H. O. Duncan [Herbert Osbaldeston Duncan] — The World on Wheels

Paris, H. O. Duncan, [1926]. First edition. Cloth. The first edition of Herbert Osbaldeston Duncan's profusely illustrated two volume autobiographical work, providing an account of the history of automobiles, inscribed by the author. The first edition. Inscribed by the author in French to his friend Doctor Charles Renous, dated 1944. Illustrated with a monochrome frontispiece and many monochrome vignettes. A two volume complete set. This two volume work was written by Herbert Osbaldeston Duncan, and English cyclist, and pioneer of the British automobile industry as a manager of The British Motor Syndicate and 'De Dion-Bouton', and the founder of the 'Motor Review' magazine. This work provides a history of automobiles and engineering, from ancient Roman roads and vehicles and the early petrol vehicles, to contemporary roads and motor car expeditions. The work combines historical information with memoirs and anecdotes from the author. Undated, dated by copies held by the British Library. In the publisher's original cloth. Externally generally smart with fading to the spines, the odd very slight mark to the boards, slight wear to the extremities, a damp stain to the tail of the spine, and front joint starting to the tail to 'Vol II&apos. Minimal marks to the endpapers. Internally, binding starting to the front of 'Vol I', otherwise firm. Pages generally bright with occasional spotting, heavier to the front and rear. Good . Ill.: None stated. Good .