[CYCLING] COQUELLE, Robert, and BREYER, Victor. The Kings of - Lot 123

[CYCLING] COQUELLE, Robert, and BREYER, Victor. The Kings of Cycling. One of the earliest reference works on the great champions of cycling, in its first edition and well-bound. Paris, Brocherioux, 1898. In-12 format, burgundy half-basane leather, ribbed spine (later binding). 333 pp., 35 black-and-white photographic reproductions on coated paper and 5 advertisements printed in red on serpentine paper. Small tear on the front cover, yellowed paper. A rare first edition of this presentation of the great figures of cycling at the end of the 19th century, a period that saw the sport experience spectacular growth. The two sports journalists Robert Coquelle (1875–1957) and Victor Breyer (1869–1960) recount the exploits of the leading French and foreign cyclists (Bourrillon, Cordang, Huret, Jacquelin, Morin, Protin), and discuss the major races of the era, both on the road and on the track. Vintage advertisements from various manufacturers (Gladiator Peugeot, La Française, etc.) add an extra touch of charm to this copy, which is in excellent condition.