Reviews (5)

One of my top 10 reads!
From a time in our country when people were not just sheep and actually had to depend on themselves to get by and not the welfare check!!
Elmer Keith inspires all hunters and shooters with The story of his life in a time that we can only dream of and wish for.
This book is a must read over and over again!.

Keith never pulled his punches
During his half-century of prolific writing, Keith explored virtually every aspect of the shooting sports and firearms development. His writing style is engagingly coloquial and every bit as concrete as his epistemology.- If Keith wondered how many teeth there were in a Camel's mouth, he would find himself a camel and count 'em. Likewise, before the general availability of the counter-chronograph, Keith knew the performance parameters of his loads. While his contemporaries might simple guess at pressures and velocities, Keith would pack his cartridges off to the White laboratories for the straight scoop.

In Hell, I Was There, we learn the inside story of what it was like to be a gun writer in the glory days. We also get a clear picture of life as it was during the early decades of the Century. Keith emerges as a dedicated family man and a responsible citizen of his era.

Those who have read Keith's other books and magazine articles will find themselves in familiar territory, nevertheless, the most dedicated Keith reader will find something new in Hell, I Was There.

If you enjoy frontier history and shooting this is the book
I have read this book three or four times now over the years and find that it helps me remember and respect the hard lives lived in the not to distant past. Reading Elmer's life story is like involving yourself in an epic. If you remember the movie "Little Big Man" with Dustin Hoffman from the 1970's you can get a feel for this book. The movie was a life story told by a 100 plus year old man. This book reminds me of that. You wish you had been there but wonder if you really had the strength and courage to endure the hardships as those folks did without complaint.Well worth the read.

A great story teller with a fasinating story to tell!!!
A pleasure to pick up and get lost with the author as he leads you from one exciting location to the next, usually in pursuit of big game. Though this isn't just a book about hunting. Elmer explains what growing up in the early part of this century was like. Everything from dealing with the local grade school bully to crooked bankers who run his family off their farm. Pick up a copy and enjoy.

A hundred lifetimes of experiences bestowed upon one man.
Elmer Keith tells it just as he lived it. From busting Montana broncs, to his development of many of today's popular cartridges, to hunting and guiding for a living, to taking to the game fields of Africa. How a cowboy became the most respected gun writer ever. This book is about much more than guns and hunting, it is about life at it's best. A must read book. ... Read more

Book Description

The critically acclaimed, classic autobiography of UCLA basketball's legendary coach

"What Knute Rockne was to football, Connie Mack to baseball, and Wilbur and Orville Wright to flying, John Wooden is to basketball." --Los Angeles Times

"They Call Me Coach is grassroots Americana, a story bigger than basketball. One of those rare sports books that is must reading for everyone." --Chicago Tribune

Now featuring a great new look and a Foreword by hoop Hall of Famer Bill Walton, this classic bestselling sports bio by America's "winningest coach" is back. Still charming fans everywhere, college basketball legend John Wooden reflects on his record-breaking career, his inspired life behind the scenes, and how his top players went on to shape and change the NBA. With worldly wisdom, Wooden offers a very personal history of an unforgettable time in college basketball, answering the most-asked questions about his life, his career, and the players who made his team unbeatable.

Reviews (13)

They Call me the Greatest....is what it should be called.
They Call Me Coach by John Wooden is not only one of the greatest sport books I have read but also one of my all time favorites too. In his book he tells you of his early struggle through the Depression and from the constant moving of his family. In the book he tells you of his father's enormous impact on his life, from his inspiration talks with him or just the poems he quoted. One of Wooden's own thoughts has stuck in my head also. It reads,"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."(pg 56) This great book deserves five stars because of how John Wooden can take a topic of teaching basketball, and stretch it to other sports and even educational goals. If you do not even play basketball you will like this book because whatever the sport you play, this book has something that you can apply to it. His Pyramid of Success is great and I feel it should be in every locker room of every sport. The diagram states how success can be acheived through making your team an actual team, by making them come together and be in the same mind set. These are few of the major reasons why anyone should read this book.

Coach Wooden
This book show the Wizard of Westwood's life and accomplishments in an interesting manner. I was surprised at how devoted he is to the Christian faith. The "Pyramid of Success" would be helpful for all of us. I have always been a UCLA fan because I lived in LA and I highly reccomend this book.

Great man...but the book is a little dated
I recently heard an interview with John Wooden and was amazed at the sharp mind and dizzying intellect of the now 93-year-old former coach. Thirsty for more of the Wizard of Westwood, I picked up "They Call Me Coach" on my next trip to the library. Although an interesting read, I think more recent books by Mr. Wooden may have been better choices for my first selection.

In memoir style, Wooden recounts the lessons of his youth and how they shaped his moral fiber and were essential foundations for his coaching style. Coach Wooden outlines his pyramid for success, something all motivators of men should study. He also shares some of the wonderful philosophies with which he guides his life.

The one problem I had is that the book is now more than thirty years old and seemed to be written for an audience in 1972. Wooden spends chapters discussing his "recent" teams that featured many players long forgotten. But his thoughts and ideas are timeless and will be worth reading today and many years from now.

There's more to the Wizard than you knew...
John Wooden was an inspiration to his players over the years. Now with this book, he is an inspiration to us all. His talent, his players, his faith -- all played a role in their success, and success to him was measured more by his young men than by any trophy case.

UCLA is the best
I loved this book. It is a must read for Wooden and UCLA fans. Learn about the greatest college coach ever. ... Read more

Book Description

One strike away – a painful reminder to Red Sox Nation of the 1986 Red Sox team that, until the 2004 World Series champions, came the closest to delivering that elusive trophy back to Boston for the first time since 1918. It was a team constructed by Lou Gorman, who was in the early stages of a 10-year run that produced three playoff teams, plenty of excitement, and more than its share of controversy. In Lou Gorman: One Pitch from Glory, he shares rare and private stories about constructing a team in one of the most demanding markets in the world.

Fans can read about the deals made (and the ones tantalizingly close to being made) as the Red Sox tried to take things one step further than the American League champions of 1986. Gorman even traded two future Hall of Famers in an attempt to win it all during those seasons. One Pitch from Glory offers his unique insider take on owner collusion, Roger Clemens's infamous spring training holdout, the Wade Boggs sex scandal, the firings of managers, and his dealing with the wolves of the Boston media. Gorman also shares his thoughts on the "Moneyball" philosophy and the Red Sox team that finally broke the 86-yearold "curse." His stories show that there are no off-days for the front office. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the life and career of Terry Funk, known around the word as "The Hardcore Legend" of professional wrestling. A former NWA Heavyweight Champion, Funk has been a wrestling star all over the world. Known for being completely unpredictable, Funk has had feuds with wrestling's most famous names like Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, and Mick Foley. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

One of the best
I have read practically all of the wrestling books and this has to rank among the very best. It is well wriiten and keeps you interested. It isn't ego driven like so many books on this subject seem to be. He really says what he thinks and lets you decide for yourself.
A couple of times I've woken my wife reading at night because something he says makes me laugh out loud.I just really , really enjoyed thid read. I thought Harley Races and Mick Foleys books were good but this was probably the best wrestling book I have had the pleasure of reading.

