The Franchise: St. Louis Blues
In The Franchise: St. Louis Blues, take a more profound and unique journey into the history of an extraordinary team. This thoughtful and engaging collection of essays captures the astute fans' history of the franchise, going beyond well-worn narratives of yesteryear to uncover the less-discussed moments, decisions, people, and settings that fostered the team's iconic identity. Through wheeling and dealing, mythmaking and community building, explore where the organization has been, how it got to prominence in the modern NHL landscape, and how it'll continue to evolve and stay in contention for generations to come. Blues fans in the know will enjoy this personal, local, in-depth look at hockey history.
Ring the Bell
Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, "It's not the destination, it's the journey." He must've been a Phillies fan. The Philadelphia Phillies, a franchise nearly 150 years old, has only reached its grand destination twice (World Series wins in 1980, 2008), but it harbors the most fervent fan base in baseball. How? Well, Olive Garden famously said, "When you're here, you're family." The Phillies, warts and all, have been an inextricable part of the city, and the lives of the fans who cheered them on. The team's story is part of our story. This book is an encyclopedia of sorts, but it's more of a family history. We won't get too deep into the really old stuff-- Let's face it... while I'm sure the 1915 World Series loss was painful, no one's calling local sports talk radio to curse the name of Eppa Rickey. We'll mostly delve into the memories that formed this generation's deep bond with its ball club; the kinds of happenings, good and bad, that somehow manifested an unrivaled home field advantage. At any game, in any city, a stadium media crew can ask its fans to scream as loudly as possible... but they can't make them care. The Phillies have the best home edge in baseball because, through it all, the fans never stopped caring. This book will cover the moments and emotions of being a Phillies fan, from every perspective-- the players, coaches, front office, fans, etc. Phillies fandom is a family, and this is our collective story.
The Game of Squash
Squash can become very addictive but what a wonderful addiction! This book was written to help beginners as well as advanced players get more out of their game and discover new ways to win more matches. Most players strive to improve, but the lack of discipline or knowledge can hold them back. That's why we designed this book to give you an easy resource for all things squash. - Who can play squash? - A basic understanding of the rules - How to choose the best squash racket - Advanced Tips and tricks for improving your game - Nutrition ideas to improve your health and energy levels - The importance of injury prevention ...and a whole lot more! If you've ever felt even mildly interested in playing squash, this is the resource for you. It will tell you absolutely everything you need to know, and encourage you to make squash a valuable part of your life. And for those of you who are seasoned players, here's a positive goldmine of secrets to help you take your game to the next level.
American Coach
Award-winning sportswriter Ivan Maisel brings the forgotten legend of Notre Dame head football coach Frank Leahy back to life, based on rare and complete access to Fighting Irish football historical archives and the Leahy family. When Frank Leahy retired from Notre Dame after the 1953 season, he had the second-best record in the history of the game (107-13-9, .864), second only to Knute Rockne, his college coach and mentor. Seven decades later, he still does. Rockne created the image of Notre Dame, then a small Catholic university in a remote town in northern Indiana, as the premier college football program in the nation. But it was Leahy who secured that image, with six undefeated seasons and four national championships in an 11-season span. By achievement alone, Leahy should be as beloved as Rockne, who nearly a century after his tragic death remains a legend. Yet Leahy is virtually forgotten today, in many ways a victim of his own insatiable need to compete and win. The University of Notre Dame granted Ivan Maisel rare and complete access to its voluminous cache of historical material, and Maisel has the cooperation of Leahy's family, enabling him to tell the rich story of an archetypal coach who was a celebrity in his day. Leahy made the cover of Time magazine and befriended presidents and movie stars alike. Leahy brought innovation to a program reluctant to change anything Rockne had done. But Leahy rankled opposing coaches and clashed with the priests at Notre Dame who sought to make the university as elite in academia as it had become on the field. These conflicts, coupled with the toll that Leahy's innate drive demanded of his health, brought his career to a premature end, hampering his legacy in the years to come. And what a legacy: only Nick Saban and Bear Bryant have won more national titles. The records of iconic coaches such as Bobby Bowden, Woody Hayes, and Eddie Robinson pale in comparison. Not only the Notre Dame fanbase but all college football fans will be hungry to rediscover a man and an era, the story of how Frank Leahy cemented Notre Dame's status as the defining program of college football.
