Biography: sport Books

Book SynopsisThe story of America's greatest running legend.For five years, no American runner could beat him at any distance over a mile. But at the age of 24, with his best years still ahead, long-distance runner Steve Prefontaine finally lost. Driving alone at night after a party, Prefontaine crashed his sports car, putting a tragic, shocking end to the life and career of one of the most influential, accomplished runners of our time.More than 20 years later, Pre continues to influence the running world.From his humble origins in Coos Bay, Oregon, Pre became the first person to win four NCAA titles in one event. Year after year, he was virtually unbeatable. Instead of becoming one of the new breed of professional track athletes, Pre chose to stay amateur and fight for the adequate funding he felt American amateur athletes deserved.A man of incredible desire and energy, Pre trained relentlessly. In his drive to be the best, he spurred others to do their best. As one

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Book SynopsisDerek Bell’s name became inextricably linked with that of Porsche during his long and hugely successful career as a racing driver. In this new 276-page book, Bell collaborates with renowned motorsport author Richard Heseltine to give the reader a very personal insight into his experiences racing for the legendary German marque. The approach taken by this latest publication from Porter Press International is to look at every race Bell drove for Porsche, in detail and with revealing comments from the book’s subject. Light is cast on Bell’s most prestigious victories with Porsche - four of his five in the Le Mans 24 Hours, three in the Daytona 24 Hours, two in the World Sportscar Championship - and many more besides. Bell describes the Porsches he raced, from the fearsome 917 to the iconic 956, 962, and 911. And he shares his thoughts on the now-legendary drivers he raced with, including six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx, the famously flamboyant Hans Stuck, and two immense talents who lost their lives to the sport, Jo Siffert and Stefan Bellof. The overall effect is a fascinating trip back in time to a golden era for Porsche and sports car racing as a whole.   

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Book SynopsisNow in Paperback! Carroll Shelby, legendary driving ace, race team owner, and designer of Shelby Cobra, Daytona, and Mustang GT350 classics is revered by automotive enthusiasts, yet little has been written about the last quarter century of Carroll Shelby’s life. During that time Chris Theodore, VP at Chrysler and Ford, developed a close personal friendship with Carroll. The Last Shelby Cobra chronicles the development of the many vehicles they worked on together (Viper, Ford GT, Shelby Cobra Concept, Shelby GR1, Shelby GT500 and others). It is an insider’s story about how Shelby came back to the Ford family, and the intrigue behind the five-year journey to get a Shelby badge on a Ford Production Vehicle. The author provides fresh insight and new stories into Shelby’s larger-than-life personality, energy, interests and the many unpublished projects Carroll was involved with, up to his passing. Finally, the book describes their unfinished project, the Super Snake II Cobra, and the serendipitous circumstances that allowed to the author to acquire ‘Daisy,’ the last Shelby Cobra. To his many fans, Carroll Shelby was truly ‘the most interesting man in the world.’Table of ContentsForward Prologue: Describes why I wrote this book Chapter 1: From Boyhood Hero to Automotive Legend • A summary of Shelby’s career • Criteria to become a legend • Why Carroll is one of the few who meets the criteria. Chapter 2: The Legend and a New Snake • First meeting Carroll • Carroll’s involvement with Chrysler • Shelby’s role in the development of the Dodge Viper Chapter 3: The Courtship of Carroll and Ford • The intriguing backstory behind reuniting Shelby and Ford Chapter 4: Project Petunia • 2005 Ford GT, Shelby’s first official role Chapter 5: Codename Daisy • Carroll’s involvement in “Daisy,” the Shelby Cobra Concept Chapter 6: Shelby GR1 • Carroll and the Shelby GR1, successor to the legendary Shelby Daytona. • The stillborn efforts to put Daisy and GR1 into production Chapter 7: Project Condor • How Shelby’s name finally appeared on a Ford product - the Shelby GT500 Chapter 8: Shelby GTs • The untold story of the ill-fated Shelby GT, a worthy successor to the Ford GT • How the Hertz Shelby Mustang GTH led to the introduction of the Ford Mustang Shelby GT Chapter 9: Super Snakes • Our efforts to create and Shelby Super Snake II Cobra • Shelby American’s introduction of the Super Snake Mustangs Chapter 10: Interesting Interests • In the midst of the “Great Recession,” I try to capture Carroll’s multi-faceted personality; his curiosity, interests, storytelling, humour, connections, temperament, stubbornness, vanity, charm, philanthropy, controversies, wisdom and friendship Chapter 11: Unfinished Business • The 2010 Shelby GT500 • Shelby GT350 • Progress on Super Snake II • Plans for a new line of Shelby Cobras and Daytonas • Carroll’s untimely death Chapter 12: Kismet • The Shelby Tribute • Shelby American’s ongoing operation • The serendipitous circumstances leading “Daisy,” the last Shelby Cobra coming home • Thanks to Carroll for the memories Epilogue • Lessons from Carroll • The future of “sport” cars Acknowledgments • Thanks to the many contributors who helped make this book possible, starting with Edsel Ford II Appendix: • Letter from Roy Lunn • Dan Gurney tribute speech • Project team members: Viper, Petunia, Daisy, GR1, GT500

