LYON, Danny. The Bikeriders.

(New York, NY): Macmillan Company, 1968. First edition. Octavo. 94 pages. Just before Easy Rider roared its way into American consciousness, Danny Lyon in the Bikeriders shared first hand the stories and characters of the Chicago Outlaws Motorcycle Club. The volume features 48 black-and-white photographs and transcribed interviews made from 1963 to 1967, when Lyon’s was a member of the Outlaws gang. Authentic, personal, and uncompromising, Lyon’s depiction of individuals on the outskirts of society offers a gritty yet humanistic view that subverts the commercialized image of Americana. A very good plus copy, previous owner’s name, (possibly civil-rights activist and feminist, Sheila Michaels), on front pastedown partially hidden by dust jacket, flap. Unclipped jacket is in near fine condition. A nice copy of this seminal work of modern photojournalism. The film, directed by Jeff Nichols, based on the book was released in the United States last month favourably reviewed, Rotten Tomatoes consensus reads: “Fueled by a charismatic cast and the gritty authenticity of writer-director Jeff Nichols’ approach, The Bikeriders offers a conventional yet impactful look at motorcycle culture.