The Power and the Glory
A definitive new history of the world's most watched sporting event--just in time for the 2026 tournament​ "Wilson is the game's pre-eminent popular historian."--Observer (UK) An Irish Times Best Sports Book of the Year Since 1930, the World Cup has become a truly global obsession. It is the most watched sporting event on the planet, and 211 teams competed to make it into the 2022 tournament. From its inception, it has also been a vehicle for far more than soccer. A tool for self-mythologizing and influence-peddling, The World Cup has played a crucial role in nation-building, and continues to, as countries negotiate their positions in a globalized world. The Power and the Glory is a comprehensive history of the matches and goals, the tales of scandal and triumph, the haggling and skulduggery of the bidding process, and the political and cultural tides behind every tournament. Jonathan Wilson details not merely what happened but why, based on fresh interviews and meticulous research. The book is as much about the legends of the sport, from Pel矇 to Messi, as it is about the nations that made them, from Mussolini's Italy to partitioned Germany to controversy-ridden Qatar. Brimming with politics, heart, and drama, on and off the pitch, The Power and the Glory is the definitive story of the greatest cultural event of our time.
Fight to the End
Ohio State entered the 2024 season with a championship-caliber roster and sky-high expectations. Newcomers Caleb Downs, Will Howard and Jeremiah Smith joined experienced Buckeyes Emeka Egbuka and Jack Sawyer to make good on that promise, battling their way to the title game where they vanquished Notre Dame and were crowned college football's best. Fight to the End chronicles the Buckeyes' legendary run to their first national championship in a decade and the seventh in their illustrious history. This commemorative book showcases memorable stories and in-depth analysis from The Columbus Dispatch alongside stunning action photography, tracing each step on the path to glory. Featuring every regular-season match-up as well as extensive coverage of the thrilling Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl victories, this is the definitive story of a championship for the ages.
Baseball for Dummies
Learn the basics of baseball as a player, spectator, or coach Baseball For Dummies gets you started learning about this popular sport. You can improve your fundamentals as a player, inspire your team as a coach, or enjoy watching baseball as a superfan. The book includes helpful illustrations and diagrams that make it easy to understand the rules. You'll learn about offensive and defensive strategies, hitting and pitching techniques, the roles of each player on the team, what managers and coaches do, and how to understand baseball statistics. In beginner-friendly terms, this guide also covers the differences between the Minor and Major Leagues, T-Ball, college baseball, and leagues around the world. Batter up! Get a handle on the basic rules, strategies, and skills of baseball Learn about the different baseball leagues--including recent changes to the rules--so you can have fun following the sport Improve your technique with tips on pitching, hitting, and fielding Delve into statistics and advanced concepts that will help you understand pro play This book is for baseball fans of every level, from beginners to loyal fans who want to know even more. Players and coaches will also love this book's advice on how to sharpen their skills.
The Caribbean Series
The Caribbean Series is a unique regional baseball event, the oldest of its kind. After starting in 1949 and enduring a decade-long sabbatical for political reasons in the 1960s, it was resurrected in 1970 and continues to this day. With seven countries competing, the Caribbean Series represents a source of pride for team owners, general managers, players, and fans alike. This book presents first-hand accounts from over 200 past players and managers, including details on 66 CS tournaments. With many details presented for the first time in English, this history presents the exciting Latin American baseball event in rich historical and personal context.
Reimagining Talent Development in Sport
This book examines the processes, systems and fundamental beliefs about talent. It brings together researchers, practitioners and former Olympic athletes to re-imagine the way talent development programmes work. This book imagines an environment that achieves sporting success and long-term athlete wellbeing.
The Saga of Sudden Sam
The candid autobiography of all-star pitcher "Sudden Sam" McDowell, whose alcohol-fueled life quickly and famously spiraled out of control, and his ultimate redemption as a counselor for other athletes suffering from addiction.
Let’s Play Two
Ernie Banks was the first African American to play for the Cubs, and he quickly became one of the best players in baseball. His brilliance on the field made him a Hall of Famer, but it was his boundless optimism that made him an icon. This book presents for the first time a complete portrait of the ballplayer, the public persona, and the man.