Wrestling As Only Terry Funk Could Have Lived It
The problem with most wrestling autobiographies is that they're written by wrestlers who have little experience in the game. What does someone who has been in the business for 10 or less years really know, or is willing to reveal?

The WWE biographies read as if they've come out of the same template: I was born, I went into wrestling, Vince McMahon is the greatest thing since sliced bread. All this for $20 odd something dollars.

The best bios are written by people with real tenure in the business: Lou Thesz, Fred Blassie, Jim Wilson, and Ric Flair. In other words these are all people who have a real story to tell.

Add Terry Funk to this list of distinguished alumni. Terry's memoirs, written with Scott Williams (who earns a real tip of the hat for his contributions) seem as if we are sitting down in a comfortable room with Terry and listening to his life story. The book literally comes alive in the reader's hands and imagination, which cannot be said of many other books on the subject.

To say that Terry led an interesting life is an understatement. A member of what could rightfully be called, "the first family of wrestling," both Terry and brother Dory, Jr. have held the NWA World Title along with so many regional titles that it would take a couple of days to research. Father Dory, Sr. was a legend in the business himself, a man who, like Lou Thesz and Bruno Sammartino, replied on no other gimmick than his own ability, of which he had plenty.

Traveling with Terry, we discover how he got into wrestling, how it was decided to make his brother Dory, Jr., champion, and how it was decided to make Terry himself champion. He also discusses the effect wrestling had on his marriage and family, the lost art of selling (making one's opponent look like a world beater), the decline and fall of the NWA, WCW and ECW, and how the WWE almost became extinct at the hands of WCW (and how WCW blew that chance), and the state of the art today. Plus he paints hilarious portraits of quite a few of his co-workers over the years, including, Dusty Rhodes, Harley Race, Jerry Lawler, Dick Slater and Mick Foley.

This is not just a book for put in your wrestling library - this is a book to READ and place in your wrestling library. But keep it in a handy place, because you'll want to refer to time and again.
... Read more

Book Description

Murray "Moe" Norman has always been a little different. When he took up golf, at the age of 12, he spent hours hitting balls, swinging the club until his hands bled. He soon became a phenomenon on the amateur golfing circuit. Humbly aware of his special gift, Moe went on to set 33 course records, including three 59s, and has shot 17 hole-in-ones. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Brilliant Golfer!! Moe Norman Rules!!
The reknowned author,Stan Sauerwein has written a great biography of a brilliant golfer,Moe Norman.He rules!! ... Read more

Book Description

Nobody ever threw a baseball better than Sandy Koufax. He dominated the game -- and the ball, making it rise, break, sing. Then, after his best season, in 1966, he was gone, retired at age thirty, leaving behind a reputation as the game's greatest lefty and most misunderstood man. The Brooklyn boy whom the Dodgers signed as "the Great Jewish Hope" will forever be known for his refusal to pitch the opening game of the 1965 World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur. Forty years later, Koufax stands apart and alone, a legend who declines his own celebrity. In Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy, Jane Leavy dispels the mystery to discover a man more than worthy of the myth.

Reviews (87)

Perfect
"Sandy Koufax: A Lefty's Legacy" is one of the best baseball player biographies I've read in years. Author Jane Leavy blends a brilliant mix of Koufaxian fastballs (interviews) and curveballs (unexpected historical finds) in following the course of the Dodger ace lefty's perfect game against the Chicago Cubs on September 9, 1965.

"Koufax" gets off on a shaky note, as Chapter 1 is devoted to a mind-numbing study of the mechanics of Koufax's overhand pitching delivery. Then again, in two of Koufax's most famous performances, both well-detailed in this book, Sandy had a rough first inning as well. The rest of the book takes off pretty quickly thereafter and becomes absolutely un-put-downable.

The straightforward biography tells the curve (all right, I'll stop with the puns now) of Koufax's career, from his childhood in Bensonhurst to his surprise retirement from the game shortly after his 27-win 1966 campaign. Leavy draws on background interviews with Koufax (but doesn't quote him directly), and on many other interviews with his friends and teammates, from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. Along the way she uncovers a surprising mixture of statistics and modern-bay baseball interpretation, quoting from two websites dear to the current baseball cognoscenti, Retrosheet and the Baseball Prospectus. There's also, as you'd expect for any book that spans the 1950s and '60s, a decent canned social history of the era. I don't think even Leavy believes that Koufax's retirement marked the defining point between the end of Eisenhower's and the beginning of Nixon's, but the parallels are there if you want to play with them.

Interspersed with the biographical chapters is an inning-by-inning account of Koufax's perfect game, pitched at night in Los Angeles in the twilight of his career. These chapters are mind-blowing. Spending a book describing a single ballgame is a risky proposition (all those endless asides turned "Nine Innings" into something nearly unreadable), but Leavy paints a compelling you-are-there freshness, thanks in part to the serendipitous discovery of the final 7 innings of that game on audiotape. Wisely, Leavy allows Vin Scully's play-by-play to describe most of the late action, and Vin makes for remarkable reading in the same way that he makes for remarkable listening. His extemporaneous game descriptions are brilliant and the quotes here make it easy to see why, like Koufax, he's regarded as being at the top of his league.

The book ends with a brief overview of Koufax's retirement (best line of the book: Koufax briefly handed out business cards describing himself as a "Peregrination Expert"). Leavy balances the prevailing view of Koufax (sullen, baseball-hating) against the reality she's uncovered, and Koufax comes away a healthy, well-rounded character. No hagiography, "Koufax" is instead an respectful portrait of a unique man.

No description of Sandy Koufax is complete with discussion of his Judaism, and his seminal decision to skip Game 1 of the 1965 World Series, which fell on Yom Kippur. Leavy indulges in some detective work to show that Koufax didn't even go to synagogue that afternoon, but she offers enough anecdotal evidence to almost make you believe that Koufax alone ended most of the anti-Semitic stereotypes that prevailed in America through 1965. Almost. I remember learning about Koufax in Hebrew day school as a child (in a pamphlet about Jewish sports legends only marginally bigger than the one in the movie "Airplane!"), but his significance to the religion makes a lot more sense as Leavy tells it. There's even an interview with Shawn Green, the latest Jewish All-Star to sit on Yom Kippur.

Leavy leaves no stone unturned, and now I'm as close as I'll ever be to actually becoming a Los Angeles Dodgers fan. Well, not even close... I'm genetically bred to loathe them, even as I reluctantly root for the team now mismanaged by Koufax's childhood pal Fred Wilpon. But I will be reading this book again, the sooner the better.

