Biography: sport Books

Book SynopsisIn 1982, at the age of just twenty-three and halfway through her architecture studies, Elspeth Beard left her family and friends in London and set off on a 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world on her 1974 BMW R60/6.Reeling from a recent breakup and with only limited savings from her pub job, a tent, a few clothes and some tools, all packed on the back of her bike, she was determined to prove herself. She had ridden bikes since her teens and was well travelled. But nothing could prepare her for what lay ahead.When she returned to London nearly two and a half years later she was stones lighter and decades wiser. She'd ridden through unforgiving landscapes and countries ravaged by war, witnessed civil uprisings that forced her to fake documents, and fended off sexual attacks, biker gangs and corrupt police convinced she was trafficking drugs. She'd survived life-threatening illnesses, personal loss and brutal accidents that had left permanent scars and a black hole in her memory. And she'd fallen in love with two very different men.In an age before email, the internet, mobile phones, satnavs and, in some parts of the world, readily available and reliable maps, Elspeth achieved something that would still seem remarkable today. Told with honesty and wit, this is the extraordinary and moving story of a unique and life-changing adventure.Trade ReviewAn eye-opening account of one of adventure motor-cycling's most enjoyable and inspiring stories. If there's only one adventure biking book you read this year, make it this one. * Adventure Bike Rider *Stunningly honest, Lone Rider is going to raise eyebrows. This extraordinary story is hard-hitting ... It's going to challenge and surprise every reader. * Overland Magazine *[A] beautifully crafted memoir * The Guildford Magazine *Lone Rider's a book that carries you around the globe on a fast-moving wave of sights and struggles - the pace alone makes it unputdownable [...] a stunning read. * Drivetribe *A remarkable feat by an equally remarkable woman. * 100% Biker *

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Book SynopsisWhat fears are standing in your way or holding you back? How do you want to become stronger? Olympic and World champion hurdler Sydney McLaughlin wants to help you answer these questions as she shares her personal story of struggles and victories, of faith and transformation.Sydney McLaughlin knows about facing down obstacles. She has mastered not only racing over hurdles on the track but also tackling challenges in her personal life—from lifelong battles with perfectionism and anxiety to persistent questions about her identity and whether she was enough.Her pursuit of perfection and people-pleasing continued for years until God broke into her story with his overwhelming grace, transforming love, and empowering truth.In Far Beyond Gold, Sydney will share aspects of her life story and personhood she has never shared publicly before, offering a more complex picture of who she is. She will inspire you to: Trade Review'U.S. Olympian McLaughlin debuts with a soaring testimony to the faith that helped her surmount anxiety, forge a new identity in God, and win gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. After squeaking onto the 2016 Olympic track team at age 16, McLaughlin battled imposter syndrome and crippling anxiety that crested during the Rio games, leaving her without a medal and full of regret. She vowed to return to the Olympics and arrived in Tokyo fueled by a renewed faith, which had ignited by her boyfriend (and eventual husband) Andre Levrone Jr., a former NFL player she'd met in 2020. Newly aware that her 'main identity [was]. . . a daughter of God,' McLaughlin ceded what she couldn't control, maintained 'confidence that His perfect will was going to happen,' and ended up clinching two gold medals. She renders her battles with anxiety, panic attacks, and low self-esteem in candid and unadorned prose, and her uplifting message to release 'other people's expectations' and instead 'find your identity in [Jesus]' resonates. Readers won't need to be athletes to find inspiration here.' * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisRené Stauffer has been closely covering Roger Federer’s career for nearly 25 years. In this comprehensive biography, Stauffer talks at length to the man himself, his family, friends, coaches and rivals to paint an unrivalled picture of the greatest male tennis player of all time. From his early life in Basel, Switzerland, where he first picked up a tennis racquet, to the heights of his 20th Grand Slam victory and all points in between, Stauffer reveals the secrets to Federer’s success, the hardships and doubts that he has faced and examines the legacy that Federer has created in the modern game.Trade Review'excellent' -- Simon Briggs * The Telegraph *'among the world’s leading authorities on Federer' -- Mike Dickson * The Mail on Sunday *'René Stauffer's comprehensive biography of Roger Federer is full of interesting insights into one of the greatest sportsmen of modern times' -- Martin Chilton * The Independent *'A comprehensive account of the life of the greatest – and most elegant – tennis player of his generation. From his earliest days to his recent record-breaking triumphs, Federer’s rise to the top of the world game has been watched by his compatriot René Stauffer every step of the way. Now we can relive his journey from Basel ball boy to Grand Slam legend, told in vivid detail, by one of the tennis writers who knows him best' -- Victoria Gaiger * Rakesprogress Magazine *

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Book SynopsisMarc Mrquez is the apex predator of the MotoGP world: arguably the greatest motorcycle racer who ever lived, he is an eight-time world champion. He is the man who dethroned Valentino Rossi, and who changed the sport of MotoGP forever. Mrquezs hyper aggressive riding style has made him many enemies, and his epic championship battle with Valentino Rossi in 2015 led to one of the most controversial moments in the history of MotoGP. But his story off the track is also incredible: devastating accidents, surgeries and recoveries. Racing on despite a diagnosis that him one more head injury could leave him blind.His self-admittedly ruthless personality and desire to win make him an explosive, dominant and at times controversial character - to the point that even his own tight-knit family often struggle to understand what drives him.Told by bestselling author Stuart Barker, with the insight of rivals, team members, pundits, managers and many close to his story, experience in this book that rare thing: pure sporting theatre and white-knuckle speed twinned with real human drama. Everything or Nothing is the Mrquez story told like never before.

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Book Synopsis‘Riveting . . . Honnold is neither crazy nor reckless. Alone on the Wall reveals him to be an utterly unique and extremely appealing young man’ - Jon Krakauer, bestselling author of Into the Wild.This updated edition contains the account of Alex's El Capitan climb, which is the subject of the Oscar and BAFTA winning documentary, Free Solo. Alex Honnold is one of the world's best ‘free solo’ climbers, he scales impossible rock faces without ropes, pitons or any support of any kind. Exhilarating, brilliant and dangerous, there is a purity to Alex's climbs that is easy to comprehend, but also impossible to fathom; in the last forty years, only a handful of climbers have pushed themselves as far, ‘free soloing’ to the absolute limit of human capabilities. Half of them are dead. From Yosemite's famous Half Dome to the frighteningly difficult El Sendero Luminoso in Mexico, Alone on the Wall explores Alex's seven most extraordinary climbing achievements so far. These are tales to make your palms sweat and your feet curl with vertigo. Together, they get to the heart of how – and why – Alex does what he does. Exciting, uplifting and truly awe-inspiring, Alone on the Wall is a book about the essential truth of being free to pursue your passions and the ability to maintain a singular focus, even in the face of mortal danger.Trade Review[Honnold] is the foremost practitioner of the dark art of free solo rock climbing - ascending extremely difficult cliffs hundreds, sometimes thousands, of feet tall without ropes or protection hardware of any kind. That is every bit as stupefying as it sounds * Wall Street Journal *Riveting . . . Honnold is neither crazy nor reckless. Alone on the Wall reveals him to be an utterly unique and extremely appealing young man -- Jon Krakauer, bestselling author of Into the Wild.Honnold has free-soloed the longest, most challenging climbs ever. Most peculiar of all, even to elite rock climbers, Honnold does this without apparent fear, as if falling were not possible. * New York Times *Alex Honnold spends his life cheating death * New York Times Magazine *Honnold here recounts his ascents on some of the world's most dangerous rock walls. You'll come away questioning his sanity for choosing this controversial sport…but it's also impossible not to feel awe * People *Honnold blows wide open any conventional understanding of the term 'comfort zone' . . . He engagingly conveys his love of climbing -- Barbara J. King, NPRAlone on the Wall is set to inspire multitudes [of climbers]. With his off-the-charts abilities and laconic, whip-smart, no-B.S. persona, Honnold has made climbing cool * Men's Health *[Honnold's] ability to connect with a larger audience and bring a humble perspective to his many accomplishments makes him a great ambassador to the sport . . . Reading the vivid descriptions captured by Honnold and Roberts will surely cover the book's pages in a fine layer of palm sweat * Gripped Magazine *The world's most daring free climber * The Times *

