Biography: sport Books

Book SynopsisIncluding material and photographs not included in most of the 100 other books about the champion, Ishmael Reed's The Complete Muhammad Ali is more than just a biography - it is a fascinating portrait of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st. An honest, balanced portrayal of Ali, the book includes voices that have been omitted from other books. It charts Ali's evolution from Black Nationalism to a universalism, but does not discount the Nation of Islam and Black Nationalism's important influence on his intellectual development. Filipino American author Emil Guillermo speaks about how The Thrilla In Manila brought the Philippines into the 20th century. Fans of Muhammad Ali, boxing fans, and those interested in modern African American history and the Nation of Islam will be fascinated by this biography by an accomplished American author.Trade ReviewIn The Complete Muhammad Ali, Ishmael Reed reveals fresh information and dozens of new ideas about a subject whose meaning has become increasingly difficult to tap. This book is definitely worth your time." —Michael Ezra, author, Muhammad Ali: The Making of an Icon"The pre-eminent African American novelist, essayist, and poet Ishmael Reed's latest book, The Complete Muhammad Ali, stands as one of Reed's most important projects to date . . . if you want to engage with the spirit of the man [Ali] in his time, and get punched by the prose of one of our greatest living writers, The Complete Muhammad Ali is the book for you." —Brian Flota, thehairsplitter.com"This expansive masterpiece . . . There are so many new revelations about Elijah Muhammad, Muhammad Ali, the Nation of Islam, and Black Nationalism to praise The Complete Muhammad Ali about. Suffice it to say that Reed's book is a masterful contribution to our understanding and appreciation of the legacy of Muhammad Ali, Elijah Muhammad, the Nation of Islam, Black Nationalism, and what it means to be a black athlete or sports person in America." —Pierre-Damien Mvuyekure, Professor, Department of Languages and Literature, Northern Iowa University; counterpunch.org

Read more less

Book SynopsisTAKE A LOOK INTO THE RICH HISTORY OF ENGLISH FOOTBALL AND THE GRAND OLD NAME OF CHELSEA FOOTBALL CLUB WILL INEVITABLY ENJOY MORE THAN A PASSING MENTION. AND AFTER A FRUSTRATING SEASON WHICH SAW THE CLUB FINISH TANTALISINGLY CLOSE TO WINNING THE PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE, THE SUMMER OF 2014 WITNESSED THE ARRIVAL OF A NEW STAR IN WEST LONDON. Fresh from an outstanding season in Spain, where his thirty-six goals had propelled Atletico Madrid to a first La Liga title since 1996 and to within seconds of a maiden Champions League crown, Diego Costa arrived at Stamford Bridge for GBP32 million. Brazilian by birth, Costa had caused an enormous wave of controversy in his homeland after opting to take Spanish citizenship and a subsequent place in Spain's squad over the opportunity to represent the Selecao in a home World Cup in 2014. An early exit for Spain ensued but, undeterred, Costa arrived in the English capital tasked by manager Jose Mourinho with scoring the goals that had eluded many of his predecessors the previous season. And with a Premier League record of seven goals in his first four starts he took to the physical nature of England's top division with typical aplomb.Costa began his nomadic rise to the top via the lower echelons of Portuguese and Spanish football, before establishing himself as a force under Diego Simeone's rejuvenated Atleti. Affectionately nicknamed 'El Cholo', 'the Beast', his pace, power, aggression and deadly finishing have swiftly seen him become a crowd favourite at 'the Bridge'. Diego Costa: 'The Beast' is an in-depth look into the life of this spectacular footballer and his rise to the very top.