Koufax: Hall of Famer and Gentle Man
I would just like to echo the many positive reviews of Jane Leavy's biography of Sandy Koufax. The author has crafted a well-written account of the life and times of the former Dodger great. I was particularly taken by the way the book is organized, with chapters presenting a fairly straight-forward biography alternating with chapters dealing, inning by inning, with Koufax's perfect game in 1965.

Koufax, in Leavy's assessment, is a very private man, but not the aloof individual that so many perceive him to be. This supposed aloofness, together with his perceived "intellectualism" (the man read books, go figure) is pointed to as reflective of the subtle antisemitism that Koufax had to deal with throughout his career (and afterwards), an argument that Leavy makes effectively. Also convincing is her interpretation of Koufax's continuing symbolic importance to the Jewish community.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Koufax, the Dodgers, and baseball and its social context in the 1950s and 1960s.

Readable but not much more
I found this book moderately interesting but it suffers from three significant shortcomings:
1)One, as stated in previous reviews, the author is overly fixated on Koufax's Jewishness. Although this is clearly an aspect of Koufax, his history and make-up, and impact on the Jewish community that should not be overlooked or downplayed, it did not need to be the overiding theme of the book, and as such it overshadowed his on-the-field accomplishments.
2)Koufax did not agree to personally contribute to the book, so many of the incidents are told from the viewpoint of other observers whose memories (reasonably) appear to be less than accurate 50 years after the fact. In several cases these third parties disagree on what actually occured and as a result you question everything in the book with the exception of the statistical reality of Koufax's career.
3)There is very little info regarding Koufax's life after baseball. Since he retired in 1966 nearly forty years have passed. Although readers may be much more interested in his baseball life, I would have liked more insight into how his post-baseball life has progressed.

I didn't Like It
I don't care for the author's writing style -- a sort of smug hipness. I also got the sense that the author is overly playing the Jewish angle on this story; she cares more about his being Jewish than he does. I had to stop reading about halfway through.

Koufax from the Stone Age
So there really isn't much mystery about Sandy Koufax. Shortly after he retired he married twice, each marriage being relatively long lasting, and he led a quiet life. He attended various baseball ceremonies, raised some money for charities, and coached a bit. Leavey demolishes the "recluse" nonsense.

She also sets out clearly why Sandy had to retire early. He like other starting pitchers of his era were exploited by their teams. Throwing fastballs for nine or more innings per game game after game would have ruined anyone's arm. Baseball had not yet appreciated the middle reliever and the closer. Had Sandy pitched 6 or 7 innings per game, his career would have lasted another 5 years easily. I have to admire his and Drysdale's work ethic though.

The book recalls the late 50's and early 60's well and makes you realize how much society and baseball has changed. It is a fun book to read. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Want to live on the fast Lane read this
If you're a fan of Michael Schumacher this book is for you, if you're a fan of Jos Verstappen this iz your book. This is a very very good book, reading through it you'd feel like you're actually working for that Benetton team as a jackman. It gives you the deatils of tragic and triumphant year of the 1994 season and plus theres a lot of stunning photos from 1994, its very rare to find such photos, its very historic, I am telling you buy this, its a must for every F1, M Schumacher, J Verstappen and Benetton fan.

A Mechanic's view of the 1994 season
You may only see them for a total of 24 seconds during race day -I'm talking about the people Michael Schumacher usually thanks in the winner's press conference which is rightfully so as they do most of the hard work.

This book is a Benetton mechanic's view of the 1994 Formula One season. The content of this book do not delve on racing analysis but on the suitcase life of a mechanic, the middle of night repairs to get a car ready plus many, many more. Contains many interesting anecdotes that are unseen in news reports like when a driver requests the brake pedal to be moved a little bit closer to him, and the mechanic moves it back a fraction. Driver says, 'Er no, too far back just a bit' then the mechanic moves it back to its original position and driver says, 'Yes, that's perfect, just there!' Author also describes his immense gratitude to the McLaren team mechanics who helped him out during the pit lane fire in the German Prix.

There's also something on the fuel rig tampering charge the author defends Benetton's position in this issue. I find the author's take on cheating quite convincing - that no one in Formula One intentionally cheats for fear of being disqualified from the competition altogether.

However, I would have wanted Matchett's opinion on the Damon Hill-M. Schumacher Adelaide collision which effectively decided the 1994 Driver's Championship as he merely glossed it over.

Interesting read nonetheless and a must for every Formula One Fan.

Great inside view of a F1 team...
Steve Matchett, the author of this book, is if you did'nt know, a mechanic. Not only is he a mechanic, he is a mechanic for the Benetton Formula One team. A mechanic writing a book is a rarity indeed, which makes "Life in the Fast Lane" very special. Matchett, thankfully, also is a good writer (or maybe he had a good editor), and he has a great story to tell about his experiences in Formula One.

Basically covering the 1994 Championship winning season, the book runs through all the rounds of the Championship from Brazil to Australia. Benetton had a particularly turbulent season, as there was a lot of pressure on the team, what with being Championship contenders, the lauch control affair, Senna's death, the fuel fire in Germany (Matchett was the guy on the rear jack), the fuel filter affair, and Schumacher's collision with Hill at Adelaide. All these are in the book, and Matchett gives his (or Benetton's) side of the story.

Matchett has done extremely well with this book by choosing to present his tale in a personal way. You learn about how he has his coffee, how he did the decor in his cottage. You also learn about the struggles of an F1 mechanic for the Benetton Formula One team. The early morning starts, the late nighters, the trials and tribulations of travelling across the world to 15, 16 different countries is related very well in an easy to read style. There many little interesting tidbits that Matchett tells us about; Michele Alboreto coming in for a seat fitting for the Benetton as an outside candidate for the vacant number 2 seat prior to the start of the season. His tales of nights out with fellow mechanics. His desire for "his" driver to well; Matchett was mechanic for Jos Verstappen, JJ Lehto, and finally Johnny Herbert during the season. If there is a downside to the story, it is that Matchett can say no wrong of anyone in the team. However, he did have to continue to work with the team after finishing his book, so I cut him a little slack on that one.

All this makes for a captivating read. A recommended read, and if you like this book, you should try the follow up book "A Mechanic's Tale", which covers the other years in Matchett's career with the team before he quit in 1997. ... Read more

Amazon.com

While The Big O: My Life, My Times, My Game will not disappoint basketball purists longing for Oscar Robertson's play-by-play of favorite games, the attraction of this autobiography is Robertson's perspective on the evolution of the sport and on the racial struggles that were the context of his formative years. Called by many basketball experts the greatest all-around player ever, Robertson earned an astonishing array of honors including an Olympic gold medal, 12 NBA All-Star appearances, the NBA Rookie of the Year award, and the 1964 NBA MVP award. Most remarkably, Robertson remains the only player in basketball history with a triple-double season (double-digit averages for scoring, rebounds, and assists).

