Cover - The Modern Bicycle (1877), cover - BL

The penny-farthing bicycle was not only a means of transport but also a symbol of social status. The larger the front wheel, the more expensive and prestigious the bicycle was considered to be. However, riding a penny farthing was not without its dangers. Because of the size of the rider, falls could be quite serious and even fatal. Despite its limitations, the penny farthing played an important role in the development of the bicycle and paved the way for future innovations in transport. Its unique design and cultural significance continue to capture the imagination of people around the world.