The Story of Rudge Motorcycles, Peter Hartley — 1st Edition
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Publication: Wellingborough, Patrick Stephens Limited, 1985
Formatting: 4to, pp. 128.
Condition Report: Near Fine. A highly presentable and tightly bound copy. The black boards remain remarkably sharp and unblemished, with bright gilt lettering to the spine completely free from oxidation. Internally, the book is exceptionally clean, featuring bright, crisp pages without any spotting or foxing. The unclipped dust jacket is equally well-preserved, exhibiting vibrant colour across the front panel and spine, with only the faintest trace of shelf-wear to the extremities and no significant rubbing or tears.
Catalogue Note: First Edition. This comprehensive history of Rudge-Whitworth motorcycles forms part of the respected marque series published by Patrick Stephens Limited. The volume is generously illustrated throughout with black-and-white archival photographs, technical diagrams, and racing snapshots.
As a long out-of-print title, it has become increasingly uncommon on the open market, particularly in such a well-preserved state with an intact, unclipped original dust jacket.
A deep dive into one of Britain’s most innovative motorcycle manufacturers, The story of Rudge motorcycles chronicles the technical triumphs and racing legacy of Rudge-Whitworth. From the development of their pioneering radial four-valve engines to their dominance at Brooklands and the Isle of Man TT in the 1930s, Peter Hartley captures both the engineering brilliance and the key personalities that made the marque legendary. It remains an essential historical reference for veteran and vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.
Book Condition: Near Fine
Book Authors: Peter Hartley
Book Publisher: Patrick Stephens Limited
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Automotive
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 128
Book Publication Year: 1985
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: Wellingborough, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| New | A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage. |
| As New | The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years. |
| Fine | The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked. |
| Near Fine | The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition. |
| Very Good | The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present. |
| Good | A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy. |
| Fair | A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity. |
| Poor | A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance. |
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