This spring, I offered the René Herse book of the Japanese magazine New Cycling to listmembers. A number of people who missed that order asked whether another order could be placed.
For those not familiar with the book: The book has three parts: The first shows on 111 pages, about 54 René Herse bikes in gorgeous color photos, spanning the the mid-1940s to the 1970s, including several tandems and a triplet. Each bike is shown in a large side view and 5-6 smaller detail photos.
The second part is a reprint of all four catalogs René Herse produced: 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. The former three are full of Rebour drawings, the latter is photos.
Finally, on 137 pages, there are articles (in Japanese, but see below for translation) on René Herse, construction methods, etc., with numerous B&W photos. The photos illustrate the construction methods and are extremely interesting.
Overall, it is a stunning production, glossy paper, perfect photo reproduction, the works.
The cost has increased due to our foreign policies: The dollar is about 15% weaker compared to most currencies than it was this spring. Thus, the cost now is $ 94 plus $ 5 shipping to you. That price will include an English translation of three articles on René Herse construction methods, if New Cycling will give permission for that.
If there is significant interest (10 copies or so), I can place another order.
So, anybody interested in this, contact me off-list. Also available is "Special Made Cycles Review" for $ 43, which includes many (but unfortunately not as sharp as the stunning Herse book) photos of the various Japanese custom bikes, from French-style Toei to ultramodern whoknowswhat, with a few Herse and Singer, plus Italian beauties (De Rosa, etc.) thrown in for good measure. 1 page per bike, about 150 pages, mostly B&W, so you get about 150 amazing, cool, desirable, or just plain weird bikes.
Jan Heine, Seattle