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Book SynopsisThe gripping biography of one of the most successful managers in the game, José Mourinho, giving rare insight into the man and the manager – now completely revised and updated to include the tumultuous 2020-21 season.José Mourinho is undoubtedly one of football’s most charismatic and controversial characters. His name is never far from the headlines and having worked at some of the biggest clubs in the world – Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur – despite the challenges he has faced, he knows how to deliver when it matters. But is the way he conducts himself on the touchline and in front of the cameras the real Mourinho, or an act he puts on for the watching world?In this highly acclaimed biography, author and award-winning sports correspondent Robert Beasley reveals the man behind the scenes. Granted privileged access into the Special One’s inner sanctum, Beasley delves into the workings of the famed manager’s mind, as well as backroom antics and transfer sagas at some of the game’s greatest clubs. Revealing the untold stories behind how close Mourinho came to getting the England job, his at times tumultuous relationships with the football establishment, his trials and tribulations at Tottenham and why he will always put family and friends before football, this is a side to José Mourinho you never thought you’d see.Trade ReviewExplosive ... this book has rocked football with its fascinating insight in to what makes the game's most controversial manager tick * Daily Mail *Controversial * The Times *Beasley's book is a valuable, balanced insight into a man who seems intent on splitting people into "haters" or believers * Newsweek *

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Book SynopsisPublished to coincide with the Golden Globe Race's 50th Anniversary It lay like a gauntlet thrown down; to sail around the world alone and non-stop. No one had ever done it, no one knew if it could be done. In 1968, nine men - six Englishmen, two Frenchmen and an Italian - set out to try, a race born of coincidence of their timing. One didn't even know how to sail. They had more in common with Captain Cook or Ferdinand Magellan than with the high-tech, extreme sailors of today, a mere forty years later. It was not the sea or the weather that determined the nature of their voyages but the men they were, and they were as different from one another as Scott from Amundsen. Only one of the nine crossed the finishing line after ten months at sea. The rest encountered despair, sublimity, madness and even death.Trade ReviewTold with verve and riddled with drama, you can smell the salty air and feel the spray on every page * Sunday Times *An enthralling tale of human endeavour and courage in the face of adversity ... you don't need to know your spinnaker from your mainsail to enjoy this book * Tatler *As a carpenter purrs over perfect dovetailing, so I rejoiced in the craftsmanship of this book * Simon Barnes *

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER  The first definitive biography of basketball legend LeBron James, by the acclaimed author of Tiger Woods. LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of the twenty-first century and vying with Michael Jordan as the greatest of all time. The reigning king of the game, LeBron wears the crown like he was born with it. Yet his ascent has been anything but effortless and predetermined.  As a child, he was a scared and lonely little boy living a nomadic existence in Akron, Ohio. Destitute and fatherless, one year he missed almost 100 days of school. Desperate, his mother placed him with a family that gave him stability and put a basketball in his hands.  Bringing home Cleveland's first NBA championship was the culmination of a stellar multi-championship, multi-MVP, gold medal-decorated career -- Le Bron is the NBA'Trade Review'Masterful . . . Propulsive . . . This is a fast break of a book, slicing into the many mini-narratives that James has lived and artfully tying them together to create a portrait of a man who has, by his own design, remained an enigma except to those he decides to trust. Benedict has constructed a sort of sports opera fueled by the drama and emotion surrounding his subject, but never sensationalistic or unfair. . . Benedict’s greatest feat here might be the way he cuts through both the public hysteria surrounding James and the superstar’s own protective field to paint a portrait of a man in full. . . . LeBron isn’t just great sportswriting, it’s also vivid narrative journalism' * Los Angeles Times *'Inspiring . . . An absorbing chronicle of talent, character, pluck, and luck' * Wall Street Journal *'The definitive biography of LeBron James . . . [Readers] will appreciate the perspective Benedict provides when it comes to just how much James changed the perception of what it means to be a modern athlete' * Associated Press *'The definitive biography . . . It’s fantastic. . . . So rich in granular detail' * Sports Illustrated *'LeBron is fantastic. Add it to your list' -- Jon Bon Jovi'An absolutely consumable book. It’s the kind of in-depth reporting and context that you just don’t get. . . . I thought I knew just about everything about LeBron. But the details and the digging here are so fun' -- Colin Cowherd'Jeff Benedict knows how to begin and tell a story. . . . He’s a master of his craft. . . . The vividness and execution of his writing . . . is almost cinematic, like watching an episode of Succession' * Irish Examiner *'A skilfully confected and readable book that does very well with James’s childhood' * Times Literary Supplement *

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Book SynopsisLiverpool Football Club was founded in 1892 and is one of the world's most historic and famous football clubs. Honours include 19 League Titles, eight FA Cups, ten League Cups, six European Cups, three UEFA Cups, four European Super Cups, 16 Charity Shields, one FIFA Club World Cup, two Women's Super League and one Women's Championship. As a socially responsible club, Liverpool FC is proud of its heritage and plays a proactive role in its communities through its official charity, Liverpool FC Foundation, which helps children and families in Merseyside and beyond, and the Red Neighbours programme, which creates events and experiences specifically aimed at improving the lives of those living in and around the Anfield area (L4, L5 and L6). Liverpool FC is a global brand and works with leading edge commercial partners around the world providing unparalleled commercial opportunities.

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Book SynopsisPat Tillman was well-known to American sports fans: a chisel-jawed and talented young professional football star, he was on the brink of signing a million dollar contract when, in 2001, al-Qaeda launched terrorist attacks against his country. Driven by deeply felt moral patriotism, he walked away from fame and money to enlist in the United States Special Operations Forces. A year later he was killed - apparently in the line of fire - on a desolate hillside near the Pakistan border in Afghanistan.News of Tillman's death shocked America. But even as the public mourned his loss, the US Army aggressively maneuvered to conceal the truth: that it was a ranger in Tillman's own platoon who had fired the fatal shots. In Where Men Win Glory, Jon Krakauer reveals how an entire country was deliberately deceived by those at the very highest levels of the US army and government. Infused with the power and authenticity readers have come to expect from Krakauer's storytelling, Where Men Win Glory exposes shattering truths about men and war.

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Book SynopsisThe Roger Federer Effect tells the story of the world's most famous tennis player in a fresh, innovative way - through the eyes of his friends, rivals, coaches, fans and many others who have been drawn to him as he blazed a trail and transcended the sport. In a glorious career spanning more than two decades, Federer won 20 Grand Slam titles - including eight at Wimbledon - and more than 100 tournaments worldwide, taking the game to a new level and becoming the most popular player the sport has ever seen. As he enters retirement, more than 40 personalities from inside and outside tennis reveal the special place Federer holds in their lives. Through exclusive interviews, they explain the Roger Federer phenomenon. As much as his deeds are important, it is also the intimate details that really make a person who they are. The Roger Federer Effect reveals them in fascinating and often previously untold anecdotes.

