The number of little scooters seen with each title below is my personal rating for the book, and is subject to my tastes only. The more scooters, the better I like it; I’ll try and tell you why whenever possible. Because so many of the books are in languages I don’t read, I often prefer books with uncommon pictures and cool bikes. Prices are usually stated in the currency in which I paid along with a guesstimate in U.S. dollars, your mileage may vary.

I don’t have thumbnails scanned for all of these yet, but I’ll keep after it.

Vespa, by Dieter Struss. In German. An overview of vintage Vespas and accessories, primarly from the collection of Robin Davy of München. It contains some incredible photos of rare items and rarer German Vespas. A very expensive must-have book. Available at the Automobile Club of Italy bookstore, see information below. L 130.000 (about US $80)

hi Vespa Mangia Le Mele: Storia Della Vespa, In Italian or German. An overview of Vespa by model. Well organized with some rare shots of early prototypes and drawings. Available at the First Kick Scooters, see information below. L 70.000 (about US $45)

la Vespa …E tuttii Suoi Vespini, by Stefano Biancalana and Michele Marchiano. In Italian. A beautiful new book featuring new photos of rare models, color reporductions of vintage advertising, a listing of Vespa production by model per month through 1956!, and more. A new must have! Available at the First Kick Scooters, see information below. US $25

Vespa: Histoire Et Technique, by Jean Goyard and Bernard Salvat, Et Les Annees De Charme, by Jean Goyard, Dominique Pascal, and Bernard Salvat (two volume box set). In French. An awesome two volume set containing unusual photos and European ad layouts from 4 decades. (look for the glaring error on page 77!) Available at the Automobile Club of Italy bookstore, see information below. L 130.000 (about US $84)