Review of Around The World On Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry's Extraordinary Ride

Around The World On Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry's Extraordinary Ride
Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 23
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Armchair Adventuring at its Best

On: 2009-06-14

As a member of the reality tv generation, I was well-primed for the premise of this story: One woman, one bike, one remarkable journey around the world. But in 1894, how was this possible?

...As I started to learn the details of Annies life---a young Jewish immigrant, married with three children, no experience with bikes or bloomers, and in 1894!!---I quickly realized that this read would be a very different type of armchair adventure than the ones that were used to on Survivor, The Amazing Race, and the like...This was the real deal!

Annies journey around the world seems to have set the stage for other wacky stunts. And the fact that she did it with no modern amenities--no cell phone, padded bike shorts, power bars, or google maps--this is what I find to be so amazing and inspiring.

Its clear that there was a lack of primary sources for Mr. Zheutlin to draw upon, and I commend him for his masterful detective work. He brings Annies remarkable journey to life with hundreds of newspaper articles--domestic and international. These articles chronicle her `round the world adventures--real and imagined--and introduce many colorful characters she encounters along the way.

I went into the book expecting a quirky adventure story, but I came out with much more: a lesson in turn of the century social, cultural, and technological trends. So Mr. Zheutlin, I thank you for the tireless and meticulous research that went into the writing of Around the World on Two Wheels. But if I could make just one request: perhaps you could scour the globe one more time to unearth Annies lost diary....what a great sequel that would make!

Wow!

On: 2009-06-01

A great read. The extraordinary true story of a life lived outside the boundaries of social convention; an entertaining tale of one womans singular determination and adventure. Zheutlins well-crafted narrative of Annie Londonderrys cycling feat is impressively documented in primary source material, while successfully evoking the historical period when the worlds imagination was captured by the bicycle. A descendent of Londonderry, Zheutlin also describes his own fascinating journey of unearthing this story, previously little known within his own family much less to the general public. I highly recommend this book!

Ride, Annie, Ride

On: 2009-05-29

Our book club enjoyed getting to know Annie and at the same time learning about the history of bicycling and the freedom it gave women. We all agreed we would recommend the book.

Around the World and through the Generations - Annie Londonderry

On: 2009-05-28

Annie Kopchovsky/Londonderry seems to be exactly the kind of person many of us would like to find in our family tree. Not close, maybe, like Mom, or maybe even Grandma, but at a suitable distance. Luckily for Peter Zheutlin, thats exactly what he got. This is a very entertaining book about a woman who must have been a real charmer, with all the excitement and annoyance usually associated with that personality type. Bicycle around the world? Wow. Leave your little kids to do it? Wow. It evokes a time when people lived farther apart, saw each other less often, and probably valued each other more because of it. And probably werent quite as suspicious as we are today, either. Its interesting to think how this caper would have worked, or not worked, in the present. Zheutlins research into his relationship with Annie makes the subject more intriguing. Overall, an excellent read.

Cycling, History and more

On: 2009-05-27

Amazing story on several levels which is what makes this a great read. If you are a cyclist, you cant help but be amazed (given the era and conditions) at what this woman actually did.....even if half of it is made up. History buffs will love the period feel. Ive always loved reading about that era where explorers and adventurers tried to one-up eachother. Finally Annie and women like her played a key role in the transformation of perceptions about women, their rights and their abilities. Plus, oh my God....she was a character. I would have loved to have a few beers with this woman.

Annie the "New Woman"

On: 2009-05-25

I first heard Peter Zheutlin tell Annie Londonderrys amazing story on National Public Radio and immediately wanted to learn more about this clever woman and the fascinating adventure she undertook over 100 years ago. "Around the World on Two Wheels" is of special interest to women because it depicts a rebellious and creative young woman with tremendous chutzpah. Annie broke ground as an enterprising and resourceful "New Woman", a title she was to adopt and carry on throughout her life. She defied conventions and lived a dream. The author gives an honest portrayal of Annies complex character derived from his extensive research. The result is a fascinating story and a great read.