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Book SynopsisSoon to be an ABC reality series entitled Ultimate Surfer, starring 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly SlaterSix-time world surfing champion, actor, and American heartthrob Kelly Slater tells his inspiring story of triumph over adversity From Beach Blanket Bingo to Baywatch to Blue Crush, surfing has fascinated people for years, and Kelly Slater is the sport’s hottest star. He has won more world championships than any other competitor, and he continues to change peoples’ minds about what can and can’t be done on a surfboard. His wild ride has included fame, fortune, a stint on Baywatch, and a high-profile relationship with Pamela Anderson. Not bad for a skinny kid from a broken home in Cocoa Beach, Florida. In Pipe Dreams, Kelly takes the reader into oceans around the world to take on thunderous walls of water and shares the outrageous stories, solemn moments, and undeniable spirit that have made him a superstar.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most recognisable, respected and inspirational men on earth, Muhammad Ali is the world's most famous boxing hero. Ali brought unprecedented speed and grace to the sport, and his charm and wit changed forever what the world expects of a champion athlete. This is the ultimate biography to match Ali's lifetime of extraordinary achievements. Winner of the William Hill Sports Book of The Year Award A superb book; hilarious, sad, moving and hopeful – The Times A monumental achievement…it documents every facet of his extraordinary life – The Daily Telegraph Hauser's achievement in chronicling the life of Muhammad Ali is monumental… triumphant and harrowing at one and the same time – The Guardian A tour de force – The Observer Compassionate, intelligent, fair-minded, definitive, and certainly exhaustive – The New York Review of Books A delightful summer read – The Los Angeles Times One of the most recognisable, respected and inspirational men on earth, Muhammad Ali is the world's most famous boxing hero. Ali brought unprecedented speed and grace to the sport, and his charm and wit changed forever what the world expects of a champion athlete. In the words of over two hundred of Ali's family members, associates, opponents, friends and enemies, this comprehensive and honest portrait relates his legendary sporting accomplishments, as well as the high drama of life outside the boxing ring. From Olympic gold in Rome, to stunning victory over George Foreman in Zaire, every historic victory and defeat of Ali's career is covered. His controversial embrace of the Nation of Islam – with the renunciation of his 'slave name', Cassius Clay – and the historic refusal to be inducted into the US Army makes for compelling reading. Ali became America's first national conscientious objector, and with a willingness to stage his fights in Third World locales, he continued his advocacy for people in need which was honoured in 2000 when he became a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Charismatic, dedicated and a skilful self-publicist, Muhammad Ali was the embodiment of the American Dream. This is the ultimate biography to match Ali's lifetime of extraordinary achievements. The perfect companion for any boxing enthusiast or fan of Muhammad Ali's life and work.

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Book Synopsis''Kimber is a 22nd-century cricket writer'' The GuardianColourful cricket history meets expert analysis in this richly researched exploration of the art of batting.Most batters are trying to do their best, yet the top players are creating art. It is physically impossible to face an 80mph delivery and track it with your eyes, yet the greatest batters do more than just watch the ball, they predict where it will go. They can see into the future.This book is about the batters who see what mortals don't. Javed Miandad purposefully made errors to manipulate the field, Sachin Tendulkar dug up a pitch to take on Warne, Shivnarine Chanderpaul was peppered by tennis balls on the beach until he created his bastardised technique and Joe Root's great play against spin is a confluence of three random events. Others, such as Smith, Pietersen and Richards, carried on the work of a man 100 years before their time, and Ranji changed cricket with a bucket.<

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Book Synopsis*NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER* From the #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Tiger Woods comes the definitive inside story of the New England Patriots—the greatest sports dynasty of the 21st century. It’s easy to forget that the New England Patriots were once the laughingstock of the NFL, a nearly bankrupt team that had never won a championship and was on the brink of moving to St. Louis. Everything changed in 1994, when Robert Kraft acquired the franchise and soon brought on board head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. Since then, the Patriots have become a juggernaut, making ten trips to the Super Bowl, winning six of them, and emerging as one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. How was the Patriots dynasty built? And how did it last for two decades? In The Dynasty, acclaimed journalist Jeff Benedict provides richly reported answers in a sweeping account based on exclusive interviews with more than two hundred insiders—including team executives, coaches, players, players’ wives, team doctors, lawyers, and more—as well as never-before-seen recordings, documents, and electronic communications. Through his exhaustive research, Benedict uncovers surprising new details about the inner workings of a team notorious for its secrecy. He puts us in the room as Robert Kraft outmaneuvers a legion of lawyers and investors to buy the team. We listen in on the phone call when the greatest trade ever made—Bill Belichick for a first-round draft choice—is negotiated. And we look over the shoulder of forty-year-old Tom Brady as a surgeon operates on his throwing hand on the eve of the AFC Championship Game in 2018. But the portrait that emerges in The Dynasty is more rewarding than new details alone. By tracing the team’s epic run through the perspectives of Kraft, Belichick, and Brady—each of whom was interviewed for the book—the author provides a wealth of new insight into the complex human beings most responsible for the Patriots’ success. The result is an intimate portrait that captures the human drama of the dynasty’s three key characters while also revealing the secrets behind their success. “The Dynasty is…[a] masterpiece…It’s a relationship book, it’s a football book, it’s a business book…you’ll just eat up these stories” (Colin Cowherd).Trade Review"The Dynasty is Jeff Benedict's latest masterpiece. . . . It's a relationship book, it's a football book, it's a business book. . . . I was surprised at the level of detail in Robert Kraft's quotes and his willingness to allow [the book] to go to some pretty painful places. . . . If you love football the way I do, you'll just eat up these stories." —Colin Cowherd, The Herd “An epic business story . . . The Dynasty goes deeper than anyone has before on the Beatles-esque collaboration among an owner, a coach, and a star player.” —Bloomberg “Most often in our business, there are writers and there are reporters, and rarely do the twain meet. In The Dynasty, Jeff Benedict shows he’s masterful at both. His reporting on the very well-worn (trust me) earth of the Patriots’ greatness is groundbreaking, starting with his illumination of the evening in the hospital in 2001 when Drew Bledsoe’s life was in peril and going all the way through to previously unknown details of the emotional play-by-play of Tom Brady’s departure from New England. The imagery and prose are just as strong. Such a great read from Benedict.” —Peter King, NBC Sports, author of “Football Morning in America” “For two decades we’ve been peering up at the castle looming over the American sportscape with the same mixture of awe, suspicion, and envy with which peasants have peered up at palisades for millennia. So when a deft and lyrical serf named Benedict slips inside, lowers the drawbridge, and waves us in to see the ramparts, towers, turrets, and castle keep where the Brady-Belichick-Kraft trinity ruled . . . how can a peasant resist?” —Gary Smith, longtime Sports Illustrated writer and author of Beyond the Game “This is an extraordinary book. The narrative is comprehensive, intimate, and original. I’ve watched and written about the entire Patriots dynasty, and yet this epic story provides new insights and startling details that I didn’t know. I can assure you that there’s not another Patriots book like it.” —Michael Holley, author of Belichick and Brady and Patriot Reign “Smart, engaging . . . Action-packed . . . Benedict has long blended two interests—sports and business—and the Patriots are emblematic of both. . . . Good reading for organization builders as well as Pats fans.” —Kirkus Reviews "A marvelously told story of the New England Patriots . . . This is the story of a well-run and successful business, very much like Apple or Amazon. . . . You don’t need be a sports fan to enjoy this masterpiece study of a successful sports franchise. . . . With substantial research, great attention to detail and superb writing, The Dynasty is a book worthy of the team it chronicles." —Book Reporter "Richly detailed . . . Benedict’s book breaks new ground in utilizing the oft-neglected vantage point of the owner’s box." —Hartford Courant "A page-turner for Patriots fans. There are plenty of behind-the-scenes, untold nuggets, along with more detailed versions of often-told stories that have taken place during Robert Kraft’s ownership of the team. . . . It was as if Benedict was a fly on the wall for many of these significant events, and in some cases, he was in fact present to witness some indelible moments." —Boston Herald "The Dynasty is an unprecedented peek behind the curtain of the Patriots’ football machine." —Inside Hook

