This is one volume in a series of comprehensive pictorial histories published by Peebles Press to chronicle the progress of modern man in motion. Pictures tell stories and each of these volumes contains 400-650 pictures, many heretofore unpublished, that graphically illustrate the evolution of man's successful attempts to extend his horizons by increasing his mobility. There is, of course, much romantic notion attached to each subject in this series. All is not technology nor was mobility alone the primary object of those people involved in the beginnings and then the development of the several means of transport our sophisticated society now accepts as a natural part of life. Think, for a moment, of the subjects: Flight; Ships; Railways; Motoring.
Even if you are a thorough technocrat, you must still admit to some small, undefined excitement as you contemplate your own particular field of interest. For instance, Motoring – Mr. Rolls and Mr. Royce are pictured at the inception of their highly regarded product. The standard of quality for British nobility for decades, how could these two foresee the day when any commoner could rent a Rolls Royce by the day in London (courtesy of Avis).
Ships – there is much to be said for man's feeble attempts to conquer the sea. But whereas commerce and war alone used to occupy the high places in ocean-going activities, isn't it comforting to know that luxury cruising is now the main effort of most modern ships. Holland America, flagged from the Netherlands who used to have the greatest commercial fleet in history (17th century), now will run you around the Caribbean for ten days just for the sake of the cruise itself.
Railways built empires – our own western states were tied together by the great passenger lines of yesteryear. Nowadays trains are commuter handicaps, subjects of ridicule. But don't forget the majesty of the early days. Without railways we would still be a pretty fragmented society here in America.
Finally there is Flight. In 1903 Orville Wright flew 12 seconds at the rate of 31 m.p.h. And now we fly to the moon, can make New York to Europe in less than four hours in a faster than sound Concorde, and luxuriate in long distance KLM jumbo 747 rides attended by a gaggle of flight attendants who exist to make us comfortable. We can even get up and take a walk if we like without disturbing our journey.
If the four subjects of our picture history series could be summed up in one word, that word would have to be "challenge". Certainly in observing the development and refinement of these areas of progress we can see in ourselves that adventuresome spirit and restless drive to peer around uncharted corners and climb over unknown mountains that sets us apart from all other living creatures.
– From the dust jacket
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