While Robertson could have easily candy-coated this impressive record for his retrospective, he devotes large sections of his book to the racial battles he faced off court, and his final chapters recount his controversial efforts as an NBA union leader to create free agency, a pension plan, and disability protection for players. In telling his life story, he lays bare the racism and mistreatment he suffered at the hands of individuals and institutions throughout his career, from the Mayor of Indianapolis and Cincinnati University to the NBA and CBS Sports. At times, his critiques can seem excessive (e.g. his discussions of the distortions in the film Hoosiers, while interesting, are repeated a bit too often), and some sections (like his attempts to compare himself to contemporary players) border on self-indulgence. Yet, he seems justified in arguing that his achievements--largely accomplished on second-rate teams, against a back-drop of unprecedented racial strife, and before the modern era of sports-media saturation--are easily underrepresented. In the end, The Big O offers a complex, human portrait to complement a spectacular sports career. --Patrick O'Kelley ... Read more

Reviews (4)

BUT ONLY FOR BASKETBALL FANATICS - LIKE ME!
TO READ, MUCH LESS REVIEW, THE "BIG O" YOU HAVE TO BE, AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN, A TRUE LOVER OF THE GAME. IT IS AN AUTOBIOGRAHY OF THE IDIVIDUAL I HAVE ALWAYS CONSIDERED TO BE THE GREATEST OF ALL BASKETBALL PLAYERS - PAST & PRESENT. HIS EXPLOITS BOTH ON AND OFF THE COURT ARE REMARKABLE. IT'S A BOOK FOR EVERY BASKETBALL JUNKY, AND FOR OTHERS WHO WANT TO LEARN A GOOD DEAL ABOUT WHAT'S REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE IN ANY FIELD OF ENDEAVOR.
SINCE I CAN'T FIND REFERENCE TO A "GHOST WRITER, OR ANYONE ELSE INVOLVED IN WRITING THIS BOOK, I WILL ASSUME THAT OSCAR WROTE IT HIMSELF. IT WOULD BE WRONG TO JUDGE THIS BOOK ENTIRELY ON "EDITORIAL" GROUNDS, ALTHOUGH IT'S NOT BAD. OSCAR STYLE OF WRITING IS SIMILAR TO THE WAY HE PLAYED BASKETBALL - HE TAKES IT RIGHT TO YOU! "HERE IT IS, DEAL WITH IT IF YOU CAN." HE DOESN'T MINCE WORDS, TELLS IT LIKE IT IS, AND WAS, AND TO HIS CREDIT DOESN'T SEEM TO REALLY CARE, WHAT YOU OR I THINK ABOUT HIS OPINIONS - USUALLY NOT A GOOD IDEA, BUT COMING FROM HIM, AND GIVEN THE SUBJECT MATTER IT'S ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.

A Class Man and Player
At 50 I'm a little young to have followed Oscar Robertson's career other than the Milwaukee Bucks period. I have run into Robertson at Cincinnati ballgames and hotels when in the city although have not spoken to him. This is a biography written in typical form, "Here's what I did growing up, here's the influence of my parents and others, here's what I did that you know me for and here's what I'm doing now." But the difference is Oscar really has something to say and he's rattled a few cages saying it.

While many people come from poor backgrounds, particularly basketball players, Oscar's is particularly interesting due to the very rural nature of his upbringing in Tennessee. Most of his early life was centered on working in fields, church and family. A move to inner city Indianapolis was significant in his development as a basketball player. And this is where the book becomes very interesting as Oscar conveys the first noticeable slights from racism. Oscar has always been very well mannered projecting a great image. And maybe in many ways this hid the hurt he was feeling from racism or maybe I was just too young to hear about it.

After rising to a top star, Robertson commits to a smaller school, U of Cincinatti, amid rumblings of improper recruiting. He dispels most of this and introduces boosters or mentors who took his best interests at heart and helped him grow as a man. He also meets his wife who he describes in glowing terms, clearly a very strong marriage that eventually yields two daughters. This is another interesting part of the book as one of his daughters suffers from a disease requiring an organ transplant.

Robertson starts his pro career in his hometown of Cincinnati with an under funded team which creates conflicts throughout his career there as money and a good supporting cast is always short. Discussing his pro career you can really see his bitterness with the pre-free agent market and how he had to fight for his money and was often blamed for putting himself above his team. This for a man that averaged a triple-double. If you follow the NBA today, you will almost find the numbers thrown around as comical.

Clearly, this book has generated controversy as Robertson has alluded to racism throughout the book. While it didn't match the impression I had of Robertson, I found he supported his positions well even though you may not agree with the outcome.

Overall, I found this to be an excellent book of a basketball icon in the late 50s to 70s. If you have interest in sports in those periods, life in America in those periods, or a short view of race relations at that time, I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did.

Fantastic
the Big O is One of the Greatest Talents in any sport Period. Wilt Chamberlin is to Me the Greatest Player in the NBA Ever but I could Put the BIG O right there with Him.He was unstoppable&One of the Game's true Ground-Breakers.in His Book He pulls no punches&Brings it here. He is a very down to Earth Soul brother&a Class act. He should Be running a Team in the NBA or something that showcases just How Important He was&is to the Game.Fantastic Book&strong read.

a worthwhile read
I was a big fan of the Big O growing up. He was the most complete player on the basketball court. This book is very well written and well rounded, covering his triumphs and conflicts during the racially charged 50's and 60's. I highly recommned it, as it discusses college and professional basketball history extremely well - particularly the seminal period of the NBA in the 60's which I now only vaguley remember - but also discusses the societal environment in which the Big O' incredible career took place. ... Read more

Book Description

Acclaim for The Immortal Bobby

"Just when you think there is nothing new to be said or written on the subject of Bob Jones, Ron Rapoport comes along and proves that theory completely untrue. The Immortal Bobby is wonderfully reported and superbly written."
—John Feinstein, author of A Good Walk Spoiled and Caddy for Life

"The story of Bobby Jones's singular life is one of the most fascinating in sports history. Ron Rapoport's thoughtful, graceful style is well suited to telling that story."
—Bob Costas, broadcaster, NBC Sports and HBO Sports

"Beyond the grainy newsreels and the confetti falling on Broadway and Peachtree Street, there was an essential Bobby Jones, and Ron Rapoport reveals him splendidly in a portrait as graceful as the man. There's more here than Grand Slam 1930—the jangling nerves and self-doubt, the towering modesty in response to fame, the complexity of an Atlanta patrician, a life richly lived."
—Gary M. Pomerantz, author of Where Peachtree Meets Sweet Auburn

"The skills of writing and reporting that fans of Ron Rapoport, like me, have come to expect from him over the years—candor, thoughtfulness, insight, perspective, humor—are once again demonstrated and illuminated in The Immortal Bobby. It is an important book about an important sports figure that, typically for Rapoport, goes beyond the confines of sports and fits firmly in the context of our culture."
—Ira Berkow, sports columnist and author of Red: A Biography of Red Smith

"Here is Bobby Jones as you've never seen him, almost fearful in the fires of competition, and Ron Rapoport shows us how that man became a legend."
—Dave Kindred, coauthor (with Tom Callahan) of Around the World in 18 Holes ... Read more

Reviews (10)

This book is a fun read and a very interesting book
This book was cool and fun to read because Bo Jackson led an interesting life and by reading it you get a new look into the world of sports. I thought it was a great read and is for any sports fan.