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Book SynopsisOne of the greatest drivers of his generation, Jim Hall is even better known as an innovator. From tiny Chaparral Cars in Midland, Texas emerged a series of vehicles that changed the face of racing. His high-winged Chaparral 2E Can-Am car and 2F World Sportscar Championship contender may be the most influential race vehicles of the 20th century. Today, every Formula 1 car uses net downforce, driver-adjustable wings, composite chassis, side-mounted radiators, semi-automatic gearboxes and advanced telemetry to optimize vehicle performance — all things Chaparral pioneered in the mid-1960s. First-ever book in which Hall tells his own story. The massive influence of his introduction of net downforce to racing, which is now incorporated into the design of every major type of four-wheel competition vehicle. How Hall shocked the world with innovative designs that won in every series in which they competed, including Can-Am, Trans-Am, the World Sportscar Cham

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR PRIZE 2020'The definitive biography of a racing driver who won three World Championship titles' Matt Dickinson, The Times, Sports Books of the Year'Thoroughly gripping...a fitting tribute' Justin Marozzi, Sunday Times Niki Lauda was one of the greatest stars in motor racing – a superb driver on the track and a much-loved personality off it. From his famous rivalry with James Hunt in 1976, as depicted in the film Rush, to working with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, his career helped define modern Formula One.   Six weeks after the 1976 crash at the notorious Nürburgring that left him burned and receiving the last rites while obituaries were written, Niki Lauda stepped back into his Ferrari at Monza to defend his first World Champion title. Jackie Stewart called it ‘the most courageous thing I have ever witTrade Review'By the end of this thoroughly gripping biography, what is abundantly clear is that statistics tell only half the story... This was a man who was forged in fire... Some of the most engrossing passages in this book, big on anecdote and reportage, have nothing to do with Lauda's racing career. Hamilton...reveals a man who is far more riveting and intelligent than his ability to pilot an F1 car very swiftly around a circuit may suggest. This biography is a fitting tribute to him.' -- Justin Marozzi * Sunday Times *'Hamilton's book is the one we'd recommend. As great as To Hell and Back remains, the new biography adds greater detail from other perspectives... Autobiographies are not necessarily the definitive word on a subject. Hamilton adds a nice personal touch... His use of less familiar period interviews adds vivid colour... What really makes this new biography compelling are the chapters after 1985... It was Niki Lauda's humanity that was his true driving characteristic, and that's the running thread that pulls his authoriative book together.' -- Damien Smith * Motor Sport *'Petrolheads will enjoy Hamilton’s expert analysis of car construction…for the rest of us, there is more than enough to savour in Lauda’s singular character, especially his amusing bluntness’ -- Matt Dickinson * The Times *'A comprehensive and enlightening biography' -- Damien O'Meara * RTE *'A compelling character study' -- Nick Greenslade * Sunday Times, Sport Books of the Year *

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Book SynopsisMatt Whyman has co-written books with some of the world's leading figures in sport, high performance and popular culture including Gareth Southgate, Matthew Syed, Billy Connolly and Sir David Attenborough. He is an award-winning novelist and writer of non-fiction.Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team is the works team of Mercedes-AMG, competing at the pinnacle of motorsport the FIA Formula One World Championship. Formula One is a sport like no other. Combining elite teamwork, cutting-edge technologies and innovation, high-performance management and exceptional driving skill, teams develop race cars capable of competing against their rivals in a high-octane environment that spans upwards of 20 races across five continents throughout each season. The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, based across Technology Centres at Brackley and Brixworth in the United Kingdom, brings together over 1,000 dedicated and determined people that design, develop, manufacture and race the cars

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Book SynopsisA Sunday Times Book of the Year 'For anyone interested in Lee's legacy, this is a roundhouse kick of a biography' – Sunday Times'At last, Bruce Lee has the powerful biography he deserves... It will thrill Lee's fans and fascinate the unfamiliar' – Jonathan Eig, author of Ali: A Life and Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig'Meticulously researched' – Jimmy McDonough, author of Shakey: Neil Young’s Biography and Soul Survivor: A Biography of Al Green'You won't find a better match for a biographer with his subject than Matthew Polly and Bruce Lee... A definitive biography, told with passion and punch' – Brian Jay Jones, author George Lucas: A Life and Jim Henson: The Biography.  Trade Review'For anyone interested in Lee's legacy, this is a roundhouse kick of a biography.' * Sunday Times *'Proper biographical investigation … From his early street fights to his friendship with Steve McQueen, from his cha-cha to his one-inch punch, Bruce Lee was made to be Bruce Lee. And Matthew Polly was made to be his biographer.' * The Spectator *'The first in-depth account of Lee's journey from a street-brawling teenager to a global icon … Lee's charisma, ambition and relentless appetite for combat leap off the pages.' * CNN *'Matthew Polly’s new biography is long overdue but does Hong Kong’s most famous son proud ... engaging, enthusiastic and empathetic.' * South China Morning Post Magazine *'The first noteworthy treatment of its subject – and a definitive one at that ... Fascinating.' * New York Times Book Review *'Proof that dogged research and sharp insight lie at the foundation of any successful biography … a definitive work to satisfy Lee’s fans and spark curiosity in a new generation.' * Associated Press *'This thorough, well-sourced biography from Polly is an engrossing examination of the life of a martial arts movie star and his shocking, early death ... Polly wonderfully profiles the man who constructed a new, masculine Asian archetype and ushered kung fu into pop culture.' * Publisher's Weekly *'At last, Bruce Lee has the powerful biography he deserves. Matthew Polly’s book is packed with new information and sharp insights. It will thrill Lee’s fans and fascinate the unfamiliar. Bravo!' —Jonathan Eig, author of Ali: A Life and Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig'You won’t find a better match for a biographer with his subject than Matthew Polly and Bruce Lee. From Lee's early days as the self-proclaimed Cha-cha Champion of Hong Kong to his final, fiery years as the iconic, fist flashing, kung-fu master, Polly tells Bruce Lee’s story with clarity and empathy, tearing away the myths to reveal Lee’s most interesting persona yet: the man himself. A definitive biography, told with passion and punch.' — Brian Jay Jones, author George Lucas: A Life and Jim Henson: The Biography. 'Believe it or not, Bruce Lee has never been the subject of a truly in-depth biography—until now. With this meticulously researched, beautifully realised work, Matthew Polly has written the definitive account. It moves with the authority, grace and economy of Lee himself. I was hooked from the first chapter.' —Jimmy McDonough, author Shakey: Neil Young’s Biography and Soul Survivor: A Biography of Al Green

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Book SynopsisNATIONAL BESTSELLER"I am just a common man who is true to his beliefs."--John Wooden Evoking days gone by when coaches were respected as much for their off-court performances as for their success on the court, Wooden presents the timeless wisdom of legendary basketball coach John Wooden.In honest and telling passages about virtually every aspect of life, Coach shares his personal philosophy on family, achievement, success, and excellence. Raised on a small farm in south-central Indiana, he offers lessons and wisdom learned throughout his career at UCLA, and life as a dedicated husband, father, and teacher.These lessons, along with personal letters from Bill Walton, Denny Crum, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bob Costas, among others, have made Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and off the Court an inspirational classic.Table of ContentsPreface Part I: Families, Values, VirtuesPart II: Success, Achievement, CompetitionPart III: Coaching, Teaching, LeadingPart IV: Putting It All Together: My Pyramid of SuccessMy Favorite Maxims

