This original 1899 edition of the Cyclists’ Touring Club British Road Book, Volume I is an exceptional artefact from the dawn of modern cycling. Published by Chorley & Pickersgill, Leeds, and authored by Frederick W. Cook, it captures the routes, road conditions and cycling culture of late-Victorian Britain.

With its distinctive hardback binding, period typography and fold-out map, this book was the trusted guide for members of the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC) — one of the earliest and most influential cycling organisations in the world.

Item Details:

Title: The British Road Book, Vol. I
Author: Frederick W. Cook
Publisher: Chorley and Pickersgill, Leeds
Year Printed: 1899
Edition: Original first edition
Binding: Hardback (cloth cover, gilt lettering)
Language: English
Region Covered: Europe (British Isles focus)
Condition: Vintage / pre-owned, signs of age and handling; map included and intact
Special Attributes: Original fold-out route map, early CTC insignia
Subject: Leisure, Hobbies & Lifestyle – Cycling & Touring

This piece offers more than historical value — it is a testament to the birth of British cycling tourism and the collective spirit of the CTC, which inspired generations of riders to explore by bicycle.

Recommended Price

€120 – €150 (depending on condition and completeness of map)

Personal Note from Sorcha Rosa

“The British Road Book reads like a time capsule — when adventure meant two wheels, a paper map, and courage. A beautiful reminder of how cycling has always been about freedom.”
— Sorcha Rosa

Cyclists’ Touring Club

Cyclists’ Touring Club British Road Book Vol. I (1899) – Vintage CTC Edition with Map