Auston Matthews
INSTANT BESTSELLER He shoots, he scores! From Arizona to Toronto, the definitive unauthorized biography of hockey's hottest sniper, Auston Matthews. For those growing up in the American southwest, playing football, basketball, and baseball are the stuff of childhood dreams. For Auston Matthews, however, the unlikeliest of desert sports--ice hockey--captured his imagination. From the first time he watched professional players when he could barely stand up on skates himself, he was completely mesmerized by the speed and action on the ice. No one could have predicted his unorthodox journey to the NHL, from Arizona to Switzerland to Toronto. The first pick in the 2016 NHL entry draft, Matthews is quite simply a scoring phenom. It's almost as if he can't not score. In his first NHL game he scored a record four goals against the Leafs' mortal enemies, the Ottawa Senators. He's been scoring at a torrid pace ever since, breaking records as he blasts pucks past startled goalies. The red light has become his good friend, a beacon to the success of one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the league. What he wants more than any scoring record, however, is a championship win, something all Leafs' fans have pleaded for since their last Stanley Cup win in 1967. Veteran sports reporter Kevin McGran, who covers the Leafs for The Toronto Star, talks to Matthews just about every day in the dressing room and at practices. McGran has spoken to dozens of Matthews's coaches, rivals, friends, teammates, and others in Auston Matthews, the first book about the sometimes enigmatic star of hockey's most storied franchise.
Don Drysdale: Up and in
The definitive biography of Dodgers legend Don Drysdale Larger than Life. In the history of American sports, rare is the athlete who fits that description better than Don Drysdale. On the mound, the towering 6-foot-5 righthander intimidated National League hitters for more than a decade, amassing career totals of 209 wins, 2,486 strikeouts...and hitting 154 batters, a stat he lead the major leagues in four times. Off the field, Drysdale's personality dominated every room he walked into. With a smile as immense as the sun, Drysdale's contemporaries included Frank Sinatra and Howard Cosell. In Up and In, longtime Orange County Register sportswriter Mark Whicker takes readers on a remarkable journey through Drysdale's life and career. Featuring exclusive interviews with Drysdale's teammates, broadcasting, and colleagues, this new biography paints a complete portrait of an unparalleled baseball life - from Drysdale's early years in Van Nuys to his sudden passing in 1993 at age 56.
What You're Made for
"I'm proud to call George a mentor and a friend." --Michael Jordan Orphaned at just thirteen in a still-segregated Washington, D.C., George Raveling was introduced to a relatively unpopular sport--basketball--in high school. The rest, as they say, is history. Raveling went on to become one of the winningest coaches of all time, a mentor to legendary athletes, and a confidant of the sport's greatest coaches, including Bob Knight and John Wooden. He convinced Michael Jordan to collaborate with Nike on the Air Jordan. He led the 1984 U.S. men's Olympic team to their ninth gold medal. He even once owned the original, handwritten copy of Dr. King's most famous speech after an unlikely stint as a bodyguard during the famous March on Washington. Here, Coach Raveling tells the story of his extraordinary ascent, sharing incredible behind-the-scenes stories of his days working with the best in the game. But this book is more than a memoir--it's a manual for life that presents surprising methods for harnessing your potential from a man who shaped the careers of so many legends. Raveling imparts lessons learned from his grandmother, his long career in basketball, and his lifelong habit of reading--to which he credits all his success. Whether you're an athlete, a leader, a parent, a student, or simply seeking to mold your raw talent into greatness, What You're Made For is a blueprint for your life.
Kansas Baseball
Baseball has long been synonymous with Kansas. Go back to the late 1800s and the birth of Walter Johnson and George Sweatt, Humboldt kids who played baseball at the highest level but in different leagues due to racism. Learn about the sixteen-year-old signed by the Kansas City Athletics, who left the University of Kansas campus to play his first game at Municipal Stadium the next day. Read about pioneers in the game named Joyce, Katie and Alex, determined and talented women who are part of our national pastime. Author Michael Travis shares his love for the game, rounding the bases from its beginnings in Wichita with League 42 to the Major Leagues.
That Futebol Feeling
Futebol, or soccer for Americans, is the planet's spectator sport of choice. In the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, nestled in the country's southeastern heartland, futebol generates powerful, lifelong emotions. That Futebol Feeling captures the region's enthrallment with "the beautiful game," and shows us how and why play is central to the human condition. David Faflik profiles members of the most celebrated local team, Clube Atl矇tico Mineiro (CAM), as well as its passionate, never-say-die fans, to show how futebol and fandom shape their everyday lives and perspectives. He discovers bonds of work and play, as well as pride, identity, and community. Additionally, Faflik's analysis of Brazil's futebol culture reflects sports fandom worldwide. CAM stands as a symbol for a way of life in Minas Gerais, the birthplace of Pel矇. Faflik interrogates what playing the game means to those who dedicate their lives to the sport. He writes, "The feelings that football inspires are the best of me." That Futebol Feeling shares that special feeling with the rest of us.
