Vespa: An Illustrated Story

It is however a very valuable resource on the Vespa in the UK and Douglas motorcycles. If you already have an interest and other resources on the Vespa history at large, and a passing interest in the socio-economic conditions in the UK in relation to the rise and fall of British motorcycle companies (a stretch, but I certainly do), the book is a must have.

Some time is spent on the earlier Vespa clubs in the late 40s and early 50s, as well as detailed information on UK-only modifications and offerings well into the 1960s. Several pictures offer insight into Vespa production facilities and methods.

A picture history of the Douglas-Vespa relationship only.
The title of the book is decieving for while the archival pictures are quiant, this is not a diffinative historical picture filled book on the Vespa. It's a pictorial book about the Douglas Motorcycle companies relationship with Vespa, nothing else. There are basic attempts to detail what happened in the two companies history and the models that were produced but it isn't what the title makes it out to be. Buy it if you just want to know more triva, not for hard core data like you would want to know on specific models Vespa made and when they made them.

the quintessential vespa (douglas) history book
For those who don't know of Eric Brockway- this man was not only the honorary vespa club of Britain president for many years (sadly passed away but not forgotten!) he was also managing director of Douglas motorcycles during the years they imported and built Vespas in Bristol. Eric knew more about vespa (pre p-range and after) than anyone I've ever met or heard of- a lovely man with a wealth of hands-on experience. The book is well worth the price and no Vespa (or motorcycle/motor-scooter) book collection would be complete without it.

Great book, but beware: only covers Douglas Vespas (UK)
That's a great looking book with very interesting B&W pictures. Not much text but the essential nonetheless and every picture has a detailed informative legend (96 pages). But important: THIS BOOK COVERS "DOUGLAS" (MADE IN THE UK) VESPA HISTORY ONLY. A "must have", I think.