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Book SynopsisSince becoming the Nebraska women's volleyball coach in 2000, John Cook has led the team to four national championships, seven NCAA semifinal appearances, and the nation's top winning percentage in women's volleyball. In Dream Like a Champion Cook shares the coaching and leadership philosophy that has enabled him to become one of the game's winningest coaches.Trade Review“Great coaches and teachers relentlessly strive for learning and improvement—in their people, in their teams, and in themselves. John Cook’s story is permeated with that pursuit: what an innovator! If you crave the ‘better,’ you’d better read this book.”—Karch Kiraly, head coach, U.S. women’s National Volleyball Team“The thing that strikes me the most about John Cook is the amount of thought and energy he gives to every possible detail in coaching. John’s reflection about his own coaching and the Nebraska program frequently leads to action, which is how both an individual and a program stay ahead of the game. This is a very good book for anyone who has an interest in coaching and leadership.”—Terry Pettit, head coach, University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team, 1977–99“John Cook has accomplished nearly everything a volleyball coach can achieve. He has done this not by focusing just on recruiting great players or the physical skills of his players. In Dream Like a Champion John reveals his relentless quest for better team chemistry, improving communication skills, proper goal setting, and attention to detail—which together result in peak performance.”—Tom Osborne, former Husker head football coach, University of Nebraska athletic director, and U.S. congressman“Courage is the word that comes to mind when I think of Coach John Cook. Over the years I’ve seen John continually show courage, but never more than when he acknowledged his need to reinvent himself and manage stress. His willingness to share that about himself and to be open to others is one of the most courageous things I’ve seen done by a coach, or by anyone, really, in all my years as a sports psychiatrist.”—Larry Widman, co-founder of Performance Mountain"If you're a Nebraska volleyball fan you should own this book."—Jon Johnston, Corn Nation blog"For all coaches and people who bleed Husker red, this a great read. . . . Cook admires the special qualities that can come from a small-town Nebraska athlete; other coaches across the state have taken notice, too. These athletes are generally family oriented, hardworking, and possess good qualities that help lead to championship cultures. That's the Nebraska way, and John Cook reveals how he understands the value these athletes can bring to his program."—Nicole Venditte, Great Plains Quarterly“John Cook had an unconventional path into coaching. He has incredible insight into building champions on and off the court. His growth mind-set and ability to constantly develop new leadership skills make him a special breed of coach.”—Jack Riggins, co-founder of Performance Mountain, retired U.S. Navy SEAL, and assistant football coach at Midland UniversityTable of ContentsList of Photographs Preface 1. Learning to Lead 2. Culture Drives the Dream 3. Why Nebraska? 4. Training the Complete Athlete 5. Coaching the iCentered Athlete 6. The Team within the Team 7. Motivation, Mentors, and a Magician 8. The Longer I Coach, the Less I Know 9. Destination Omaha 10. Two Points Better 11. Never Stop Coaching 12. Regrets 13. Is God a Coach? 14. Ultimate Trust 15. Dream Bigger 16. With Each Other, For Each Other

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Book SynopsisOn September 6, 1892, a diminutive Black prizefighter brutally dispatched an overmatched white hope in the New Orleans Carnival of Champions boxing tournament. That victory sparked celebrations across Black communities nationwide but fostered unease among sporting fans and officials, delaying public acceptance of mixed-race fighting for half a century. This turn echoed the nation’s disintegrating relations between whites and Blacks and foreshadowed America’s embrace of racial segregation.In this work of sporting and social history we have a biography of Canadian-born, Boston-raised boxer George Dixon (1870–1908), the first Black world champion of any sport and the first Black world boxing champion in any division. George Dixon: The Short Life of Boxing’s First Black World Champion, 1870–1908 chronicles the life of the most consequential Black athlete of the nineteenth century and details for the first time his Carnival appearance, perhaps the most significant bout involving a Black fighter until Jack Johnson began his reign in 1908. Yet despite his triumphs, Dixon has been lost to history, overshadowed by Black athletes whose activism against white supremacy far exceeded his own.George Dixon reveals the story of a man trapped between the white world he served and the Black world that worshipped him. By ceding control to a manipulative white promoter, Dixon was steered through the white power structure of Gilded Age prizefighting, becoming world famous and one of North America’s richest Black men. Unable to hold on to his wealth, however, and battered by his vices, a depleted Dixon was abandoned by his white supporters just as the rising tide of Jim Crow limited both his prospects and the freedom of Blacks nationwide.