What could have been...
The fact that this project was done in collaboration with Dick Schaap gives it a lot of credibility. While most sports biographies are just a celebration of statistics and athletic achievments, this book went beyond that and was very earnest in all aspect of sports and management. I gained a lot of respect for Vincent (BO) as a person not just an athlete. I was very impressed with all his charity work, his humility, and the fact that he got a degree in something that truly can make a difference in this world. An epitomy of being a team player who just wants to win, I gained a great admiration for Bo Jackson. The only reason why I gave this book 4 stars is because I feel that this book should have been written after his storied but painfully short career ended. It would have added a lot of strong chapters on his & families feelings regarding his career. The again, I would understand if that is something Bo would like to keep private. The world is a better off with Bo Jackson inspiring youngsters to achieve not just in athletics but in life. Thank you Bo.

Bo Knows Bo
Bo Knows Bo is a book about Bo Jackson. It starts out as when he was young and tells how his life was without a father. His dad died when he was a young kid, so he had to go through life with out a father. His mom did the best she could for him to have a happy life. He played football and baseball when he was in middle school and also through high school. His mom didn't like the idea of him playing football because it was too much of a contact sport. He wanted to do things that he thought he might do with his dad if he had one to make up for the male figure loss. I think they needed to start this book when his dad passed away to fill in the empty portion in his life. Bo Jackson is still alive and is doing speeches around the world.
The events in this book came in chronological order so the events were easy to follow. They started from when he was young all the way up to his adult life. It follows in his foot steps from when he was young through high school into collage. This book is very easy to follow along in you could stop reading it for weeks at a time and start reading it again and know exactly where you are and what happened before you stopped. Throughout the book they used very descriptive words and larger words so you could understand what they are talking about and where they are coming from. The words they used gave you the correct feelings and the right emotions for that particular mood.
I liked the book because it told me lots of things I didn't know about Bo before and all the things they said didn't leave me hanging in the dark. It told me everything from his child hood all the way through high school to his adult hood playing football. I would rate this book with two stars because it was good but it wasn't that great. I would recommend it to people that know nothing about him but want to learn something about him.

Bo Knows Greatness
I think this book is very interesting. I like the fact that Bo didn't hold anything back. He told everything like it is. I really respect BO. I also think that if he hadn't had his career untimely cut short he would be the all-time leader in many categories in rushing with the nfl and power with the mlb. Bo Definetly Knows BO.

Read Entire Book in One Sitting
I remember in 1991 sitting in the airport waiting for my flight back to Seattle. I went into the bookstore and saw Bo Jackson's book. Not having anything else to read, I bought the book and immediately began reading it. I read during my flight home and finished it at Sea-Tac Airport.

It was a very engrossing book. It told of Bo Jackson's early years as a child then as a teenager then adult. Then Jackson told of the forever tragedy that would end his sports career: a hip-injury during a 1990 playoff game.

I remember growing up watching Bo Jackson dominate baseball then football. He became someone I looked up to as a teenager. Then as I became an adult, my own injury put me in Bo Jackson's own shoes. We each had difficult bouts of walking "normally" again. Although Bo Jackson never played football again, he returned to baseball with less than average results. But he kept his head up high and moved on from sports.

Bo Jackson's autobiography gives the reader that sense of accomplishment; that sense of overcoming obstacles when the odds are against you. I view Bo Jackson's book as a preview of his will to overcome his hip injury and become the man he is today. ... Read more

Book Description

Jack Brisco went from NCAA Champion at Oklahoma State University to NWA World Heavyweight wrestling champion. As one of professional wrestling’s biggest stars of the last 50 years, Brisco lived an extraordinary life in and out of the ring. In this marvelous book,full of photos, author Bill Murdock spins a spellbinding story that takes you behind the scenes of the athletic world’s most intriguing sport. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Wonderful Wrestler's Tale
Just mention the name Brisco to any serious wrestling fan, and it instantly conjures up images of greatness.
The name and the tag can now be applied to a book that chronicles the life of one of professional - and amateur - wrestling's greatest stars.
"Brisco - The Life and Times of National Collegiate and World Heavyweight Champion Jack Brisco" traces Brisco's storied wrestling career, from three-time state high school champion to NCAA champion at Oklahoma State, to two-time champ in the pro ranks.
The fact that mat historian and co-author Bill Murdock not only brings Brisco's fascinating stories to life, but captures the essence of that important time period in the wrestling business, makes the read all that more engaging.
The rich history of professional wrestling oozes throughout the pages of this grappler's tale, as readers get a ringside ticket to some of the watershed events that helped shape the industry as it moved from the days of territorial wrestling toward the era of sports entertainment.
Of course, a book about Jack Brisco wouldn't be complete without an extensive discourse on Dory Funk Jr., Brisco's bookend in one of the greatest programs in wrestling history. On that count the narrative delivers in spades.
"Brisco" is a must for any serious wrestling fan. Readers get a special look at one of pro wrestling's greatest periods, the '70s, when names like Brisco, Funk and Race ruled the wrestling universe. And they get to see it through the eyes of one of the true greats.

Great Wrestler, Great Bio!
The first time I saw Jack Brisco wrestle, it was on a rare L.A. TV appearance shortly before he won the NWA title in 1973. I was 10 years old, a novice wrestling fan, and two things immediately impressed me about him: how quick he was in the ring compared to the other L.A. wrestlers (the only wrestler in L.A. who moved at his pace---at least through this ten year old's eyes!--- was journeyman Raul Mata), and how cool it was to see such a pure athlete with long hair! Obviously, I had little understanding of the wrestling biz and the art of working a match, so I could only sum up Jack Brisco by saying "He's way cooler than the rest!"

Throughout the years I became better equipped to describe why Jack Brisco was way cooler, and I had great respect for him. Along comes the book "Brisco: The Life and Times of National Collegiate and World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Jack Brisco," and now I have even greater respect for him.

"Brisco" is one of those books that is a good read whether you are a die-hard wrestling fan or a reader who knows nothing about the pro wrestling business. The catch-phrases and details of the business are explained without going over the novice's head.

The book is told in the first person with Bill Murdock as editor. Jack Brisco presents himself as very confidant in his skills, but never goes over the line as a braggart, but as a team player. The list of people he credits with molding him into a successful wrestler, businessman and person is vast. He describes his counterparts honestly, neither deifing or trash-talking wrestlers and promoters. The first example that jumps into my mind is his description of the late Eddie Graham. He credits Graham as giving him his most important boost in his professional career, and his stubborn campaigning to crown Brisco as the next NWA Heavyweight Champion. On the flip side, he made no bones about Eddie pocketing more than his lion's share of his profits, and paying the wrestlers less than they deserved.