Around the World and Home Again

On: 2009-05-24

Around the World on Two Wheels is an adventure story with a twist. The book is a fascinating character study of a Victorian era woman who leaves her husband and three young children for fifteen months to explore the world in her quest for freedom and celebrity. Zheutlin deftly weaves the tale of his great grandaunts bicycle trip (made on a dare) with a history of the 1890s and his own personal journey of discovery. Throughout, Zheutlin employs a journalists eye to help us understand the magnitude of Annie Londonderrys remarkable feat. The author takes on an investigative reporters job of sorting through conflicting accounts of Londonderrys trip, complicated by incomplete historical records and Annies own inflated sense of herself and her accomplishments. I cheered at the end when the authors attempt to unravel fact from fiction leads him to his long lost cousin (and Annies granddaughter). The "full circle" ending warmed my heart, as Zheutlins own interest in cycling increases and his search for truth brings him closer to his mothers family.

Cycling into the past

On: 2009-05-22

Peter Zheutlin has pieced together a rollicking tale of a P.T. Barnum on wheels from the fragments left behind by a distant relative who for a few short years over a century ago stepped out of her humdrum life to make headlines around the world. Annie Londonderry didnt make Zheutlins task easy, leaving scores of conflicting accounts in her wake. Still he manages to capture her audacious spirit and sweep the reader up in her exotic adventure.

Annie Londonderry is a star!

On: 2009-05-22

Peter Z does a terrific job of letting Annies adventures take us for a ride we dont want to end. A complicated character, she is revealed through newspaper clippings and Peter Zs investigations into her family -his family as it turns out! His personal account of unraveling this lost tale makes the story of a headstrong young woman in the eighteen hundreds connect to not only woman and bike riders but anyone that loves a good adventure. The screenplay is currently being written and look for Annie Londonderry on the big screen soon!

Should have been a magazine article

On: 2009-05-04

There is little to tell about Annies ride around the world, other than the fact that she didnt ride around the world--she mostly sailed on ships and rode the rails, all the while lying through her teeth, which we are supposed to find charming and adorable (or so the author tells us . . . again and again and again). Since the book is billed as the tale of a great adventure rather than the tale of a great swindle, this is a bit of a disappointment, to say the least. The author himself admits that there is not much material available about Annie, but this doesnt stop him from boring us for 170 pages or from beginning a mind-numbing number of sentences with the word "indeed," the crutch of many a college term paper writer. (Indeed, I probably did it myself in my youth.) There is simply not enough here to justify even a short book, and this slim, feeble effort probably should have found a home in the pages of a cycling magazine--2,000 words or so should have done the trick. A time waster.

Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry's Extraordinary Ride

On: 2009-04-17

This is an amazing story, well worth the read. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys arm chair travel, history or adventure.

All Spokes No Wheels

On: 2009-03-22

A largely flat transcription of dozens of facts, figures, and name-dropping; as shallow and dry as the paper it was printed on.

Its as if the author cant admit to himself that what Annie did--not least of all to her husband and children--might raise questions or insights of any depth, for the reader or himself--a descendant and biker, not to mention a parent and spouse.

Interesting Story

On: 2009-01-31

I agree with the other reviewers that the story of Annie Londonderrys bike trip is both interesting and noteworthy--regardless of how much of it was actually fictitious. Obviously, for a woman in the late 19th century to go on a 15 month adventure around the world, be it by train, boat, bike or foot, remains an amazing feat, and deserves respect for the stereotypes it broke, and the countless young women it undoubtedly inspired. My only criticism of the book was that it was written in a somewhat choppy format, and didnt seem to flow very smoothly. This was probably due to the choppy, inconsistent nature of Annies trip, and the accounts that went into piecing the story together. One of the most interesting parts of the book came in the Afterword, when the author explains his personal connection to Annie, and the research and efforts he had to undertake to tell her story. I wish he couldve found a way to weave his own story into hers throughout the book. Finally, as an individual who biked across America in the late 1990s, I found her tales of hospitality from complete strangers along the road, a nice reminder of all the wonderful people we met on our own trip. Indeed, though a century has passed, the kindness of strangers toward adventurous souls remains happily unchanged.

