Publisher's Synopsis
Maria E Ward was a resident of New York, a dedicated bicyclist, and active member of the Staten Island Bicycle Club. Published in 1896, at a time when bicycling had become a favourite activity and there was already an over-abundance of books on the subject, Ward's Bicycling for Ladies stood out among the competition. Written specifically for women cyclists, whose number was rapidly increasing and who had hitherto been generally ignored, this comprehensive manual provided both inspiration and practical instruction, covering everything from repairs and maintenance, advice on suitable dress, to a training regimen designed for women. Ward's encyclopaedic knowledge of everything relating to the bicycle is evident throughout, and her book is also notable for the quality of the ample illustrations. Ward hired gymnast Daisy Elliot to demonstrate cycling techniques such as how to mount, dismount, carry a bicycle, and carry out basic repairs, and her friend Alice Austen photographed the model in the various poses. Illustrations were then created for the book from these photographic images, with Daisy's well-muscled physique and plain features softened to make them more appealing.
