, yet stern. Uneducated, yet a technological and entrepreneurial pioneer. He began his inventing career by building and racing motorcycles, while creating new internal combustion engines, then moved on to work with dirigibles, airplanes (particularly seaplanes), community development, and travel trailers. In the end, Glenn Curtiss - a man respected by contemporaries for his character - went to his grave accused of fiduciary irresponsibility and patent theft. His bitter patent disputes with the Wright Brothers leave many wondering whether Curtiss should be seen as a hero or a villain when his place in history is considered. Hell-Rider to King of the Air examines Curtiss's life, career, and accomplishments in an engaging and accessible way, so that readers can answer that question for themselves.