Read more less

Book SynopsisRon Saunders is the one manager in over a century to guide Aston Villa to English football's summit. The Odd Man Out is an exhaustive account of how he did so. How he took the Midlanders to promotion from the old Division Two in his first season. How he created and dismantled arguably the most exciting Villa side of modern times - one that inflicted Liverpool's heaviest defeat of the entire 1970s. How he achieved two League Cup triumphs in three years, including a three-game final with Everton that will remain the longest in history. How he battled with 'Deadly' Doug Ellis - and won! Then, how he fell out with and ultimately sold fans' favourite Andy Gray and replaced him with a journeyman striker in Peter Withe, before steering the club to its first league title in 71 years. It also explores the mystery of his sudden resignation with Villa on the brink of European Cup glory, joining their bitterest rivals only nine days later. Saunders's tough-guy reputation has overshadowed his achievements. The Odd Man Out casts a whole lot more light upon them.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFred Perry, three-time Wimbledon champion in the 1930s, was one of Britain's greatest sportsmen of the 20th century. His success on the hallowed Wimbledon turf went unmatched by a British man for a remarkable 77 years, until Andy Murray's triumph in 2013. Perry was the first player to hold all four Grand Slam titles, and he also played a pivotal role in Great Britain's domination of the Davis Cup in the mid-1930s. Despite his status as a global sports celebrity, Perry was criticised for his ruthless desire to win and was frequently at odds with the amateur tennis authorities of the day. In this revealing biography, award-winning historian Kevin Jefferys examines afresh the life and career of Britain's most successful tennis star. The author shows how good fortune as well as tremendous talent aided Perry's meteoric rise to the top; traces his frosty relationship with the British tennis establishment, which continued after he turned professional in 1936; and considers Perry's place among the true legends of the sport.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGareth Bale is the new man-to-watch of the footballing world. Success both nationally and internationally have ensured his place amongst the footballing greats.Bale began his professional football career at Tottenham Hotspurs and soon became one of their most valued players. During his last season with the Club, Bale won PFA Players' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year. Joining Real Madrid for a record breaking transfer fee in 2013 broadened his horizons and his already loyal following multiplied. The Spanish press named him as `The Canon’ as he secured Real Madrid’s recent win in the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League. Bale`s recent success as a member of the Welsh international team has added yet again to his popularity as a professional footballer. Wales reached the semifinal of the UEFA European Championship for the first time in the country’s history, attracting the attention of the world as it took on some of the great footballing nations.Written by acclaimed sports biographer Frank Worrall, this book will relate Bale’s journey through his football career so far; from humble beginnings to becoming a sporting hero. Worrall is the author of numerous best-selling sports biographies, including Jamie Vardy, Luis Suarez and Lewis Hamilton.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

When football players leave Ireland behind in the hopes of carving out a future in the professional game, they often end up plying their trade in the UK –competing for a chance in the Premier League, the Scottish Premiership, or the numerous leagues below them. For decades, this has been the most attractive and obvious career path for Irish players. But what of those players who ventured further afield in search of glory, adventure, or simply their next touch of the ball? Since the dawn of the men’s professional game well over a century ago, and up to the more recent expansion of women’s football, Irish players – and coaches too – have made their mark on clubs and nations around the world. For the first time, Emerald Exiles brings together the stories of these pioneering players, who pursue football wherever they can, venturing beyond tradition and navigating the personal and professional highs and lows that journey brings with it. Charting the careers of players and managers such as Liam Brady, Robbie Keane, Anne O’Brien, Stephanie Roche, Frank Stapleton and a host of others – and featuring exclusive first-hand interviews with numerous players, Emerald Exiles is a unique analysis of Ireland’s mark on world football and the individual stories behind it.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBorn in 1989, Bale first attracted the attention of Southampton FC at the age of just nine. At secondary school, he was such a prodigious talent that his PE teacher, Gwyn Morris, had to impose special restrictions on him to make it fair for the other pupils. After completing his GCSE exams, Bale became the second-youngest player ever to sign for Southampton on 17 April 2006. The Premier League soon came calling and in 2007 Bale signed a four-year deal with Tottenham Hotspur. His career at White Hart Lane didn't get off to the best start, but in late 2009 he seized his chance to secure a regular place in the first team and had since proved to be a top-class footballer with a stunning hat-trick in Tottenham's Europa League tie against Inter Milan at the San Siro and a man-of-the-match performance in the return leg. Bale has unsurprisingly also made several appearances for Wales, and his talent has been compared to that of the legendary Ryan Giggs. He's fast, he's strong, he's an excellent an he scores goals. This is the fascinating biography of Totteham's latest superstar player.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMuhammad Ali is one of the most remarkable sports personalities and celebrities of our time. He is a legend who transcended boxing and rose above all sport. A man of mythic proportions, Ali rose to become a prominent feature of our cultural landscape. Through exclusive accounts from family members, close friends, associates and adversaries, Fiaz Rafiq has compiled a compelling and intriguing insight into a sporting legend. Muhammad Ali's story is an epic one, one of bravery, courage, hope, skill and indomitable will. Muhammad Ali: The Life of a Legend is an oral biography of the greatest icon of world sport who continues to influence millions. Among those interviewed include, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Chuck Wepner, Joe Bugner, Angelo Dundee, Don King, Jim Brown, Lou Gossett Jr., Dr. Harry Edwards, Butch Lewis, Sugar Ray Leonard, Evander Holyfield, some close family members and some of the top sports journalists who worked with Ali, and many more.Trade Review'An impressive collection of first-hand testimony from friends, rivals, contemporaries, scribes and his closest family illuminate Ali for a new generation while rekindling the memories for those that have always known he was The Greatest' * New York Daily News *'An obsorbing, insightful look at the most significant sporting figure of modern times. Conversations gives a fresh perspective on a genial man, his boxing legacy and the 'Greatest's' role in landmark changes of 20th century history' * Daily Mail *'A thoroughly absorbing read with intriguing insights into 'The Greatest' by those who know him best' * Daily Star *'Lets Ali admirers, friends and former foes speak for themselves, as well as providing fascinating insights...essential reading' * Men's Fitness *'A forensic examination of the greatest sportsman of his era, through the eyes of the people who knew him best, and an essential addition to the library' * The Independent *'Ali was the quintessential sports icon and media star who in his 20-year boxing career played into his image as a larger than life athlete who basked in the spotlight,but was actually an intensely private man. Particularly poignant in the book are the interviews with four of Ali’s adult children... Rafiq digs into Ali’s technical prowess up close with interviews with his opponents... giving the inside view unscripted recollections of Ali’s boxing style: the knockouts, the rope-a-dope strategies, and Ali’s mental tactics in the ring...Rafiq’s interview sessions with sports journalists are also revelatory' * New York Journal of Books *