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Book Synopsis"Originally published as Der nachste Schritt 2016 by Piper Verlag GmbH, Munchen/Berlin, published under the imprint Malik"--T.p. verso.

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Book Synopsis55 Olympic medals. 6 Tour de France victories. Countless world records and world championship victories. Since the year 2000, British Cycling, Team Sky and INEOS have dominated the sport of cycling to an unprecedented degree. But at what cost? Did Sir David Brailsford, Peter Keen and the other brains behind British Cycling's massive and sudden dominance in the modern era find a winning "Moneyball" formula? Or did their success come down to luck and personal chemistry? Did this organisation, founded on relentless, ruthless efficiency contain contradictions which threatened to overwhelm it, amid accusations of drug-taking, bullying and sexism? The Medal Factory tells the full story from amateurish beginnings through a sports-science revolution to an all-conquering, yet flawed, machine. Through interviews with Brailsford and Keen, Shane Sutton, Fran Millar, Chris Boardman, Sir Chris Hoy and many other key players, Kenny Pryde interrogates the parts of the story - lottery funding, marginal gains - that we think we know, and reveals others that have remained hidden, until now.Trade ReviewA fine, reasoned and informed book * Herald *Pryde has done an excellent job of explaining the other side of the British cycling story, making sense of the machinations behind medal-winning performances. * Road.cc *Pryde's narration of events bears comparison with Matt Rendell's The Death of Marco Pantani, predominantly on the strength of his investigative tenacity, and unquestionably lays claim to pride of place on your bookshelf * TheWashingMachinePost.net *

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Book SynopsisNorm Smith is regarded by many as the greatest coach in the history of the Australian Football League, having transformed a battling Melbourne FC into a League heavyweight that won six premierships in 10 seasons (1955-64). In this meticulously researched monument to Smiths life -- enriched by the recollections of more than 100 people, many of whom had played with or under the Demon dictator -- author Ben Collins lays bare the man behind the legend... in all his glories and foibles. In this most captivating analysis of Smith, a portrait emerged of a frightfully hard and brutally honest coach who was ruthless in football but possessed disarming compassion away from the game. This is his story, concurrent with that of his older brother and fellow coach Len Smith, from their childhood in tough, working-class Northcote during the Depression to their status as the most in uential coaches of their generation.

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Book SynopsisPete Sampras is a central figure in the history of tennis, the dominant force in the game during the 1990’s, and the greatest American male player of all time. Gradually, after a fairytale finish to his career when he won the 2002 U.S. Open, Sampras was somewhat forgotten by fans who were exhilarated by the exploits of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. In this career biography of the redoubtable Sampras, Hall of Fame author and historian Steve Flink recaptures the magic of the man, recalling the supreme hold he had on his era, and bringing this singularly gifted player vividly back to life.

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Book SynopsisMiguel Indurain will pass into history not just as the first cyclist to win five straight Tours de France, but also as the standard-bearer for a whole nation. While Spain lived through the dream of his repeated victories the country came to a standstill, for Indur?!in stole people's hearts not just by the number, but by the manner of his victories. Seeing him on the road or away from the action, the gallant loser or the strong, calm victor, the Spanish gained hope, and then faith. And so did many others, for it was the dignity and modesty that Miguel Indur?!in invariably displayed, in victory and defeat, that endeared him to us all. A farmer's son from a small village in Navarra, he never strayed far from his roots, nor did he allow his extraordinary success to go to his head. Javier Garcia Sanchez is a prize-winning novelist with a passion for cycle racing. In this biography of Miguel Indur?!in he takes us on an emotional journey through Indurain's prodigious career. He recounts his exploits and great battles in the saddle, the glory moments and the disappointments, and describes his passions, his ideas, and his land.Trade Review'Not often has a book as insightful as this been written about a leading cyclist - the first biography that fully explains the tempered passion that made Indurain such a great competitor.' John Wilcockson, Velonews