Interesting story, boring book

On: 2009-01-07

The background material is fascinating and in the hands of a novelist or more talented journalist, it might have made an entertaining book. As treated here, with a great deal of editing, it could have made a nice feature story. The approach is journalistic, a chronology of facts, mostly where Annie was when, what hotels she stayed in (by far thoroughly documented part of the account), who she had contact with, and a very few impressions of her recorded by contemporaries, and tedious repetitions of how plucky, brash, etc (maybe ten adjectives total) she must have been to have made the appearances and impressions she did and covered the ground she did. The best parts of the book, besides the bare facts themselves, were the authors account of his own relationship with her and his own story of discovery. At least it had some life and the people some dimension and reality. A fictionalized account might have given these qualities to the protagonist, but the journalists preference for just the facts or perhaps a familial reverence which prohibited any liberties with them, leaves this a very flat and repetitious account with little life to it

Record Setter or Big Con?

On: 2008-12-03

Is this an adventure story or the tale of a clever fraud? Either way, its a heck of a book.

Annie Kopchovsky, a 24-year-old woman with a husband and small children at home in Brooklyn, undertakes a bicycle journey around the world. If she can complete the trip in less than fifteen months, theres $15,000 in it for her, which was big money in the 1890s.

Starting with her alias of Annie Londonderry, she finds it expedient to fudge on the truth from time to time. She allows people to assume she is younger than she is and that she is single. She neglects to mention that she is Jewish, fearing that knowing she was Jewish would prejudice people against her.

Annie did ride her bicycle a great distance (and this was no lightweight and streamlined racing bike -- it was a heavy and bulky contraption) but its impossible to say how much her trip around the world was on a bicycle and how much was in trains or cars. She didnt keep a diary as far as we can tell, and she only wrote home occasionally. Newspaper accounts of varying degrees of competent journalism are the only evidence we have of her progress.

The story of Peter Zheutlins detective work in finding out what actually took place over a hundred years ago is just as interesting as the (possibly true) account of Annie Kopchovskys bizarre tale and its aftermath.

Other recommended books: Bold Spirit: Helga Estbys Forgotten Walk Across Victorian America, The Great Swim.

Around the World on Two Wheels

On: 2008-11-20

I agree with the other reviewers that Annie Londonderrys story is one of a charming, brash, lying, self-promoting, scoundrel whose adventure meshed with, if not influenced, feminism, freedom of dress, and use of the bicycle by women. However, there is constant repetition of Annie as a charming, brash, lying, self-promoting --etc. etc. etc. (Get the picture?) Many times I said, "Enough already. I know that. Get on with the story." Relating an incident speaks for itself. There is no need to add after each that she was a charming, brash, etc. etc. Some of the information included in the epilogue, the afterword, and the appendix (is there a need for all three?)could have been included within the text, substituting for the redundancy, and explaining in greater depth Annies personality and interaction with her family. The changing social customs of the period and the history of bicycling tied with Annies antics would be a better read without the padding. I appreciated the bibliography and notes.

The greatest con of the world...

On: 2008-01-17

Annie Kopchovshy decided to ride around the world on a bike. So she changed her name to Annie Londonderry, conned half the planet in helping her ride around the world, mostly on trains and steamboats, and made money while doing it. An interesting story? Why, yes. An amazing woman? Yes. Smart? Yes. Amoral? Sure. A con artist? Yes. Did she lie and cheat and act self centered? Yes. Did she leave behind her husband and kids during her travels? Yes.
Interesting, daring, and a great piece of history.

A MUST READ! Required Reading For All Ages.

On: 2007-12-27

Instead of running to buy this book, bicycle there! I could not stop reading the story, and finished it over the weekend based upon my fathers enthusiastic recommendation. What an amazing true story Peter Z. has discovered, digging from his family tree. This would make a blockbuster movie. It would secure at least an oscar nomination for the lucky actress who gets the role of Annie Londonberry, perhaps someone such as Natalie Portman?
Mr. Zheutlin is an erudite story teller and I cant wait to read his next book.
R. Bornstein, Ft Lauderdale, FL

a great tale well told

On: 2007-12-10

"Around the World on Two Wheels" is the fascinating and highly amusing tale of how Annie Kopchovsky, a Jewish immigrant and mother of three living in Boston in the 1890s, singlehandedly reinvented herself as "Annie Londonderry," the subject of a high stakes wager over whether it was possible for a woman to cycle around the world. While the wager and much of Annies recollection of her journey is apocryphal, she did succeed in circling the globe, all the time spinning fantastic travel tales to willing and gullible newspapermen.

