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The Old Man and the Harley: A Last Ride Through Our Fathers' America | 
 enlarge | Author: John J. Newkirk
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Category: Book
List Price: $24.99
Buy New: $12.49
You Save: $12.50 (50%)
New (30) Used (6) from $12.49
Avg. Customer Rating:  6 reviews
Sales Rank: 34302
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 400
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.5
ISBN: 1595551808
Dewey Decimal Number: 917.30409044
EAN: 9781595551801
ASIN: 1595551808
Publication Date: September 2, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New. 100% money back guarantee. All books shipped from Strand Bookstore, New York City, USA.
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Product Description
Ride with a father and his son on an amazing journey through America's past. On June 22, 1939, nineteen-year-old Jack Newkirk straddled a well-worn Harley-Davidson VL Big Twin and set out to see both the New York and the San Francisco World's Fairs. Both the boy and his country were on the brink of an irrevocable transformation. Both would soon be at war. And both would emerge forever changed. But for one last gilded summer, the "World of Tomorrow" promised peace and prosperity to a weary nation. In The Old Man and the Harley, author John J. Newkirk retraces this epic odyssey with his aging father. Along the way, they discover the healing power of the road, the faith and strength of the American people, and the inspiration to face some of today's most pressing challenges. The rickety 1930's-era Harley becomes a ride of revelation as the author paints a sweeping panorama of the bravery, ingenuity, and grit that turned the riders of the Great Depression into our Greatest Generation
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| Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 another Jack Newkirk! November 22, 2008
Most of the reviewers seem to be bikers, but this book will also interest history buffs, especially those who know about the Flying Tigers of Burma and China. (For more about them, see Flying Tigers: Claire Chennault and His American Volunteers, 1941-1942.) The "Old Man" of the title was the cousin of "Scarsdale Jack" Newkirk of the Flying Tigers, who commanded its 2nd Squadron and was shot down and killed while strafing a target in Thailand in March 1942. The author of this book was named after him, and there's much good stuff in the book about the pilot and the American Volunteer Group. Blue skies! -- Dan Ford
It's more than an old man and a Harley... November 19, 2008
... It's a portrait of America - then and now. It is an inspiring and adventurous story that reveals a colorful look into America's cultural history from a few unique points of view. It makes the reader reflect on what it means to be an American and asks us what we can all do to keep helping our nation or even just "the next man down the road". The book reads like a motorcycle; it flows comfortably, it's entertaining, it's spiritual, it's timeless, and it's traditional.
 A true adventure of a life time November 15, 2008
This is one of those books I wished I had had while going through High School history class. As I read each page I would wonder what's down the road for Jack and the Raspberry? I couldn't imagine doing a trip like this now a days. Jack was alone on a cross country trip on a motorcycle that needs to be fixed or repaired daily with little more than about $100, a change of clothes, and a bed roll and only 18. Makes me feel like a wimp as I ride across this country from hotel to hotel on my cushy ride behind a fairing. A great look back into a bygone era. A great look into "the greatest generation" that help build this nation. This is a great ride, a great book.
Things I never knew November 13, 2008
The Old Man and The Harley provided me with a fascinating look at America as our country pulled out of the Great Depression. It helped me to understand some of the issues that our citizens dealt with in entering WWII. I wish I had had this book to read when I took American History in high school. I loved the "can-do" attitude in young Jack every time he had to fix the Raspberry. Our citizens need this spirit today.
Wonderful piece of Americana September 30, 2008
I am not a Harley rider but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In today's age of cynicism about this wonderful country it was a joy to read a book that is uplifting and interesting. The author has fascinating historical pictures about WWII and the 1939 World's Fairs. The relationships between the characters spans nearly a century, and some of the people he 'blunders' into are real portraits of American spirit. We need more factual books like this one, books that read like a novel but give us real people to admire, some of whom are even around today. Buy it for a wonderful Christmas gift, your family will love it!
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