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Book SynopsisChrissie Wellington is the world''s No 1 female Ironman triathlete, a four times World Champion, having recently won the her fourth title in October 2011 and the World Record holder. In 2009 she was voted ''Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year'' and in 2010 was awarded the MBE.She is the undefeated champion of Triathlon, having won thirteen Ironman titles from thirteen races. She set a new World Record of 8 hours19:13 at Quelle Roth Germany in 2010, which slashed over 14 minutes from the previous record and where she was only beaten by six men. She went on to improve this time by another minute in the 2011 race. She also set a new world record for the fastest ever Ironman sanctioned event at Ironman South Africa in April 2011.Chrissie has displayed unprecedented levels of stamina, strength and competitiveness in becoming Ironman World Champion in only her second event at Ironman level. Her victory in Kona, Hawaii in 2007 finishing five minutes ahead of her ne

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Book SynopsisValentino Rossi’s announcement of retirement brings down the curtain on an incredible career in the MotoGP motorcycle world championships. With his nine titles, including seven in the premier class, he is widely regarded as the greatest motorcycle racer of all time, and his 26 seasons of Grand Prix racing make him unique across both motorcycling and Formula 1. Rossi has been captivating fans since he won his first Grand Prix at the age of 17 and even in his final season, at the age of 42, he has been riding faster than ever. In this major new book by top MotoGP journalist Mat Oxley, each and every one of these races comes under the microscope, complete with perspectives about Rossi’s achievements, the controversies, his character, and analysis of his bikes. This is a Valentino Rossi book like no other

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Book Synopsis'Compelling from start to finish...Downie does full justice to an extraordinary life' Pete Davies, author of All Played Out. A stunning new biography of Socrates, the iconic captain of the greatest Brazil side never to win the World Cup. Socrates was always special. A hugely talented athlete who graduated in medicine yet drank and smoked to excess. The attacking midfielder stood out - and not just because of his 6'4' frame. Fans were enthralled by his inch-perfect passes, his coolness in front of goal and his back heel, the trademark move that singled him out as the most unique footballer of his generation.  Off the pitch, he was just as original, with a dedication to politics and social causes that no player has ever emulated. His biggest impact came as leader of Corinthians Democracy - a movement that gave everyone from the kitman to the president an equal say in the running of the club. At a time when Brazil was ruled by a military dictatorship, it was truly revolutionary.  Passionate and principled, entertaining and erudite, Socrates was as contradictory as he was complex. He was a socialist who voted for a return of Brazil's monarchy, a fiercely independent individual who was the ultimate team player, and a romantic who married four times and fathered six children.  Armed with Socrates' unpublished memoir and hours of newly discovered interviews, Andrew Downie has put together the most comprehensive and compelling account of this iconic figure. Based on conversations with family members, close friends and former team-mates, this is a brilliant biography of a man who always stood up for what he believed in, whatever the cost. 'Brilliantly written and researched. Amazing life.' Alex Bellos, author of Futebol: The Brazilian Way of LifeTrade Review'Brilliantly written and researched. Amazing life.' -- Alex Bellos * Author of Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life *'Compelling from start to finish - a vivid portrait of one of the greatest players of all time, and of the thrilling, fascinating country he represented. Highly intelligent, politically engaged, Socrates had an impact reaching far beyond the field of play. Downie does full justice to an extraordinary life, rich in joy, in sadness, and in inspiration.' -- Pete Davies * Author of All Played Out *'Such a phenomenon [as Sócrates] deserves the rounded, accomplished biography he has been accorded by Reuters writer Andrew Downie, who draws on a knowledge not merely of Brazil's football but of its wider politics and society based on 17 years of living there. Downie celebrates the brilliance and the achievements.' * When Saturday Comes *'Downie has done a grand job of juggling all the different facets of the captain of the greatest Brazil team never to win the World Cup' -- Aidan Smith * The Scotsman *'Socrates was one of Brazil’s footballing icons...His posthumous fortune is having a biographer whose knowledge and understanding born of many years living in Brazil enables him to bring the reader "the full Socrates" in the colourful context both on and off the pitch...A valuable addition to the football bookshelf.' -- Keir Rednedge * KeirRadnedge.com *'I love this book. It’s a book about famous sporting figures that actually it turns out we don’t know that much about…It’s a great book, one of the best I’ve read this year so far. I fully recommend you pick that one up.' -- Matt Williams * Sports Book Podcast *'An excellent piece of work. Fascinating study of a complicated man.' -- Tom English * BBC Scotland *'The story of Brazilian international Socrates who, as well as being a captain, politician, smoker and drinker, trained as a doctor. A fascinating insight into one of football's most complex characters.' -- Stuart Horsfield * Shortlist *The confounding contradictions of Sócrates’ genius, and his apparent unwillingness to place football at any special pedestal, that forms the basis for Andrew Downie’s excellent new book, Doctor Sócrates: Footballer, Philosopher, Legend... Sócrates not only shaped the idea of what sport can mean to its fans...but he also showed the world that there was a place for dissent even in sport. -- Suhrith Parthasarathy * The Hindu *The fascinating story of a true legend. Downie...pieces together the gripping, remarkable and inimitable story of a man who was as prodigiously gifted as he was staggeringly self-centred. * Hindustan Times *'[Fans] now get the opportunity to read an honest biography of the Brazilian in Andrew Downie’s magnificent work...This must-read sport book of our times....First-class journalism...untainted by hagiography.' * Times of India *'Andrew Downie...manages to tread a narrow path in describing Socrates, with skilful writing, warmth in reporting and a clear eye. This biography should be compulsory reading for sports fans, but will also hold non-fans in thrall.' * India Today *'Excellent....a timely reminder of just how much impact this well-rounded character had during his short life.' * sportsbookofthemonth.com *'It is perhaps understandable that football, so identified with Brazil, has provided a rare opportunity to open a window onto this vibrant, hopeful, chaotic time and place through Downie’s book. If only there were more such biographies in English waiting for readers stimulated by his Sócrates read to find out more about the people who make up this endlessly complex, contradictory place called Brazil.' -- Tom Hennigan * Dublin Review of Books *'Downie's meticulously researched 384 pages, which includes extracts from the player's unpublished memoirs, delve into every nook and cranny of Socrates's life and is a brilliant read. For anyone who remembers the summer of '82 and watched Socrates weave his magic...(it) is a must-read.' -- Brendan Crossan * The Irish News *'Downie has painstakingly described [Socrates] in a very British style and in great detail. This biography finally does justice to one of the personalities of 1980s football.' * Le Telegramme *