Read more less

Book SynopsisLabels such as ‘icon’ or ‘legend’ are rarely attached to one individual to the degree that they are to Bruce Lee. He only made a handful of films, yet four and a half decades after his untimely death at the age of 32, the Little Dragon’s influence on culture is as strong as ever. Named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of the 20th century, Lee wasn’t just an actor and martial artist, but a director, inventor, husband, father and philosopher. His martial art, jeet kune do, is still practised around the world, while UFC champions credit him with inspiring the growing sport of mixed martial arts. His films kick-started a global kung fu boom and retain the power to awe today, while his thoughts – collected in a series of books from Lee’s own notes – still inspire. Bruce Lee: The Life of a Legend is a unique oral biography that combines the memories of Lee’s original students, close friends, co-stars and colleagues – those who knew him best – to provide a candid view on the action movie star adored by millions, capturing the essence of a complex man in a way no straightforward narrative ever could. Further, for the first time ever in print, legendary professional boxing, bodybuilding and MMA champions and personalities from the motion picture industry pay homage to Lee, giving a blend of unique perspectives on a man who changed the face of their respective sports.Trade Review'There have been hundreds of books on Bruce Lee since his shocking death in 1973, including my own. However, Fiaz Rafiq’s oral history still punches and kicks into new territory' -- Alex Ben Block * The Hollywood Reporter *'Thought-provoking, enjoyable and fascinating interviews' -- Tris Dixon * Boxing News *'Interesting . . . fascinating insights' -- Alastair Good * The Daily Telegraph *'Provides a unique comprehensive view of a martial arts legend. What makes the work stand out from other books written on Bruce Lee is its exhaustive list of primary source material. This is no compilation of recycled interviews, but fresh reflections on the life of the Little Dragon. These raw interviews provide the reader with insights into different stages and areas of his life . . . If you thought you knew Bruce Lee, think again!' -- Jamie Clubb * Martial Arts Illustrated *'Bruce Lee may be dead . . . but his undoubted influence certainly lives on. This publication is packed with very informative interviews and information of the utmost interest to people . . . I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending it' -- Kevin Francis * The Daily Star *'Unique . . . a fascinating read' -- Steven Beale * FHM *'An impressive collection of insights into the life of a cultural icon. Rafiq’s book would be a valuable resource for anyone wanting to know more about Lee and his impact on the lives of others' -- Paolo Bandini * The Guardian *'An excellent insight into Bruce Lee ... a new perspective on the man himself' -- Joel Snape * Men’s Fitness *'Fiaz has done a superb job compiling many perspectives about Bruce Lee ... If you are a Bruce Lee fan, or want to learn more about Lee's extraordinary life, you definitely need to get a copy of Bruce Lee: The Life of a Legend. Highly recommended' -- Lafayette Harris * Wing Chun Illustrated Magazine *'In the world of Bruce Lee there are arguably a select few who have the qualities to set things at ease, genuinely engage and draw out information that brings an interview to life. On paper, it’s perhaps even more difficult as meaning, emotion and insight can be lost to the 'flat' nature of the medium ... So, it’s with some relief then that this work by Fiaz Rafiq is all these things and more' * The Bruce Lee Review *