Who Owns Football?
'a must-read' - Daniel Storey 'Superb, from the first page to the last' - Daniel Taylor Football journalist Nick Miller lifts the lid on football club ownership: the defining issue shaping the modern game. Football club owners can take teams to the heights of the Champions League or send them out of existence entirely. They have to tread a precarious tightrope, navigating the issues presented by super leagues, rapidly escalating wages, transfer fees and financial fair play. Who Owns Football? uncovers the jeopardy, strategies, transformative successes and horror stories, steering you through the complex world in which the people who control our game live and operate. There's the owner who was a safe-breaker, the man who tried to burn down his own stadium and even one who was accused of war crimes. This insightful guide is full of fascinating characters, high finance and shady deals. Miller examines the forces at play and discusses how today's football club ownership models face up to an impending crisis. But among the potential doom, there are some bright lights, people who are doing things differently and might make you think there is some hope after all.
Shattering the Glass
American women's basketball has reached new peaks of interest and popularity, thanks to spellbinding athletes, exhilarating games, and a vibrant, empowered vision of womanhood. Shattering the Glass stands as the definitive history of the sport. Combining extensive historical research with dozens of oral history interviews, Pamela Grundy and Susan Shackelford bring life and depth to stories of the many generations of female athletes who have fought for liberation on and off the court.In this new and substantially expanded edition, Grundy and Shackelford provide a fresh view of the sport that extends to the present. They chart the expanding visibility of college programs, the growing dynamism of the WNBA, and players' courageous leadership on social issues such as sexuality and race, drawing on the actions and reflections of stars such as Seimone Augustus, Kim Mulkey, Brittney Griner, Geno Auriemma, Pat Summitt, Breanna Stewart, Dawn Staley, and Caitlin Clark. The result is a compelling story of women's empowerment through sport over the past century.
Diamond Duels
In Diamond Duels: Baseball's Greatest Matchups, we take a magnifying glass to some of the game's most entertaining and historic battles between hitters and pitchers, played out over breezy spring evenings, hot summer afternoons, and chilly fall evenings as the long, rumbling baseball season finally winds down. Then we look closer.As a sport with such a rich and diverse history, baseball offers us a long and fascinating recounting of so many of those dramatic matchups-- if you know where to look. There are many untold stories inside the box scores; Duke Snider slamming 19 home runs off Robin Roberts, who must have groaned every time he saw No. 4 at the plate; a starry-eyed National League star Dizzy Dean finally getting to pitch to American League folk hero Babe Ruth, winding down his career with the Boston Braves; Yankees manager Casey Stengel deciding not to start left-handed ace Whitey Ford in some key moments throughout Ford's Hall of Fame career; Albert Pujols doing his best to upset those careful pregame pitching strategy sessions by going out and swatting a record 154 of his 703 career blasts in his very first at-bat of the game. Diamond Duels is a book for the old and the young baseball fan, those who want to know just a little bit more about those dramatic matchups between pitcher and hitter throughout the games of our lives as well as those who want to look back, find out something they hadn't thought of, enriching their everlasting baseball memories.
Baseball's Two-Way Greats
The first book to explore the entire history of two-way baseball players from the 19th century up to the modern era, this comprehensive work demonstrates that Shohei Ohtani and Babe Ruth are not the only players to excel at both pitching and batting. In-depth profiles examine how Ohtani and Ruth compare to 19th century star John Montgomery Ward and Negro League standouts Bullet Rogan, Martin Dihigo, Leon Day and Ted "Double Duty" Radcliffe as two-way players. This historical overview outlines the path each player took to reach greatness as a pitcher and a batter, and helps answer the fundamental question: who is baseball's greatest two-way player? Sixty additional Negro League players are covered for their two-way feats, plus an examination of top two-way players from the 19th century, Deadball Era, and Live-Ball Era--more than 130 players overall are featured. Also included is an overview of 25 top-hitting pitchers and a closer look at all the statistics that define a two-way player.
That Futebol Feeling
Futebol, or soccer for Americans, is the planet's spectator sport of choice. In the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, nestled in the country's southeastern heartland, futebol generates powerful, lifelong emotions. That Futebol Feeling captures the region's enthrallment with "the beautiful game," and shows us how and why play is central to the human condition. David Faflik profiles members of the most celebrated local team, Clube Atl矇tico Mineiro (CAM), as well as its passionate, never-say-die fans, to show how futebol and fandom shape their everyday lives and perspectives. He discovers bonds of work and play, as well as pride, identity, and community. Additionally, Faflik's analysis of Brazil's futebol culture reflects sports fandom worldwide. CAM stands as a symbol for a way of life in Minas Gerais, the birthplace of Pel矇. Faflik interrogates what playing the game means to those who dedicate their lives to the sport. He writes, "The feelings that football inspires are the best of me." That Futebol Feeling shares that special feeling with the rest of us.