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2018 WINNER OF THE TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS BIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR 2019 THE FULL STORY BEHIND THE RISE, FALL AND RISE AGAIN OF TIGER WOODS 'A rattling read... Superbly written' Daily Mail‘Arguably the most serious attempt ever made to get behind golf’s great enigma' Guardian'Exhilarating, depressing, tawdry and moving... perfectly pitched biography' New York Times Based on three years of extensive research and reporting, two of today’s most acclaimed investigative journalists, Jeff Benedict of Sports Illustrated and eleven-time Emmy Award winner Armen Keteyian, deliver the first major biography of Tiger Woods - sweeping in scope and packed with groundbreaking, behind-the-scenes details of the Shakespearean rise and epic fall of a global icon. InTrade Review'An admirable piece of reporting...a rattling read, taking us through the most dramatic rise and fall of perhaps any sportsman in history. Superbly written.' -- Derek Lawrenson * Daily Mail *'This meticulous, dogged, thorough re-examination of his life suggests there was more to Woods than met the eye... There are many more anecdotes in this pacey, unyielding book that make you squirm as you read them.' -- Jim White * Mail on Sunday *'All the grisly details are here...a professionally executed, admirably even-toned biography whose only fault may prove to be in arriving a few chapters early.' -- Giles Smith * The Times *‘Arguably the most serious attempt ever made to get behind golf’s great enigma, taking a meticulously investigative approach to his fall from grace.’ -- Emma John * Guardian *'A superb read' -- Paul Kimmage'Magnificent' -- Michael Calvin'A portrait more complete than any that have come before' -- David Walsh * Sunday Times *'As forensic an analysis of the golfer’s life and times as has ever been on the shelves in Tiger Woods. Detail of Woods’s infidelity is striking, tales such as how his father remains in an unmarked grave and first girlfriend was ruthlessly cut off from the emerging icon desperately sad.' -- Ewan Murray * Observer *'I found it exhilarating, depressing, tawdry and moving in almost equal measure...There is beauty and awe in this perfectly pitched biography, as we watch Woods’s skills blossom...This intense book gives us Woods’s almost mythical rise and fall. It has torque and velocity, even when all of Woods’s shots, on the course and off it, begin heading for the weeds.' -- Dwight Garner * New York Times *'As realistic and compelling a third-person portrait as we’re likely to get. Highly recommend.' -- Mark Eglinton'A scathing and vivid re-examination of the double life of a serial philanderer, sex addict and liar who was also once a revered athlete and the wealthiest sportsman in the world.' * Mail on Sunday, Sports Books of the Year *'For most of his life, Tiger Woods has remained an enigma, hiding in full view... which is why the American sports writers Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian deserve our appreciation and plaudits for their mighty work, Tiger Woods... with their exhaustive research, they left nothing to chance. They cut through a forest of false trails and road blocks, gathering together testimonies on and off the record from scores of people to provide as comprehensive a view of Tiger as anyone could manage.' -- Kevin Mitchell * Observer *‘This scrupulously researched biography chronologically details the life of a man who many believe is the greatest golfer to have ever lived and it reads as a poetic encyclopedia... This factual, critical and thought-provoking account covers Wood’s life on and off the course… It is arguably impossible to empathise with Woods…But this account goes a long way to helping you understand him.’ -- Adam Powers * Daily Express *'With the rigour that marks the best American journalistic traditions...[Tiger's] career chronicled and his flaws laid bare.' * Sunday Times, Sports Books of the Year *'Another triumph of old-school reporting... to reveal a largely unflattering picture of the greatest golfer of our age – although given what they also reveal about Woods’s upbringing you can’t help feeling some sympathy for him as well.' -- Sean Ingle * Observer *'An exhaustive account...of his incredible rise, fall and rise again.' -- David Gurney * Metro, Top 30 Sports Books of the Last 30 Years *'An ambitious 360-degree portrait of golf's most scrutinised figure...it is a book brimming with revealing details about Woods' unique background. The real achievement in Tiger Woods is...in describing how Woods became who he is - uniquely gifted, widely admired, but also emotionally stunted by his parents. The book features fresh reporting on almost every significant element of Woods' story.' -- Sam Weinman * Golf Digest *'Immensely readable...the authors have laid out a saga that is part myth, part Shakespeare, part Jackie Collins, plus a touch of ESPN... Benedict and Keteyian bring us along for the ride in a whirlwind of a biography that reads honest and true.' -- Leigh Montville * Wall Street Journal *'A scene-by-scene account of Woods' rise, implosion and imperfect return. The prodigy...makes for a sad subject. The book is stronger on the insanity that surrounds (and possibly inhabits) Woods.' -- Simon Kuper * Financial Times *

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Book SynopsisNamed one of TIME magazine's 100 Greatest Men of the Century, Bruce Lee's impact and influence has only grown since his untimely death in 1973Trade Review"Whether he was teaching, acting, writing, or speaking, Bruce was able to … 'simply and honestly expressing himself.' Superficially, this could be called 'charisma,' but on a more profound level this ability to bare the soul should be called 'artistry.' Just as Michelangelo chipped away at a block of marble to reveal David, so did Bruce peel away the layers of his inner soul to expose his true self to the world." --Linda Lee Cadwell, from the Foreword"The Bruce Lee Library stands as the definitive presentation of Bruce Lee's magnificent legacy. Each volume belongs on the bookshelf of every serious martial artist." --Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus"With rare letters, essays and even poems, the book offers readers a glimpse into the mind and work ethic that drove Lee, as well as a window into his philosophy." --News China Magazine

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Book SynopsisFootball Legends: Young readers will love findingout all about the lives of their favourite players in this greatnew biography series.

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Book SynopsisDiscover the exclusive, access-all-areas inside story of one of the most successful F1 teams, perfect for fans of Drive to Survive. *THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*''In the secretive world of motorsport, nobody has ever been given this level of access to a team at this level'' Will BuxtonThis book lifts the lid on what life is really like inside our team and it has been based on unprecedented access nobody has ever been this close to what happens behind the scenes.' Toto Wolff, Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team CEO''Brutally honest'' Daily Mail''A revealing and absorbing read'' Guardian''Compelling The most illuminating look at the inner workings of an F1 team to date.'' New York Times____________________________________________________________________________The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team was once untouchable.But now, the winner of seven Drivers'' World Championships and eight consecutive Constructors'' World Championships must confront the reality of no longer being F1''s top dog. Fully embedded across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, award-winning writer Matt Whyman follows decorated drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, Team Principal Toto Wolff, and the extraordinary men and women that design, build and race the team''s cars as they fight back on and off the track. From the tension of pre-season testing to the thrill and glamour of race weekends including events such as Silverstone, Monaco, and the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix Whyman provides fascinating insight into the world of the fastest sport on earth and one of its most successful teams. With exclusive and unprecedented access to the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, and never-before-seen photos, Inside Mercedes F1 charts the journey of the Silver Arrows as they face their greatest challenge yet: the race back to the front.____________________________________________________________________________Praise for Inside Mercedes F1:This is a must read for all F1 fans.' Greg James Matt's access to the inner workings of Formula 1 racing is unparalleled. Sharing extraordinary highs and lows, this is a fascinating view of the immense teamwork involved to compete at the very top.'' - Gareth Southgate*A Sunday Times bestseller November 2024

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Book SynopsisTHE DEFINITIVE BIOGRAPHY OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL DRIVER IN F1 HISTORYAfter equalling Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles, and overtaking him as having the most race wins, pole positions and podium finishes, Sir Lewis Hamilton became the most successful racing driver of all time - and the most dominant and successful Briton ever to drive in Formula 1.Hamilton's debut season in 2007 won him fans around the world, and his place in Formula 1 history was sealed the following year when he became the youngest ever world champion. In the years since, he has created headlines on and off the track with his rivalries with Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, a shock move from Mercedes to Ferrari, along with relationships that have landed him on the front pages of the tabloids. However, despite the media glare, he has continued to prove his incredible talent and tenacity and remains utterly dominant in his sport.In this insightful biography, bestselling sports author Frank Worrall traces the slipstream of Hamilton's incredible career as the fastest driver on the planet. This is the story of the young man who has gone from being the rookie Sir Jackie Stewart said 'has rewritten the rule book' to a world champion many times over - and become Britain's greatest ever sportsman in the process.