One of the most moving accounts of people he credits with helping his way up the success ladder comes when he speaks of Joe Scarpa AKA Jay Strongbow. Scarpa took Brisco under his wing like a father. He not only stood up for Jack when wrestlers messed with him, but he also dished out tough love when Brisco was acting out of line. He taught him the art of being a babyface (the hero--- there's more to it than non-wrestling fans realize) and the "babyface comeback."

The first thing that pleasantly surprised me in this book came when Mr. Brisco spoke glowingly of Haystack Calhoun. While I have always been a fan of the ace amateur wrestlers and/or shooters, I was always turned off by their closed-window view of what pro wrestling should be. Case in point are two other excellent books, "Hooker" by Lou Thesz, and "Pure Dynamite" by Dynamite Kid, where the authors often sounded dismissive of wrestlers who were not 100% athleticism. I do not mean this to disrespect Lou Thesz or Dynamite Kid, but merely to point out that pro wrestlers are, and always have been, a diverse group of performers, and that the gimmick wrestlers are part of the business. Obviously, he did not laud Calhoun for his wrestling ability, but for his ability to get the fans jazzed when his 600+ frame was about to squash the ring's villains. Brisco also described Haystack Calhoun's optimistic nature and his willingness to spend time giving autographs for the fans. I know I'm probably driving this point into the ground, but it is awesome to see a serious wrestler like Brisco to take note and point out the contributions of a "gimmick wrestler."

Brisco describes in detail the complexities of a business many non-wrestling fans see as simple, from the politics wrestlers have to practice and endure to dealings with uncouthe promoters. Like Lou Thesz did in "Hooker," Brisco tells in great detail the stressful schedule he endured after becoming NWA Heavyweight champion, always keeping up on flight schedules, finding time to keep in shape on top of the travel, and racing from state to state to make a title defense. Brisco's best told travel fiasco in the book has got to be the disastrous flight to Alabama when one of the landing gears would not work, and the pilot's neanderthol attempt to repair in front of the passengers!

My only complaint? I would love to see this book marketed more aggressively. "Brisco" should be required reading for all wrestling fans, as well as anybody who wants to enter the wrestling biz. This is definitely on my "top 5" list of books on pro wrestling.

A must read for all fans!
BRISCO is a book you must read if you have any interest in wrestling and its history!! Murdock tells Jack's story in such an interesting way that will hold your attention. By far the best book of its kind I have read. Buy yours now! ... Read more

Book Description

"When I was playing, they said soccer was a man's world and that women should remain on the sidelines. All I can say is I'm glad I never had to go up against Mia Hamm."

-- Pelé

For the more than seven million girls -- from knobby-kneed tykes to high school and college stars -- who are tearing across the of country chasing a soccer ball and dreams of glory, there is one name that eclipses all others, male or female: Mia Hamm. With her cheetahlike acceleration and lightning-bolt shot, Hamm has broken nearly every record in her sport, while galvanizing a whole generation of fans and players.

Go for the Goal is not only the inspiring story of how a tiny suburban sprite became a global terror with a ball (and the world) at her feet -- it's also a step-by-step or dribble-by-dribble guide for any kid with the all-American dream of making the team and becoming a champion.

Filled with personal anecdotes and fully illustrated with both action and instructional photographs, Go for the Goal shows readers exactly how to master the silky skills and techniques that have made Hamm and her teammates the finest women's soccer team in the world.

Reviews (39)

Mia Hamm-SoccerPlayer/Writer
Mia Hamm's book, "Goal For The Goal," is the best book I have read. It helps all soccer players improve their game, by showing training drills and it has great advice that motivates players. Mia Hamm and the rest of the Women's National team are my role models. Mia Hamm, to me wrote this book perfectly, and anyone who wants to play soccer or plays soccer already should read this book. It will inspire you to do so much more than you already can do.

Attention all Mia Fans
I am a total Hamm Fanatic, and I simply adore Go For The Goal. Whether you pray to Mia, or you have never heard about her this fantastic book offers something for you. Mia talks about her early life and career, how after her brother Garret died she scored in honor of him, the friends like Tisha she met allow the way, and all about the ups and downs of being a pro soccer player. Then there are tips, drills, and skills. With easy intruction you can ecome a better soccer player from reading. This unique and emotional book will defaintly bring you closer to your favorite superstar- MIA HAMM! - I personally guarantee it, DUDE

Not that good
Personally, I found this really boring. I'm not really sure what I just read. I was kind of hoping that there'd be some personal insight because Mia Hamm is a facsinating person. When I finished I really wasn't inspired, or informed, or anything. I was just bored. There are better books out there, this one isn't really worth your time.

Go For the Gloat
This book was very disappointing. It is defintely not any type of guide for winning in soccer or life. I really felt this was really more about Mia gloating about how good she is rather than how she got there or sharing any insight into what it takes to win. It is not hard to win in soccer if you are surrounded by all those good players and she didnt really share any personal insight other than she was a military brat.

I cant say I would be inspired by this book either... this is not an autobiography, its not a guide to how to play good soccer, its more about how many times she can take credit for a goal or assist....

Numba 1 Baller in the world!!!
This book is about Mia Hamm and her accomplishments throughout her life. The main character is Mia Hamm and at the end it talks about her U.S.A. team and players. Mia Hamm did have many adventures before becoming what she is today. Like working hard and not letting anything break her concentration. Mia also went through many obstacles in her life to become what she wanted to be, A Professional Soccer Player. Obstacles contain trying to show her ability and skill by playing against players older than her, getting into the University of North Carolina, and getting accepted by the U.S.A. coach. My favorite character is Mia, because to me she is the best soccer player, a good role model for kids, and the number one goal scorer! I can relate Mia Hamm. She started playing soccer when she was very little and she kept forcing herslef to become the best. I am doing the same thing, because I started playing when I was vety little, and I want to become the best. I look up to Mia. I also feel some of the things that Mia did. I felt that I couldn't do cetain things and that I was scared of playing against older girls than me.

I really love this book a lot. The whole book was my favorite. In other words every single part of this book I loved!