Life Lessons from a Really Bad Golfer 2024
There are many things we can learn from those who have achieved feats of success. But what about the rest of us? Life Lessons from a Really Bad Golfer is a book of personal golf stories that relate helpful life truths. While there are attempts at humor, I have also tried to draw inspirational parallels for reflection.
Madden & Summerall
Madden & Summerall tells the inside story of how two unlikely partners became the greatest broadcast duo in NFL history. This is the story of how John Madden and Pat Summerall got to CBS and, although very different, how they became the greatest broadcast team of all time. It is told by Rich Podolsky, who worked alongside them both at CBS. Separately, they were great. Together, they were the greatest ever. Madden & Summerall is about two stalwarts of the game, but their story is not without controversy. Summerall was a five-sport star who became a broadcaster by accident. Uncharacteristically, he was a morning drive-time radio host before he found his path on TV. Madden was a bigger-than-life Super Bowl-winning coach, and he easily could have been a stand-up comedian. We all remember the great story-telling John Madden, who won sixteen Emmy Awards, but we don't remember how much he struggled his first two years on the air to find his way. In fact, he was almost fired after his first season. It wasn't until he was paired with Summerall that it all clicked. They were so different, yet so perfect together--like peanut butter meeting jelly for the first time. The book follows the intimate stories of their lives from childhood to death: before and during their great twenty-one-year partnership. Never-before-told insider stories (some fun, some scathing) from friends, family members, and dozens of ex-colleagues pepper these chapters.
From Kenilworth to Glory
From Kenilworth to Glory: The Unstoppable Rise of Luton Town FC chronicles the incredible journey of a football club that has captured the hearts of its supporters through sheer determination and resilience. This book explores Luton Town FC's humble beginnings at Kenilworth Road and charts its rise through the ranks to achieve glory on the national and international stages.The narrative delves into the key moments and pivotal matches that defined the club's history, highlighting the contributions of local talent and the unwavering support of its passionate fanbase. The book also addresses the challenges and setbacks the club faced, including financial troubles and controversial leadership, and how it overcame these obstacles to emerge stronger.More than just a sports story, From Kenilworth to Glory is a testament to the power of community, unity, and perseverance. It provides an inspiring account of how Luton Town FC became a symbol of hope and pride for its city, showcasing the indomitable spirit that drives the club forward. This book is a must-read for football enthusiasts and anyone who believes in the transformative power of determination and teamwork.
Hurley's Heroes
From rock bottom to national champions--this is the blueprint behind Dan Hurley's UConn resurgence. The UConn men's basketball program had won three national championships in a span of fifteen years, its most recent just four years earlier. But by 2018, the program was in shambles. The Huskies had finished with a losing record in consecutive seasons for the first time in nearly forty years. It had suffered a string of embarrassing, blowout losses, a mass wave of transfers out of the program and, worst of all, was embroiled in scandal involving recruiting and other violations. Enter Dan Hurley. A former Big East player and member of one of basketball's most famous families, Hurley had performed impressive renovation projects at his three previous stops, St. Benedict's Prep, Wagner College, and the University of Rhode Island. Now, Hurley was hired to clean up the mess at UConn and return it to past glories. He had a plan, a blueprint: recruit high-character, high-level kids and by his fifth season, he had turned the Huskies into national champions, the program's fifth title in twenty-four years. How has Hurley done it? Dogged recruiting. Intense practices. An eleven-month season, with players on campus all summer. And most importantly, establishing a culture at UConn that transcends whatever talent is on the floor and makes his teams as "connected" as any in the country. In Hurley's Heroes, award-winning UConn beat writer David Borges tells the inside story of a driven coach and his team's return to their rightful place among the NCAA's elite.
