TORONTO, Ont. –Whether you need some new reading material to tide you over until truck show season or you’re just a fan of hard-working Peterbilt trucks, the new coffee table book Peterbilt: Long-Haul Legend may be of interest. Written by trucking journalist James Beach, the book pays tribute to the rich history of Peterbilt. Its pages describe all models ranging from the very first Pete built by lumber man T. A. Peterman in 1939 right up to today’s sleek aerodynamic designs.

Even the most devout Peterbilt fan will learn a thing or two about their favourite brand in this book, and the pictures will appeal to truck lovers of all stripes. (There are 150 colour photos and 50 black and white pictures packed into the book’s 160 pages).

Special sections of the book are dedicated to subjects such as the wide range of modified Peterbilt logos you’ll find on show trucks and the art of restoring old trucks. Truck restorers will be especially interested in the section on truck restoration, which focuses on Courtland TruckWorks. You may want to look them up next time you need to find that elusive part.

Some of the show trucks featured in the book are simply stunning, notably the 1949 Peterbilt 350 with an oversized custom sleeper (pg. 29) and the lime green Pete 379 with extra tall double stacks attached to an equally distinctive trailer (pg. 74).

If you prefer pictures of working trucks in their natural environment, there are plenty of those as well.

Whether you’re a Peterbilt aficionado or simply have an appreciation for trucks in general, you’ll likely enjoy Peterbilt:Long-Haul Legend. Published by Motorbooks, the book can be ordered online at www.motorbooks.comor through retailers such as Amazon and Chapters/Indigo. •