In Praise of the Bicycle (Hardback)

Marc Augé, the French anthropologist who gave us the idea of non‑places — those anonymous airports, hotels and motorways we drift through — turns his sharp, curious eye to something far more joyful: the bicycle. In In Praise of the Bicycle, he invites us on a gentle, thoughtful ride through our cities and through our own memories.

Augé reminds us of that first rush of freedom we felt as kids on two wheels, and how cycling connects us not just to ourselves but to the world around us. Those early rides weren’t just personal milestones — they were moments shaped by place, time and a shared cultural history.

Part memoir, part manifesto, this book celebrates cycling as a way to reclaim our streets, rediscover our surroundings, and push back against a world that often feels disconnected and rushed. Augé makes a compelling case for the bicycle as more than transport — it’s a tool for reflection, connection and a better way of living.

Perfect for readers interested in urban cycling, cultural theory, or anyone who simply loves the feeling of being on a bike.