Read more less

Book SynopsisArnold Schwarzenegger – a bodybuilder-turned-real-estate mogul who turned an undefeated streak at the Mr Olympia contest into an astonishing film career and eight years as the governor of California – is, for many people, the embodiment of the American Dream. From humble beginnings in a small village in Austria, Schwarzenegger has come to symbolise the opportunities that exist for anyone willing to work hard – parlaying success and self-confidence into the influence to shape hearts and minds across the globe. Even today, whether he’s campaigning against climate change or fist-bumping fellow strongmen at his self-titled athletic event, he’s one of the few men on the planet who’s recognisable from his first name alone. Arnold. Fiaz Rafiq uses in-depth interviews with Schwarzenegger’s peers to tell the life story of the one-time Governator, featuring exclusive interviews with his personal and close friends, fellow bodybuilders and training partners, Hollywood co-stars, directors, executive producers, political personalities and journalists – all offering first-hand accounts of the man they know. Together, these voices show new dimensions to the Arnold we all think we know – from the driven young man who brought building into the mainstream to the passionate advocate for political change.Trade Review'Candid and entertaining recollections from some of the figures closest to Schwarzenegger reveal the hunger and desire that drove him to realize the American Dream. Rarely heard-before anecdotes underline the self-confidence that helped shape a bodybuilding and Hollywood icon ahead of his alliance with one of America's great political dynasties. Fascinating reading' * Daily Mail *'A fresh and illuminating look at Arnold, taking in everything from his early days in bodybuilding to his twin careers in film and politics. A fascinating look at a self-made man, as told by the people who knew him best' * Men's Fitness *'Intriguing new insight into the figure who transcended bodybuilding and movies to become a seminal figure in US politics and society. A must-read for any Arniephile' * Daily Telegraph *'An excellent insight into all facets of the Governator's career' * Impact: The Global Action Movie Magazine *'This book provides an intriguing insight into the life of a truly global superstar. A truly absorbing book' * Daily Star *'Few can deliver the detailsand perspective that Fiaz Rafiq achieves in hsi exhaustive oral history covering all aspects of Schwarzenegger's epic life and career. This is the hard work of a dogged professional journalist' -- Alex Ben Block (former editor at The Hollywood Reporter)

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both shockingly exited Wimbledon in the early rounds of the 2013 championships, the level of expectation on Scotsman Andy Murray to become the first British champion of the men’s competition since 1936—already high—reached fever pitch. Overcoming a two-set deficit in the quarterfinals, Murray would go on to face world number one Novak Djokovic in the final and, after three hours filled with drama, tension, and brilliant tennis, become Wimbledon champion in front of 15,000 Centre Court fans and millions more watching on television. This fascinating and revealing biography examines how the player from Dunblane, Scotland—a country not known for its tennis heritage—rose to the top of the sport. Veteran tennis journalist Mark Hodgkinson examines the individuals who have influenced Murray’s career, including his family, his coaches, and his girlfriend, and assesses how the Scot has won over a dubious and critical public. This biography gets to the heart of Andy Murray’s extraordinary and dramatic journey.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book tells the story of one of Argentina’s greatest tennis players, the most important of his generation. After winning the 2009 U.S. Open, defeating Roger Federer in a glorious five-set final, del Potro was poised to take over the tennis world. However, wrist problems developed and del Potro endured three surgeries over fifteen months. One of the world's most popular players, del Potro's fan base grew as he made his comeback—watching him win his second Olympic medal in Rio in 2016, where he once lost to Andy Murray, but won the hearts of millions around the world. He followed up by leading Argentina to victory in the Davis Cup. Described as the "Gentle Giant," del Potro has the sensitivity to comfort a ball girl hit during a match, to stop in the middle of the game to gaze at a butterfly, and to accompany a young fan in the last days of his life. However, when he grips the racket, he becomes one of the most destructive strikers of a tennis ball.

Read more less

Book SynopsisI Always Wanted To Be Somebody is the intimate and candid story of a girl who grew up in the asphalt environs of Harlem, skipping school, drinking hard liquor, stealing and fist-fighting, but went on to break the color barrier in tennis and achieving the pinnacle of the sport by winning Wimbledon and the U.S. Open and becoming an inspiration for many future champions such as Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams, among many others.Trade Review"This absorbing story of Althea Gibson's rise from the streets of Harlem to acceptance in the highest social circles, bearing the authentic stamp of herself on every page, might be judged a valuable social document." -- New York Times"Frank and inspiring ... well written" -- Chicago Tribune"A most heartening story" -- Dallas Morning News"The candid story of a crude, brassy tomboy who rose from the streets of Harlem to become a lady like queen of the tennis courts" -- Seventeen Magazine"Althea Gibson, queen of tennis, has a true Cinderella story to tell and she does it well" -- Stars and Stripes"There are pathos, humor and great perceptiveness in Miss Gibson's book." -- Pittsburgh Courier"It isn't pretty but it is honest and frank and intimate and very much worth reading." -- Quentin Reynolds, Saturday Review"A frank and modest story of one of America's finest women athletes." -- Worcester Sunday Telegram

