Vespa (Hardcover)

by Valerio Boni (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"The photos are fascinating and convey the feel of a foreign film." -- 04/16 AUTOWEEK

Product Description
In the fashion capitols of the world, the Vespa motorscooter is a necessary lifestyle accessory. And those who are not Vespa owners are Vespa admirers. From the classic romance of Roman Holiday to the defiant non-conformity of the Mod and Punk scenes, and today's hipsters, the Vespa has become an icon of adventure, style, and "coolness." Like so much Italian design, the Vespa's form is sensual and sleek, and even after 60 years, its retro lines continue to seduce and excite. This eco-friendly darling of fashionistas and celebrities (Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert DeNiro, and Lenny Kravitz all have one) is the perfect antidote to city congestion, and makes getting to your next gallery opening, movie premier, or market, fast and fun.Vespa is a celebration of the scooter's history. Containing over 200 images, the book covers the technical evolution of the Vespa-first built in 1946 by the aircraft manufacturer Piaggio-through 138 successive models and versions (including the short-lived Vespa car). The book is also a look at the iconic vehicle's significant role in society and its impact on popular culture through today. Vintage advertising, copiously reproduced throughout this treasure trove of all things Vespa, embodies the uniqely European aesthetic and Italian vitality that is at once exotic and familiar to everyone.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 185 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli (March 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847829367
• ISBN-13: 978-0847829361
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #120,283 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars really neat book, April 18, 2007

By	plife (nyc) - See all my reviews

I got the book as a birthday present for a friend who owns a 1968 vespa. Compared to all the other Vespa books, this had the best combination of vespa-nerd technical information and great historical content -- not just about the development of the scooter, but about how it affected people around the world. I also love the "pillowy" cover, which makes the book not just visually entertaining (so many great photos), but, also just holding it is a great tactile experience.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Vespa Pocketbook, November 18, 2007

By	Karl Sooder (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Although the book is deceptively small, its contents are very comprehensive. Contained between its high quality hard covers is a comprehensive view of the Vespa history, current and former production models and associated marketing programs. It's a very handy travel volume for those of us who love to strike up conversations about the world's most popular scooter brand.