Moke

I like minimal things. They often elucidate the structure and operation of more complicated things. We've got one such minimal object in these parts: a Mini Moke.

I'm also interested in the history of of technology. So far as I know, the Mini on which the Moke is based invented the transverse engine, front wheel drive configuration which so dominates the automotive world today.

In addition, the Moke's fabricated metal side pontoon tub structure anticipates by a few years the structure of the Lotus 25. And to my mind, the front of the Lotus 25 inspires the original Mazda Miata.

EB White Model T Mystery Book

Inspired by David Weitzman's wonderful Model T: How Henry Ford Built a Legend, I've been riffing on the Tin Lizzie. I like it because it's minimal, simple and archetypal. There are some wonderful resources: videos, parts catalogs (I could almost build one from scratch), photos , wonderful online books and and plain old paper books.

Somewhere in my surfing I came across a reference to EB White's book Farewell to Model T and From Sea to Shining Sea. I'm surprised and shocked to find that it is not in the collection of any Minerva or MaineCat library.. The Blue Hill library isn't on either of those systems. I felt certain they would have a copy. But no. The only library copies I found online are in England!

I wonder if they have it at the Friend's Memorial Library in Brooklin. Their catalog is not online and they're not open today.

Apparently the book is a republication of two White essays. I found the first in the May 16, 1936 issue of the New Yorker. The second essay is from 1953, but I've not found it.

I also found a 1936 book version of the first essay at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, but they're not letting it go.

Why doesn't any Maine library have a copy of this book?

(Photos courtesy of Flickr photographers. Click on them to see who)