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWhen the Detroit Red Wings were rebooting their franchise after more than two decades of relative futility, they knew the best place to find world-class players who could help turn things around more quickly were conscripted servants behind the Iron Curtain. All they had to do then was make history by drafting them, then figure out how to get them out. That’s when the Wings turned to Keith Gave, the newsman whose clandestine mission to Helsinki, Finland, was the first phase of a of a years-long series of secret meetings from posh hotel rooms to remote forests around Europe to orchestrate their unlawful departures from the Soviet Union. One defection created an international incident and made global headlines. Another player faked cancer, thanks to the Wings’ extravagant bribes to Russian doctors, including a big American car. Another player who wasn’t quite ready to leave yet felt like he was being kidnapped by an unscrupulous agent. Two others were outcast when they stood up publicly against the Soviet regime, winning their freedom to play in the NHL only after years of struggle. They are the Russian Five: Sergei Fedorov, Viacheslav Fetisov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Vyacheslav Kozlov and Igor Larionov. Their individual stories read like pulse-pounding spy novels. The story that unfolded after they were brought together in Detroit by the masterful coach Scotty Bowman is unforgettable. This story includes details never before revealed, and by the man who was there every step of the way – from the day Detroit drafted its first two Soviets in 1989 until they raised the Stanley Cup in 1997, then took it to Moscow for a victory lap around Red Square and the Kremlin. The Russian Five did more to bridge Russian and American relations than decades of diplomacy and dÉtente between the White House and the Kremlin. This is their story.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisPicking up where the international best-selling book The Russian Five left off, Vlad the Impaler will have readers alternately laughing—and in tears—with dozens more memorable, untold stories and anecdotes from the Detroit Red Wings Stanley Cup championship season in 1997, 25 years ago. The book includes a foreword by Hall of Fame defenseman Slava Fetisov, along with lengthy excerpts from interviews of several members of that team, from captain Steve Yzerman, teammates Brendan Shanahan, Nicklas Lidstrom, Sergei Fedorov, Igor Larionov, Slava Kozlov, and coach Scotty Bowman, among many others. A portion of the proceeds from the book will be earmarked for the Vladimir Konstantinov Special Needs Trust to help ensure the care he needs after suffering catastrophic injuries just a week after he helped the Wings win their first Stanley Cup title in 42 years. #Believe

Read more less

Book SynopsisLouis Pete Rogers Browning, the original Louisville Slugger for whom the famous baseball bat was named, was one of the greatest baseball players of the nineteenth century. Yet his prowess and talent were often overshadowed by his drunken exploits and endless eccentricitieson and off the field. Over his thirteen-year career he won three batting titles, finished in the top three nine times, and was one of the greatest hitters of the premodern era. To this day, his.341 lifetime batting average remains in the MLB's top five for right-handed hitters. He acquired other nicknames such as the Gladiator and Prince of Bourbon, and when Browning was stolen from Louisville by Pittsburgh recruiters, the team became known as the Pittsburgh Pirates. He attributed his great abilities to many quirky and colorful habits. He drank tabasco sauce and washed his eyes with buttermilk, claiming that both improved his ability to hit. He named his bats after biblical characters and meticulously took care of the

Read more less

Book SynopsisLouis Pete Rogers Browning, the original Louisville Slugger for whom the famous baseball bat was named, was one of the greatest baseball players of the nineteenth century. Yet his prowess and talent were often overshadowed by his drunken exploits and endless eccentricitieson and off the field. Over his thirteen-year career he won three batting titles, finished in the top three nine times, and was one of the greatest hitters of the premodern era. To this day, his.341 lifetime batting average remains in the MLB''s top five for right-handed hitters. He acquired other nicknames such as the Gladiator and Prince of Bourbon, and when Browning was stolen from Louisville by Pittsburgh recruiters, the team became known as the Pittsburgh Pirates. He attributed his great abilities to many quirky and colorful habits. He drank tabasco sauce and washed his eyes with buttermilk, claiming that both improved his ability to hit. He named his bats after biblical characters and meticulously took care of th

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less