Zheutlin has done a marvelous job in researching the tale of Annie, a distant relative, and also in separating the facts from the many fictions she put forward. He also puts Annies groundbreaking journey in the proper historical/societal context.

A great read that will appeal to a large cross section of readers.

One of the best biographies I've ever read!

On: 2007-11-21

An extraordinary story! Peter Zheutlin, a descendant of Annie Londonderrys brother, has researched and written her incredible adventure. With all her claims, her outrageous self-promotion, her character flaws, Annie Londonderry has emerged again as one of modern womens most outstanding pioneers and role models. Her story--and this book--is inspiring, fun, and memorable. It is a stiring tale of one womans incredible adventure, a provocative and thoughtful example of womens suffrage, and a tale of the Old West rarely investigated today. It is not only a must read, but a must have.

My Next Book Club Selection!

On: 2007-11-15

This true story of Annie (Kopchovsky)Londonderry is an exhilarating and fascinating romp through history with a companion the reader cant help but admire for her gumption, cleverness, and determination.

Annie was the first woman to ride her bicycle around the world, possibly as part of a contest. Its just as likely, however, that she fabricated an excuse to travel because she felt claustrophobic, trapped within the societal constraints placed on women during the Victorian era. The author, Peter Zheutlin, writes Annies story with tenderness (hes a descendent of Annies, but I suspect he would do so regardless), yet also with appropriate skepticism and rich historical detail. (Read the endnotes!)

While following in the wake of her fierce independence and almost reckless energy, the reader also explores the impact Annies journey had on the advancement of womens rights, as well as uncomfortable questions it posed about traditional roles - including her own role as wife and mother.

Im recommending "Around the World on Two Wheels" for my book club selection next month. Well have plenty of issues to discuss, and well get to do so in the company of one incredibly memorable character -- Annie Londonderry.

My Next Book Club Selection!

On: 2007-11-14

This true story of Annie (Kopchovsky)Londonderry is an exhilarating and fascinating romp through history with a companion the reader cant help but admire for her gumption, cleverness, and determination.

Annie was the first woman to ride her bicycle around the world, possibly as part of a contest. Its just as likely, however, that she fabricated an excuse to travel because she felt claustrophobic, trapped within the societal constraints placed on women during the Victorian era. The author, Peter Zheutlin, writes Annies story with tenderness (hes a descendent of Annies, but I suspect he would do so regardless), yet also with appropriate skepticism and rich historical detail. (Read the endnotes!)

While following in the wake of her fierce independence and almost reckless energy, the reader also explores the impact Annies journey had on the advancement of womens rights, as well as uncomfortable questions it posed about traditional roles - including her own role as wife and mother.

Im recommending "Around the World on Two Wheels" for my book club selection next month. Well have plenty of issues to discuss, and well get to do so in the company of one incredibly memorable character -- Annie Londonderry.

A Ride You Don't Want to Miss

On: 2007-11-09

What was a tiny Jewish mother from Boston with two young children doing hopping on a bicycle, making a $5000 wager, and embarking on a remarkable journey around the world? In 1894!!! In this captivating story, you meet Annie Londonderry, arguably the worlds first sports marketing expert, who created a persona and a story line that was beyond belief. The tale of her amazing journey--some real, some fantasy--is the stuff from which legends emerge. Zheutlin weaves a magical story here and he obviously has done his homework...lots of it. The richness of detail enhances the storytelling and makes Annies world come alive. It is a must-read for those who want to be transported to another era and meet an unforgettable character. I cant wait for the movie!

WHAT A FUN, INTERESTING AND EDUCATIONAL BOOK. It has Insight, Fashion, Women's Liberation, 19th Century Social History, Sports,

On: 2007-11-03

WHAT A FUN, INTERESTING AND EDUCATIONAL BOOK. It has Insight, Fashion, Womens Liberation, 19th Century Social History, Sports, Achievement, and so much more. The research Mr. Zheutlin did amazes me. On a personal note I research early cycling history and have done so for almost 40 years. His facts are accurate and he has found so much new material that it is hard to explain my amazement. If you are looking for a good read, interesting photographs, a different subject, amazing insight and a tour of the last part of the 19th Century, this is your book. Youll enjoy it!