I would highly recommend this book, because it is very interesting, and it incourages soccer players to never give up on their dream. A type of person that would realy like this book would be of course A SOCCER PLAYER!!! ... Read more

Book Description

This full color volume contains quotes and unique photographs and memorabilia from the career of George Brett. The talented ball player reveals his thoughts on his life in baseball in a touching introduction, but the rest is left up to family, friends, an ... Read more

Reviews (5)

WOW
Steve Cameron's latest work with George Brett is a must for any fan of the greatest game. For everyone who has thrilled to George's accomplishments and admired his blue-collar, headfirst approach to the game he loves, "From Here to Cooperstown" is a joy indeed. This book captures the entire story of Brett's career where he had a lifetime average of .305, 3154 hits, and 1595 runs batted in. Great photos and layout compliment the authoring by Steve Cameron. It includes a great section that has quotes and comments from players, coaches, and writers, that have watched George Brett move from a shaky Single A player to the Hall of Famer that he is. Another feature in this book is that George Brett shares his thoughts, emotions, memories, his recollections, and his feelings about the long journey. It captures the entire story of Brett's career from childhood through his many years with the Kansas City Royals. It also does an outstanding job of building an understanding of why Brett is so passionate about the game of baseball. Here is a quote from George on how he would like to be remembered. "I'd like to be remembered as the guy who always played hard and ran out every ball." Although George has made it to the Hall of Fame he thanks many for his success. George would later add in his Hall of Fame speech a thought about his parents. George said," To my parents, Jack and Ethel. Thanks for the endless hours of support and love. You taught me the qualities of life that I will pass along to your grandchildren, Jackson, Dylan, and Robin. I would recommend this book to all players in high school, College, and the Minors because of the lessons it teaches about respect for the game and a personal commitment to excellence.

A very good book.
Steve Cameron's latest work with George Brett is a must for any fan of the greatest game. For everyone who has thrilled to George's accomplishments and admired his blue-collar, headfirst approach to the game he loves, "From Here to Cooperstown" is a joy indeed. This book captures the entire story of Brett's career where he had a lifetime average of .305, 3154 hits, and 1595 runs batted in. Great photos and layout compliment the authoring by Steve Cameron. It includes a great section that has quotes and comments from players, coaches, and writers, that have watched George Brett move from a shaky Single A player to the Hall of Famer that he is. Another feature in this book is that George Brett shares his thoughts, emotions, memories, his recollections, and his feelings about the long journey. It captures the entire story of Brett's career from childhood through his many years with the Kansas City Royals. It also does an outstanding job of building an understanding of why Brett is so passionate about the game of baseball. Here is a quote from George on how he would like to be remembered. "I'd like to be remembered as the guy who always played hard and ran out every ball." Although George has made it to the Hall of Fame he thanks many for his success. George would later add in his Hall of Fame speech a thought about his parents. George said," To my parents, Jack and Ethel. Thanks for the endless hours of support and love. You taught me the qualities of life that I will pass along to your grandchildren, Jackson, Dylan, and Robin. I would recommend this book to all players in high school, College, and the Minors because of the lessons it teaches about respect for the game and a personal commitment to excellence.

Love of the Game
Steve Cameron's latest work with George Brett is a must for any fan of the greatest Game. It does an outstanding job of building an understanding of why Brett is so passionate about baseball.

There is a great section containing comments from players, coaches, writers that have watched George Brett move from a shaky Single A player to the Hall of Famer that he is.

I almost think this book should be required reading for all players in high school, college and the minors because of the lessons it teaches about respect for the game and personal commitment to excellence.

Until reading this book, I was sure that no one could love the game of baseball more than I did. George Brett is the one man that does.

Excellant Reading!
This book is the heart and soul of George Brett. If you are a George Brett or just a lover of the sport, this book is a must have!

Welcome to the Hall of Fame George
This book captures the entire story of Brett's career from childhood through his many years with the Kansas City Royals. Great photographs and layout compliment the authoring by Steve Cameron. Unlike other books on Brett, this book is an autobiography. A "must" for any baseball fan. ... Read more

Book Description

In 1967, the black boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter and a young acquaintance, John Artis, were wrongly convicted of triple murder by an all-white jury in Paterson, New Jersey. Over the next decade, Carter gradually amassed convincing evidence of his innocence and the vocal support of celebrities from Bob Dylan to Muhammad Ali. He was freed in 1976 pending a new trial, but he lost his appeal -- to the amazement of many -- and landed back in prison.Carter, bereft, shunned almost all human contact until he received a letter from Lesra Martin, a teenager raised in a Brooklyn ghetto. Against his bitter instincts, Carter agreed to meet with Martin, thus taking the first step on a tortuous path back to the world. Martin introduced him to an enigmatic group of Canadians who helped wage a successful battle to free him. As Carter orchestrated this effort from his cell, he also embarked on a singular intellectual journey, which led ultimately to a freedom more profound than any that could be granted by a legal authority. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Balanced viewpoint
This is an "authorized" biography, meaning that its subject (boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter) cooperated in its production, but that doesn't mean that it's a hagiography. Hirsch produces a book that generates a sense of outrage at the injustice Carter suffered without minimizing Carter's difficult personality.

Carter's story is familiar to many. Accused of triple murder in Paterson, New Jersey, in the late '60s, he was convicted, despite dubious evidence, and imprisoned for nearly 20 years before his conviction was overturned. With the help of Bob Dylan, he became a cause celebre in the mid-'70s, won a new trial, and then, incredibly, saw his conviction upheld, forcing a return to prison, at which point he became nearly a forgotten man.

Nearly forgotten, but not entirely, because of the efforts of an obscure and enigmatic commune in Toronto that championed his cause and worked tirelessly for a decade in the cause of his relief. Hirsch effectively documents Carter's ambivalent relationship with this group, particularly its leader, with whom he became spiritually and romantically involved.

Hirsch chronicles in his book Carter's journey through a legal system that abused him and through his own psyche. He was at times an unreasoning, violent man who battled not only opponents in the ring, but alcoholism, fits of rage and purposeless impulses to battle the system through criminal acts.

Hirsch's thoroughly researched book ultimately sounds a cautionary note. Carter succeeded in his quest for justice, but only with the help of extremely dedicated attorneys and friends. Thousands of hours were expended in battling state power. One wonders how many, without benefit of such resources, have languished in prison, unable to muster the resources to mount a legal counter-offensive.

Hirsch's clean, powerful prose renders an unflinching portrait of a flawed, but brave man. Recommended reading.

Inspiration from the Least Likely Sources
I bought this book and read it in one day. I literally could not put it down.

The story of Rubin Carter, who began his early adulthood as a violent predator in the ring, learned an ever-increasing lesson about power, injustice, and ultimately, humility. This is the predator's tale of learning what it feels like to be the hunted one, and is one man's journey to self-actualization, albeit at the hands of an inhuman society.

While the movie gave a semi-authentic account of the legal transpirations, it gave very little detail as to the actual dynamics of the Canadian commune, particularly as to Rubin himself once he had gained his freedom. This book fills that void, particularly as to Rubin's relationship with Lisa and her domination of all in the group. What stands out in my mind is Skeet McClure's statement to Rubin about his relationship with the group -- "You've traded one prison for another."

This book is dynamic, moving, and unforgettable.