The Physics and Biomechanics of Golf
'The Physics and Biomechanics of Golf' introduces a strictly unified approach to golf coaching and learning. The golf swing is very much regarded here as a single motion, whereby static analysis and positional rehearsal take a back seat to dynamics, forces and kinematics.Providing a comprehensive overview and theoretical framework of modern science based golf theory, coaching and academic research. Key topics covered include maximising power through optimisation of torque, ground reaction forces, leverage, the X-factor. The three distinct modalities of optimising smash factor for woods, irons and wedges are detailed, along with an indepth look at the wedge & pitching games, including technique, intent and outcome.This unique golf book outlines a biomechanics approach to analysing modern golf theory, distills empirical investigation into three key fundamentals giving the reader means by which to analyse their own golf mechanics and appropriate necessary golf swing adjustments necessary for maximal gains & efficiencies.
Mari獺n Hossa (Autographed Edition)
A Stanley Cup champion and modern legend of the game, in his own words Mari獺n Hossa's life is a lesson in the value of determination and perseverance. Born into a hockey family that included his father, a former player and coach of the Slovakian national team, Mari獺n and his brother, Marcel, quickly fell in love with the sport. Before long, they began to display the level of skill that could lead to a professional career. But the odds of reaching the NHL from Trenč穩n, a town of 50,000 people nestled among the mountains of Slovakia, remained long. Determined to follow their dreams, the Hossas persevered and were each eventually drafted in the first round. After some outstanding years in Ottawa and Atlanta, Mari獺n moved on to Pittsburgh in 2008, where he helped lead the Penguins to the Stanley Cup Final against Detroit, a series his team lost. Prioritizing winning over dollars, Hossa signed with the Red Wings the following season, where he again reached the Final only to find heartbreak again, improbably against the team he had just left, the Penguins. It seemed that perhaps he would never raise Lord Stanley's Cup above his head. But Hossa persevered, refusing to give in. In 2009, he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks, and played a key role in the team's dynastic run the following decade, winning championships in 2010, 2013, and 2015. Then, yet another obstacle appeared in his path: an unusual and debilitating skin condition that compelled him to retire years before he'd planned. In this inspiring and entertaining autobiography, Hossa brings readers inside the dressing room, onto the celebratory team plane, and alongside one of hockey's greatest stars as he makes the biggest decisions of his career. Also featuring photos from Hossa's personal collection, this is an essential read for all hockey fans.
Swing with Precision Mastering Golf from Green to Tee
"Swing with Precision" delves into the comprehensive journey of mastering golf beyond just the physical swing. It highlights the intricate balance of mental toughness, physical fitness, strategic thinking, and social connectivity that golf offers. Through engaging stories, practical advice, and motivational insights, the book encourages golfers of all levels to see the game as a path to personal growth, resilience, and lifelong enjoyment. Readers will discover techniques to improve their game, fitness routines tailored to golf, and strategies for better course management. They will be inspired by stories of adaptive golfers who overcome challenges and find joy in the game. Additionally, the book sheds light on living the golf lifestyle, from travel adventures to integrating regular practice into daily life, all while building meaningful connections with fellow golfers. In essence, "Swing with Precision" is a celebration of golf as a transformative journey that enriches lives, builds character, and fosters enduring friendships, all centered around the shared love for the game.
The Art of Tennis
"A masterpiece."--L. Jon Wertheim, author of Glory Days A celebration of the cultural influence of tennis that paved the way for the sport we love today. In its foundational years, tennis inspired paintings, ballets, music, fiction, poetry, theatre, and even clothing design. This book presents riveting exemplars from all the arts while also lovingly portraying the game of tennis as an art form of its own. Tennis is a game of precision, timing, athleticism, strategy, and, sometimes, a little luck. Small wonder this sport attracts so many players and fans--including artists and writers who see something transcendent in hitting a ball with a racket over a net and inside a rectangular field. As Weber writes, "The thrill of the thwack of the racquet and the perpetual state of suspense about what is coming next appeals to individuals from every walk of life....It has prompted the creation of sublime architecture and moved composers of music in wonderful new directions; it has seeded literary fantasy and been the source of hilarious cartoons. It has also, in fabulous ways, enabled human beings to demonstrate some of their most admirable qualities: courage, tenacity, generosity of heart." This book explores the charisma and spell the sport cast on the likes of Nabokov, Coco Chanel, Caravaggio, and Bonnard. And, of course, there is much about the players who gave the sport, in its early years, its special magic. Weber, best known for art world biographies, has been a lifelong tennis player and takes us through his own personal relationship with the sport: from his college-age summers in the 1960s working at New Hampshire's Tamarack Tennis Camp to a pickup game on a court in Guangzhou, China where he was struck, yet again, that tennis is its own language, understood by all who play it. Whether a reader is fluent in the language of tennis or just admires it as an outsider, The Art of Tennis will delight all lovers of the game.
