The first part of Paolo Zanon’s history of Piaggio’s terrestrial vehicles. A 250-page hard-back book, rich in information, photos and unpublished documents. This is a document of considerable historic value, reproduced in limited edition of 700 copies, of which only 300 will be numbered and signed. This is a collector’s item that will not be subject to further reprints. Paolo Zanon: Twenty years of dedicated study of the Vespa phenomenon, poured into a work designed to clarify numerous details and disperse as many myths, through the analysis of fundamental documents that have never before seen the light of day. Preview: Starting from an unusual and scrupulous analysis of archive documents such as letters, photographs and direct testimonies of those involved, the author reconstructs the genesis of the Vespa scooter, Ape 3 wheeler and Moscone outboard engine. He also details the birth of ‘soft-tail’ Vespa 125 and specialist Vespa Sidecars. An interesting chapter is also dedicated to patents and trademarks filed by the company and also unfulfilled prototype studies.The last chapter gives a glimpse of Piaggio’s impressive achievements on foreign markets; a true popularity index of the Italian-made phenomenon around the world. These insights have never been dealt with before, making this work unique. The publication is based primarily on the personal correspondence between Dr Piaggio, Engineer Lanzara (the historical director of the plant) and other factory engineers. It is a faithful historic reconstruction, made possible by utilising confidential material and therefore has not been subjected to manipulation by the press of the period, or anecdotes founded solely on memory. Limited last edition! These are the last copies of this book that we were able to obtain directly from the author Paolo Zanon. After that the book will no longer be available, Paolo has ruled out a 2nd edition. These last 300 copies are signed by Paolo Zanon himself and are numbered XX/300. Genuine collector's copies - while stocks last! SIP customer Robert Steininger, Wien, 09/2017: "Paolo has been a fixed figure in the Italian Vespa scene for many years. He was particularly well-known for his specialist knowledge, which he has recorded in various books in the last few years. The last book is now finally published in English (Piaggio - from the heavens to the earth). Large in format, valuable in execution and detailed on 250 pages is described in the history of the beginning of the Vespa and the Ape up to the models 1952. With lots of background information and unpublished photos. Because of the many photos very nice to browse through as a coffeetable-book, but also with very many interesting details for all who work it out for themselves. Really the best book there is to old Vespas (and I think I have pretty much all the books from the area).