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Book Synopsis'This belting read pulls off the nifty trick of making the kung fu legend's spiritual and combat ideas accessible' Maxim'Truly gets under the skin of this iconic figure' Film Review In the 1970s Bruce Lee emerged as the world's greatest fighting star - an accolade he has kept ever since. He battled to succeed in America in spite of the racial prejudice that denied him a starring role, eventually making films in Hong Kong that turned him into a star - the highest-paid movie star of his day. His controversial death, at the age of thirty-two when he was at the height of his powers, has given him a James-Dean style enduring appeal. In Bruce Lee - Fighting Spirit, Bruce Thomas has written a complete account not only of Lee's life and death, but of the fighting philosophy he developed (jeet kune do) which made him the greatest exponent of martial arts in modern times. In this updated edition he reassesses Lee's skills and examines the enduring impact of his legacy - on action films and martial arts today. As an icon Bruce Lee's popularity continues to grow and this book is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man whose achievements have never been surpassed. 'An endlessly stimulating account of Lee's life and times' LoadedTrade ReviewWritten and researched with devotion and thought-provoking passion, the book truly gets under the skin of this iconic figure. * Film Review magazine *This belting read pulls off the nifty trick of making the kung fu legend's spiritual and combat ideas accessible. * Maxim *An essential for martial arts fans and a compelling read even for the uninitiated. * Derry Journal *By far the best, most honest, and most comprehensive book on Bruce Lee's life ever written * Goodreads *

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Book SynopsisWidely regarded as one of the greatest ever sportspeople, Roger Federer is a global phenomenon. From his humble beginnings as a temperamental teenager to becoming symbol of enduring greatness, The Master is the definitive biography of a global icon who is both beloved and yet intensely private. But his path from temperamental, bleach-blond teenager with dubious style sense to one of the greatest, most self-possessed and elegant of competitors has been a long-running act of will, not destiny. He not only had a great gift. He had grit.With access to Federer's inner circle, including his wife, Mirka, his longtime trainer and based on one-on-one interviews with Federer, legendary sports reporter Chris Clarey's account will be a must read retrospective for the loyal sports fans, and anyone interested in the inner workings of unfaltering excellence. The Master tells the story of Federer's life and career on both an intimate and grand scale.Trade ReviewRoger Federer is the most beautiful and balletic player I've ever seen. In this entertaining and deeply researched book, Christopher Clarey, the top tennis writer of today, tells the story of how Federer became one of our sport's greatest champions and how much harder it was than he made it look -- Billie Jean King, former World No. 1 professional tennis playerStyle married with substance. Heft married with levity. Polished, detail-oriented, executed with grace. Roger Federer gets the biography he deserves -- L. Jon Wertheim, Sports Illustrated executive editor and bestselling author of THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON SPORTSRoger Federer plays tennis like Michelangelo painted: every stroke is perfection, the end result a masterpiece. Christopher Clarey captured just that -- Martina Navratilova, former World No. 1 professional tennis playerChristopher Clarey is a rare combination: the consummate insider with an objective lens. With THE MASTER, he delivers a deep and enlightening view of Roger's life and career that sports fans will be parsing for decades -- Jim Courier, former world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam singles championAn iconic master in his own field, Christopher Clarey is the perfect writer to wrap up the gift that is Roger Federer's career. You're not going to get a better look into his life, personality, and character. Christopher got close but not too close to Roger to compromise his perspective on this great champion. He shows sides and layers of Roger through conversations and stories that we have never been privy to before. I have deep respect for Christopher's fair and thoughtful journalism -- Chris Evert, American former world No. 1 tennis player and winner of 18 Grand Slam singles championships

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Book SynopsisMarvelous Marvin Hagler is a sporting legend. Often called the greatest middleweight boxer of all time, he held the world title for 12 defences, including bouts with Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran which entered fistic folklore. From his wild early fights in the boxing wilderness of Brockton, Massachusetts, Brian and Damian Hughes trace the blazing trail of Hagler's career: the controversial defeats subsequently avenged, a riot-scarred title win in London, and his unification of the middleweight crown. Hagler became a huge favourite, taking on all comers while never taking a step back. And so to The Ring magazine's "greatest round of all time" against Hearns, his ferocious battle with Duran, and the still-controversial loss to his nemesis Leonard. Marvelous tells the story of Hagler's extraordinary life for the first time, separating truth from myth to get right to the heart of a complex and charismatic man.

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Book Synopsis'A tragic age and a tragic character, both seemingly compelled to destroy themselves...a chilling reminder of how little control we have over our fates' Damon Hill 'One of the greatest motor racing stories' Nick Mason 'Timely, vivid and enthralling … it’s unputdownable’ Miranda Seymour, author of The Bugatti QueenDick Seaman was the archetypal dashing motorsport hero of the 1930s, the first Englishman to win a race for Mercedes-Benz and the last Grand Prix driver to die at the wheel before the outbreak of the Second World War.   Award-winning author Richard Williams reveals the remarkable but now forgotten story of a driver whose battles against the leading figures of motor racing's golden age inspired the post-war generation of British champions. The son of wealthy parents, educated at Rugby and Cambridge, Seaman grew up in a privilegeTrade Review'Timely, vivid and enthralling in its close-up view of a world of heroes, Richard Williams’ splendid book corrects the many myths that cling to Dick Seaman’s name. Was he buried sitting upright in the car in which he died? Did his overbearing English mother light up the family’s ancestral home to guide Nazi pilots through the night? Williams has found a subject worthy of his rare combination of technical knowledge with compelling story-telling. It’s unputdownable.' -- Miranda Seymour * Author of The Bugatti Queen *'One of the greatest motor racing stories, about one of the greatest but least celebrated British drivers from an era that produced perhaps the most awesome - certainly the most fearsome - racing cars of all time, the original Silver Arrows.' -- Nick Mason'A fascinating story...as you'd expect from one of the finest sports writers of our lifetime, Williams advances our understanding of the subject by elegantly weaving a narrative that combines the Boy's Own derring-do of a between-the-wars hero with the suffocatingly stuffy expectations of British society...Gives you all the detail a purist would want from a racing biography, but it's also an easy-to-read yet fascinating social documentary of the era. -- Marcus Simmons * Autosport *'A tragic age and a tragic character, both seemingly compelled to destroy themselves...a chilling reminder of how little control we have over our fates' -- Damon Hill'To read A Race with Love and Death...is to smell the petrol that frequently caused conflagrations as cars burst into flame from leaks and collisions. Williams is the right man to tell [Seaman's story] - a fine sports writer.' -- Matt Dickinson * The Times *'Readers...will be familiar with the elegance of his prose and the breadth of his interests and expertise. All are on show here.' -- Sam Wollaston * Guardian *‘Richard Williams has written wonderful books…but this latest one tops them all for drama, insight and casting fresh light on old events.’ -- Colin Overland * Car *‘The gifted sports writer – Richard Williams recounts Seaman’s story vividly and with aplomb, ably calculating the spirit of the age.’ * GP Racing *‘The story of ‘Britain’s First Great Grand Prix Driver’ is expertly chronicled in A Race with Love and Death as journalist Richard Williams re-evaluates the speedster’s life and legacy.’ * The Sportsman *'Richard Williams’ charming account of Seaman’s life, will help...remind others of a time in Grand Prix racing when with grievous regularity...the fast died young and died often.' -- Michael Moritz * Financial Times *'Richard Williams – one of our most elegant sportswriters – has written a biography of Seaman that seeks to remind us of his unfairly expunged sporting achievements...once Seaman’s career takes off and he participates in bigger, more fully documented events, Williams’s gift for bringing a race to life in all its excitement comes into its own. He is a wonderfully lucid writer, and a sort of anti-Murray Walker in that he never tries to artificially ramp up the tension.' -- Jake Kerridge * Daily Telegraph *'Williams writes like a novelist, vividly creating scenes in order to swing the spotlight on a character who should perhaps have been remembered in the same way as Mike Hawthorn...It makes of a compelling read.' * Classic Cars *'Williams provides the contextual sensitivity that takes a lifetime to acquire... [His] research is nothing short of incredible... A remarkable and moving account, one that places you in every room with Dick, told with reason – matter of factly, rather than chasing sensationalism.' * Classic & Sports Car *'Williams skilfully and gently lays out the nuances of a life that ended violently... As it is, this exhaustively researched and immaculately written book can only feed such fascinating but ultimately sad speculation.' -- Maurice Hamilton * Sport 500 *

