BOOK REVIEWS
Across America By
Motor-Cycle
C.K. Shepherd & M.L. Hunnibell
2019
ISBN 978-1948181495
R
Originally written in 1922 this is the 100th anniversary edi-
tion of Across America By Motor-Cycle as annotated by Captain
Mark L. Hunnibell and in such is essentially two books in one.
When in 1919 Captain Charles K. (CK) Shepherd took his
four cylinder Henderson motorcycle across the United States it
was an epic ride, and that comes across perfectly through his
unique style of story telling. A word of advice, read CK's story
from start to finish, then read each chapter with Mark's annota-
tions.
The annotations add something special to the narrative, per-
haps at times diminishing the overall story yet always putting it
into perspective and confirming facts.
CK's story telling is travel writing at its best. In a present
context CK could be accused of being racist or even naive
however, Across America By Motor-Cycle is a great insight into
America (and the world) just after World War 1; it's a very dif-
ferent time and this certainly comes through 100 years later.
Mark's exhaustive work puts some of the travel tales in con-
text. The annotation's are thoroughly researched, providing the
reader with the facts as they would've happened. You get the
impression that Mark was right there with CK, it would've made
for an interesting dynamic.
In his introduction CK asks that the reader "not be over
critical" for he is just an "unaspiring, British motor-cyclist",
we disagree and found that Across America By Motor-Cycle is
an outstanding read. Why has it taken us almost a century to
discover it. It doesn't matter, we need to thank Mark Hunnibell
for returning it to life with greater
insight and information.
Across America By Motor-Cycle is
a must read, it's an important part of
motorcycling history, of travel writ-
ing, and adventure. Make sure you
give the Centennial Edition a read.
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