Let's set the scene: it's the turn of the 20th century in France. The automobile is a new, expensive, and deeply suspicious machine. In Plaisirs d'auto, Michel Corday collects true anecdotes and observations from this wild period. We follow early motorists on their misadventures—getting hopelessly stuck, being chased by angry farmers whose chickens have been startled, and arguing with mechanics who've never seen an engine before. The 'plot' is the journey of society itself, bumping along at 20 miles per hour, trying to figure out if this 'horseless carriage' is a passing fad or the future.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a joy because it's so human. Corday has a sharp, witty eye for the absurd. You'll laugh at the sheer inconvenience of it all—the dust, the noise, the constant repairs. But you also feel the genuine wonder and freedom these pioneers experienced. It captures a specific moment of transition that mirrors our own with the internet or smartphones: the excitement, the fear, and the social rules being rewritten overnight. The characters, all real people, are endlessly entertaining in their optimism and frustration.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves social history, vintage technology, or just a really good story. If you enjoy shows or books that explore how new inventions shake up daily life, you'll adore this. It's not a technical manual; it's a time capsule of chaos and charm, reminding us that every revolution starts with a sputter, a backfire, and a lot of confused onlookers.