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Book Synopsis**Voted Wisden Cricket Monthly's best cricket book ever in 2019**WINNER, BEST CRICKET BOOK, BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2010_________________Golden Boy is a blistering exposé of the tumultuous Lillee/Marsh/Chappells era of Australian cricket, as viewed through the lens of flawed genius Kim Hughes._________________Kim Hughes was one of the most majestic and daring batsmen to play for Australia in the last 40 years. Golden curled and boyishly handsome, his rise and fall as captain and player is unparalleled in cricketing history. He played several innings that count as all-time classics, but it's his tearful resignation from the captaincy that is remembered.Insecure but arrogant, abrasive but charming; in Hughes' character were the seeds of his own destruction. Yet was Hughes' fall partly due to those around him, men who are themselves legends in Australia's cricketing history? Lillee, Marsh, the Chappells, all had their agendas, all were unhappy with his selection and performance as captain - evidenced by Dennis Lillee's tendency to aim bouncers relentlessly at Hughes' head during net practice.Hughes' arrival on the Test scene coincided with the most turbulent time Australian cricket has ever seen - first Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket, then the rebel tours to South Africa. Both had dramatic effects on Hughes' career. As he traces the high points and the low, Christian Ryan sheds new and fascinating light on the cricket - and the cricketers - of the times.Trade ReviewChristian Ryan's Golden Boy has this brawny lyricism ... It's really alive, that book. Like a great Australian novel. Hughes personifies something mercurial, ethereal, this artistic flair alongside these macho, rugged, brawny bruisers like Marsh and Lillee. It's told with such lyricism and tempo. I found it absolutely enthralling and a real revelation. -- William Fiennes, member of Wisden Cricket Monthly's Best Cricket Book Ever judging panelAt once unputdownable and also unpickupable, because if you pick it up you will eventually finish it, and what are you going to do then? -- Rob Smyth * Guardian *It made me laugh, it told me things, it reminded me why I love the subject I'm reading about and it put a series of images in my head that I won't ever forget. It's audacious, it's got chutzpah, it's done with a lyrical flourish. I didn't know cricket books could be written like this. -- Phil Walker, editor of Wisden Cricket MonthlyA cracking read ... An almost tragic but compelling tale of how Hughes tried hard - and failed - to fit his smiling personality into the hard-faced world of his country's uniquely macho and badly moustached team. * The Observer *Graphic ... Shocking ... Devastating ... If half of what we read here is true, two Australian legends should hang their heads in shame. -- Simon Wilde * The Times *A valuable archive of the professional cricketer's lot during the 1980s - paltry wages, petty officials, vermin-infested hotels and astonishing levels of alcohol consumption ... a fascinating account of Australian cricket's leanest years. * Times Literary Supplement *Absolutely superb, one of the best cricket books I've read. -- John Stern * The Wisden Cricketer *

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Book Synopsis'The definitive telling of the life of a West Indian hero' Sir Clive Lloyd  The brilliant all-rounder Frank Worrell had to wait until 1960 to become the first permanent Black captain of the West Indies cricket team, denied for a decade by the elitism, insularity and racism of Caribbean cricket’s rulers. When his chance finally came, Worrell transformed a talented but unfocused team into the most exciting side in the world and led his men into unforgettable series against Australia and England.   Worrell was universally admired as one of cricket’s great captains when he was knighted in 1964, but three years later, he was dead aged just forty-two.   Not merely an extraordinarily talented and record-breaking sportsman, he served the University of the West Indies after his retirement – along with the cricket team and the political federation, one of the three truly u

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Book SynopsisFrom established sports journalist Ben Hunt, the very first biography of the up-and-coming British driver Lando Norris, published on the brink of the British Grand Prix.As the youngest ever British Formula 1 driver, Lando Norris is trailblazing his way through the world of motor racing. After signing as a junior driver for McLaren in 2017, he has since asserted himself as the team's brightest talent and an aspiring world champion.Born to British and Belgian parents and raised in the idylls of south-west England, Lando's childhood reflects how even the calmest of upbringings can create an adrenaline junkie. As one of a new cohort of young drivers seeking to assert their dominance in the sport, Lando is a uniquely modern sportsman, who celebrates learning and personal development, but who nonetheless has the killer instinct required to take him to the very pinnacle of F1.In Lando Norris, motor sport aficionado and journalist Ben Hunt draws on his extensive driver and paddock access to seek to understand what makes Lando tick and examines how this young British driver has been well and truly raised in the mould of a champion.

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Book SynopsisArnold Palmer: American Hero is the seventh book in our large coffee table book series on the greats in the game. In addition to our definitive history of the Ryder Cup published in conjunction with the PGA of America, we have also published large lavishly produced coffee table books in this format on - Ben Hogan (2), Bobby Jones, Byron Nelson and Jack Nicklaus.The book features wonderfully crafted essays on different aspects of Arnie's life in the front third of the book with game-day coverage of each of his biggest tournaments in the back two-thirds.As with all our books, our book on Arnie sports a real cloth cover with gold foil stamping and a laminated and embossed dust jacket. To achieve the utmost in quality reproduction, the book has been printed in five colors in Italy on some of the finest printing papers available by one of the world's most renown printers. Even the black-and-white photos are color separated to ensure the utmost in fidelity.Once again, we've assembled an all-star cast of essayists, each writing on different aspects of Arnie's life, but for this book we assembled 21 featured essayists in all, instead of the usual five or six. There were just so many fascinating - and wholly unknown - facets to Arnie's life that just begged coverage. It seems that every time we would investigate one aspect of his life, we'd find two more to delve into. The further we looked, we'd add another essay or two as the book just kept getting bigger and bigger - and we do believe - better and better.Consider a sampling of the featured essayists - Marino Parascenzo (former president of the Golf Writers Association of America), Doc Giffen (Arnold's right-hand man since the mid 1960s), Jaime Diaz (Golf Channel), John Hopkins (The Times of London), Dan Hicks (who covered Arnie's tournament for NBC for over 25 years), Ron Green, Jr. (Global Golf Post), Charlie Mechem (former LPGA Commissioner), Ron Sirak (the Associated Press and Golf Digest), Jay Monahan (PGA TOUR Commissioner), Kelly Tilghman (Golf Channel), Adam Schupak (Golf World), Peter Jacobsen (PGA TOUR and NBC), Nancy Lopez (LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame) and numerous others. Even Arnie's close friend Gary Player crafted a very personal forward with much new and revelatory information about their relationship - you'll laugh, you'll smile and you may even get a bit teary.It's certainly an All Star cast of contributors.As with our earlier coffee table books on the greats of the game, the back two-thirds of the book features extensive take-outs with numerous large photos - along with the game day stories on every significant event in Arnie's life - all the big wins as well as the many heartbreaking close calls too.Significantly, also included are several multi-page instructional gatefold spreads throughout the book including an analysis of Arnie's full swing by noted golf instructor Jim McLean, an analysis of his putting by putting-guru Brad Faxon and a large gatefold - folding out to almost six feet - featuring Arnie's seven Ryder Cup wins. There's even a gatefold depicting each of Tiger's eight wins at Arnie's own PGA TOUR event at Bay Hill.Without doubt, it certainly is a book of the very highest caliber.

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Book SynopsisFootball Legends: Young readers will love findingout all about the lives of their favourite players in this greatnew biography series.

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