The Lost Cyclist

Oct 3, 2024 9:22 PM

Author:David V. Herlihy

The Lost Cyclist

In the spring of 1892, Frank G. Lenz, a gallant young accountant from a modest German American family, set forth from his unhappy home in Pittsburgh to circle the globe atop a new 'safety' bicycle with inflatable tyres (the forerunner of today's road bike). He brought along a large wooden camera and arranged to send regular reports to his sponsor, Outing magazine, effectively making him a harbinger of the great bicycle boom that was about to explode with stunning social and industrial repercussions. Two years, fourteen thousand miles and many adventures later, after crossing the United States, Japan, China, Burma, India and Persia, just as he was about to enter Europe for the home stretch, Lenz vanished. His presumed murder in Asiatic Turkey jolted the American public and became an international cause célèbre.

The Lost Cyclist recounts, for the first time ever, the short but remarkable life of Lenz and the heroic efforts of another American 'globe girdler', William L. Sachtleben, who was sent by Outing to unravel Lenz's mysterious death in Turkey - all set against the horrifying backdrop of the Hamidian massacres.

Reviews

The wealth of detail is overwhelming . . . gives a fascinating snapshot of a forgotten era, enhanced by Lenz's photos of his journey.

—— Book of the Week , Independent on Sunday

This well-researched and stylishly written book puts Lenz back in the public eye as well as offering readers a look at the very early days of modern cycling

—— Booklist

This should appeal to most lovers of history, as well as to bicycling enthusiasts. Strongly recommended

—— Library Journal

Thoroughly researched . . . grippingly detailed

—— New York Times

Intensely researched

—— Cycling Plus

Recommended for anyone who has ever struggled with fitness, body shape and life in general

—— Church Times

Searing honesty

—— Daily Telegraph

A different class... superb insight

—— Linda Maher , Sunday Business Post

Compelling, entertaining and woven together with particular style and grace... O'Gara is up with the greats

—— Dave Hannigan , Evening Echo

He should be commended for his frankness. It certainly defines this tome in contrast to the usual drudgery of rugby autobiographies

—— James Corrigan , Independent

Since so many sports efforts in this genre tend to reveal very little, a memoir like O'Gara's, one with real bite and new insight, makes for a markedly refreshing read. The book is laced with fleshy anecdotes. All make for bona fide eyebrow arching, giggle-inducing, page turning stuff

—— Dermot Keyes , Munster Express

It is to O'Gara's credit that his autobiography remains true to his personality. It is a compellingly candid read... There is a sense of singularity about O'Gara that takes him into places others find uncomfortable... few men walk the walk better than Munster and Ireland's No. 10

—— Vincent Hogan , Irish Independent

This engrossing book sails straight between the posts

—— John O'Donnell , Irish Times

Arguably the best Irish book of the year... told with flawless skill

—— Malachy Clerkin , The Sunday Tribune

The perfect present for any rugby fan. It shows the goldfish-bowl aspect to life as a modern-day sporting legend and gives an insight into what it's like on the inside looking out

—— Irish Independent

Whether you are a rugby fan or not, this book is likely to please... This honest autobiography will provide an intriguing read for the Christmas period

—— South Tipp Today

Compelling reading

—— Richard Fitzpatrick , Irish Examiner

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