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Welcome to McGann Publishing

McGann Publishing is a (really) small press specializing in books about cycling, but not to the exclusion of other subjects.

In addition to the books listed below, we will have Ruth Snyder's memoir of her two years in the 1950s living and trying to raise a Pasadena family in the jungles of Colombia. It's absolutely fascinating. We hope to have it ready by the end of 2010.

McGann Publishing Titles | Books by Bill & Carol McGann | Our Founder | Bookstore


Published January 2010:

Bicycle History by James Witherell

ISBN: 978-0-9843117-0-5
Suggested Retail price: $16.95 US
6 x 9 paperback, 228 pages

Since its invention in the 1860s, the bicycle has had a fascinating history. Author James Witherell has spent years collecting the essential, the trivial and sometimes just downright odd facts that make up the story of the bicycle. Instead of composing a narrative history, he's arranged them in chronological order, painting an informative, fun and irresistible picture of what might be mankind's greatest invention. Witherell has given special emphasis to the Tour de France.

It will be available as a print edition, Amazon Kindle and E-Book.

A sample of what's inside:

  • A Frenchman traveled to the U.S. and obtained an American patent for the bicycle, but ended up returning to Paris to manufacture them.
  • Mile-a-minute Murphy went 60 mph on a bike well before a car could go that fast.
  • The Tour de France was an unexpected consequence of the Dreyfus Affair.
  • Over 50 years ago a forgotten American raced in the Tour of Italy.
  • While setting the women's 12-hour distance record Beryl Burton caught and passed the man who was also in the process of setting a men's 24-hour cycling record.

More on Bicycle History including a sample page of text and ordering information.


Published February, 2010Cycling's 50 Craziest Stories cover

Cycling's 50 Craziest Stories by Les Woodland

ISBN:978-0-9843117-1-2
Suggested Retail price: $16.95
6 x 9 paperback, 160 pages

Les Woodland is one cycling's most beloved and respected writers. This collection of odd doings and funny happenings starting with some of the first professional bike races in the 19th century will be sure to raise a smile. You might even slap a knee or two as well.

More on Cycling's 50 Craziest Stories including ordering information from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.


The Story of the Tour de France, Volumes 1 and 2
by Bill & Carol McGann

This isn't a McGann Publishing title, it's published by the fine people at Dog Ear Publishing. We have lots more info including sample chapters and ordering directions


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