Skip the movie, Read this Book
I read this book and then saw the movie. This is a familiar formula for disappointment. The book is much better and richer than the movie. The movie portrays Carter as some kind of saint, deeply-principled, who is railroaded by the justice system. As the book reveals, Carter was a deeply troubled individual during the 1960's. Carter was a very angry person who seemed to antagonize authority. He was also an alcoholic and had selfish, chauvanistic attitudes towards women. These traits are overlooked in the film. In fact, the movie shows Carter a suave, kind person. The filmmakers probably skipped these aspects of Carter because they wanted the viewers to like Carter and root for him. In reality, Carter didn't seem a likeable person.
HOWEVER, the fact that Carter was a troubled, angry person doesn't mean he's guilty of murder. Some people seem to invest their dislike of "hollywood justice" and the "cause celeb" aura surrounding this case, into convicting Carter for the murders. Don't confuse the issues. Carter was not a saint but he's still entitled to justice. Part of this book is the story of the unraveling of the prosecutor's case. As a federal district court found, the prosecutors withheld vital evidence from the defense - evidence which the defense was legally entitled to. The prosecutors also resorted to prejudice during the trial to persuade the jury of Carter's guilt. This is the so-called racial revenge theory advanced by the prosecution.
The other important and most fascinating part of the book is the transformation of the man. During his prison sentence, Carter transforms himself, with the help of others, from an angry, troubled individual to a much kinder and complete human being. The movie, by overlooking Carter's bad traits, robs the viewer of this incredible growth of one person.
My advice is to skip the movie and read this excellent book.

Here comes the lie of the Hurricane
Hurricane: Intriguing Hollywood story; oppression of the black man; total fricking lie. Rueben "Hurricane Carter" was a scum-bag, plain and simple. Granted, I too was intrigued by the movie which left with with an hunger for more knowledge on the subject. I buy this book. I read this book non-stop until I arrive at the part where the prosecutor handling one of his appeals tells Rueben that he will be set free, from prison, if he takes and passes a lie detector test. Rueben "Hurricane" Carter refuses this on principle! If i am innocent and i am offered release, from federal prison, upon satisfactory completion of a test, I would be falling over my feet trying to get there. But not the Hurricane, a life-long criminal refused a test based on 'principle'. I then turned to secondary sources to squish these evil thoughts i am having like "This story is a big fricking lie." I found myself at http://graphicwitness.com and staring at a mountain of inconsistencies. The afformentioned web-site is where all of this information comes from. RUEBEN "HURRICANE" CARTER WAS NEVER SET FREE BECAUSE OF NEW EVIDENCE, HE WAS SET FREE BECAUSE OF A PROCEDURAL ERROR. Ahh, i will not bore you with all of the other details that scumbag-Carter left out of his made for hollywood story. Feel free to go to this site.

He was robbed of Freedom but never lost his principles
Rubin Hurricane Carter is really one of my greatest idols. What he went through was a mixture of discrimination, racism and hate. He was robbed 22 years of his life for something he didnt do and was denied several appeals. This book displays Carter at his very best. Not only did Carter manage to find true love in a prison where he was filled with hate he also manages to have such inner strength that he was able to block out the prison from his mind and refused to co-operate with the so-called legal system. Through the time Rubin suffered in prison he began to stop training his body and began training his mind and read books by ghandi, malconX, nelson mandela and ouspensky. When Rubin was freed (with the help of a loyal canadian commune) he began living his life in peace and speaking out against wrongs. He now doesnt support boxing and believes its barbaric. Rubin was once said to never have a strip of fat without 10 layers of muscle around it. But now Rubin is even stronger then before. Using the saying "Mind over matter." This book isnt just for boxing fans as it goes far beyond boxing it speaks loud about discrimination, one man against the world, and about finding inner strength. This book tells a miraculous journey in the most full-filling way. ... Read more

Book Description

"Succeeds more than any previous book in bringing Ali into focus . . . as a starburst of energy, ego and ability whose like will never be seen again."--The Wall Street Journal

"Best Nonfiction Book of the Year"--Time

"Penetrating . . . reveal[s] details that even close followers of [Ali] might not have known. . . . An amazing story." --The New York Times

On the night in 1964 that Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) stepped into the ring with Sonny Liston, he was widely regarded as an irritating freak who danced and talked way too much. Six rounds later Ali was not only the new world heavyweight boxing champion: He was "a new kind of black man" who would shortly transform America's racial politics, its popular culture, and its notions of heroism.
        No one has captured Ali--and the era that he exhilarated and sometimes infuriated--with greater vibrancy, drama, and astuteness than David Remnick, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Lenin's Tomb (and editor of The New Yorker). In charting Ali's rise from the gyms of Louisville, Kentucky, to his epochal fights against Liston and Floyd Patterson, Remnick creates a canvas of unparalleled richness. He gives us empathetic portraits of wisecracking sportswriters and bone-breaking mobsters; of the baleful Liston and the haunted Patterson; of an audacious Norman Mailer and an enigmatic Malcolm X. Most of all, King of the World does justice to the speed, grace, courage, humor, and ebullience of one of the greatest athletes and irresistibly dynamic personalities of our time.

"Nearly pulse-pounding narrative power . . . an important account of a period in American social history." --Chicago Tribune

"A pleasure . . . haunting . . . so vivid that one can imagine Ali saying, 'How'd you get inside my head, boy?'" --Wilfrid Sheed, Time ... Read more

Reviews (71)

Ali as agent of social change?
I found David Remnick's story of the rise of Ali quite compelling, and that's coming from someone who doesn't even like boxing. The brash young confident kid is portrayed in great detail but the portraits of the other major figures: Liston and Patterson are just as engrossing. Remnick writes well, mixes the story with telling anecdotes and chronicles Ali's rise in the context of the social changes of the time.

The book is accurately called 'the rise'; you don't get a lot of the mature Ali and his fights after his comeback. My main question about the book, and it's one the book doesn't answer; exactly HOW did this sometimes loathed figure; an outsider in a religious and racial sense from the authorities, become such a modern day hero? Exactly how did that happen? There's a book there waiting to be written.

In the meantime enjoy this one.

Good book, even if you don't like to read
This book I would recommend to all the people who either like boxing or Muhammed Ali. I would also recommend this to people who don't like to read because you would enjoy it and keep reading until its done. This book is about Ali at his best. From his childhood days to his greatest boxing match ever. This a nonfiction book that tells about Ali's career and the other boxers of his time, which include Floyd Patterson and Sonny Linston. Their fights took place in the 1960's. The best fight ever in this book was held in Miami Beach against Sonny Liston. This fight was exciting because Ali was the underdog of the fight and won it when Sonny Liston just gave up. The worst thing about this book is that it didn't fully describe all the other fights in his career.

The Titans Reigned Supreme
The Titans Reigned Supreme

Fantastic book - more than just the Ali Story -

This is one of the best-written and thought out books of the happenings amongst a small circle of the greatest heavy weights.

You get a rare insight into the lives and minds of Floyd Patterson, Sonny Liston and Cassius Clay - and the awakening/becoming of Muhammad Ali

I went into this book wanting to feed my hunger for knowledge of Muhammad Ali and came out of with a craving for more Sonny Liston - I now want to know all I can about him.

Only a brief period in time is covered - but it's an in-depth look at that time and the people and the places that made up boxing and some of the world outside boxing.

This is a great book f