Tuesday, 8 January 2013

The Devil Can Ride – A Book Review

The Devil Can RideChristmas morning I found this gem of a read under the tree. Yay!
Subtitled The World’s Best Motorcycle Writing, The Devil Can Ride is a fine collection of short stories, magazine articles, and book excerpts from some of the best writers of motorcycle prose.
As you’d expect Pirsig’s Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is represented, as is a piece by Hunter S. Thompson entitled Song of the Sausage Creature. But there are lots of other fine writers whose material is also in this book. Adele Kubin’s Grease Under the Angel’s Wings was a particularly satisfying  read, albeit much too short, as was You’re Only Crazy Once, an excerpt from Tom Cotter’s The Vincent in the Barn. And I’m still only half way through the book.
In all there are some 28 stories told, each one unique, each one offering a different perspective on this passion we all share. Is it truly “The World’s Best Motorcycle Writing”? Well that’s arguable given the breadth of the genre, but it is certainly a collection of some great motorcycle writing.
Highly recommended.

8 comments:

  1. Richard8 January 2013 at 17:13

    Now on my Amazon wish list. Thank you :)

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    1. Canajun8 January 2013 at 19:32

      Richard - You're welcome. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

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  2. Geoff James8 January 2013 at 20:14

    Thanks Canajun - about to see if there's an e-download. I love the book reviews by bloggers, opens up such a rich source of great reading material.

    Incidentally, I've never been able to figure out whether Pirsig was a motorcycle enthusiast who suffered demons or whether he was just a person who suffered demons and happened to ride a motorcycle. I'm slightly inclined to the latter view!

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    1. Canajun8 January 2013 at 21:23

      Geoff - Never really thought about it much. Perhaps it's time to reread Zen. You might also like this one: http://ontwowheels-eh.blogspot.ca/2009/02/zen-and-now.html

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  3. VStar Lady8 January 2013 at 21:51

    Thanks for the review ... another one to put on the list.

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  4. Dirt Bike Accessories9 January 2013 at 07:54

    The title itself raises your eyebrows. as a dirt bike lover i'll be on the look out for it.

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  5. Trobairitz9 January 2013 at 18:50

    Thanks for the review. I hadn't heard of the compilation, but I have read of the Song of the Sausage Creature. I think a motorcycle magazine had a reprint of it lately too.

    More to add to the list.

    Happy reading.

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