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Book SynopsisBased on extensive interviews, My Left Skate: The Extraordinary Story of Eliezer Sherbatov is a first-person biography of a teenager who had it all on the hockey rink: guts, drive, and exceptional talent. When a freak accident leaves him with a permanent disability and no feeling below his left knee, everyone believes Eliezer's career is over -- everyone except his mother, a professional power skating coach. She teaches Eliezer to skate using the muscles in his upper leg, and after two and half years of operations and rehabilitation, he returns to the rink to become one of Quebec's elite junior players. Still undrafted at age nineteen, Eliezer embarks on a professional career in Europe in the hopes of one day returning to the NHL. His travels lead him to France, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, and to Poland, where he lives and plays hockey just a few kilometres from the Auschwitz death camp, haunted by memories of the past. In its stunning conclusion, My Left Skate describes Eliezer's life in Ukraine and his struggle to escape from war after Russia invades the very region in which he lives and plays.Trade Review"Eliezer Sherbatov scores a hat trick with My Left Skate. This story is wonderfully told: gritty, inspiring, joyful at times and sad at other moments. He deserves to be a hockey hero for all that he has survived." Marty Klinkenberg The Globe and Mail"My Left Skate is a phenomenally inspiring story! I couldnt put it down. Anna Rosner delivers again with her great story telling." NHL Stanley Cup Champion and Indigenous alumni Jamie Leach"All Eliezer Sherbatov ever wanted was the opportunity to suit up for the famed Montreal Canadiens. Though he never made it to the NHL, Sherbatov defied the odds and became a pro hockey player, in part because nobody bothered to measure the size of his heart. Despite his diminutive stature and life-altering injury when he was a teen, Israeli-born Sherbatov played for various clubs throughout Europe and Asia. Author Anna Rosner provides a rollercoaster journey of Sherbatovs life in My Left Skate allowing readers to cheer for him on and off the ice." Toronto sportswriter Sam Laskaris"I have been fortunate to interview a number of Hockey Hall of Famers through the years, and have read many sports-related books, and none of the stories have been more surprising, interesting and just plain enjoyable to read than My Left Skate by Anna Rosner. His story is a TV miniseries needing to be made. The heart and determination of Sherbatov to play the game he loves should be inspiring to readers of all ages." Calvin Daniels, editor of Yorkton This Week, author, and sports journalist"This powerfully written story of Eliezer Sherbatov has multiple layers of determination, perseverance, and courage. It is so much more than a sport story and captures immigration, war, and Jewish pride during trying times. Anna Rosner packed a lot into MY LEFT SKATE, a book for all ages, adults included. It should be in every school library!" Lorna Schultz Nicholson, award-winning author of over 45 books for children and young adults, including the biographies of Alex Ovechkin, Mitch Marner, and Connor McDavid

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Buzz Bissinger’s Friday Night Lights is an American classic. With The Mosquito Bowl, he is back with a true story even more colorful and profound. This book too is destined to become a classic. I devoured it.” — John Grisham “Take your pick: This is either the story of the most improbable game of football ever played, an anthem to immigrant America, or a brilliant tribute to an exemplary brotherhood that would be decimated at Okinawa. In every case it’s an indelible account of promising young men themselves hurled into history. Buzz Bissinger has stitched their story together as no one else could, powerfully and seamlessly, offering up a tender-tough tale in his signature high-octane prose.” — Stacy Schiff, Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Witches: Salem, 1692 “Here may be the most uniquely fascinating story ever written about World War II. Like the best of Buzz Bissinger, it is about far more than a football game, or even the war. He’s a gifted narrator and prodigious researcher, and in this book his skills are all on display: indelible characters, a bizarre and remarkably distinct setting, action, drama. . . . A great story told with insight and humor and deep feeling. Do not pass this book by. It is magnificent.” — Mark Bowden, New York Times bestselling author of Black Hawk Down and Hue 1968 "Harrowing, profound, and illuminating, The Mosquito Bowl humanizes war and elevates athletic competition in one fell swoop. Bissinger is the master of showing us life in a single grain of sand, and he has done so brilliantly here. As familiar as the subject of World War II may seem, this book makes you see it in a fresh and exquisite way, with all its pain and triumph rendered in close detail." — Susan Orlean, New York Times bestselling author of On Animals and The Library Book “Stephen Crane famously discovered ‘the rage of conflict’ while watching a college football game. For Buzz Bissinger, football is no metaphor; it is the way into one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Deeply researched, told with extraordinary empathy and verve, The Mosquito Bowl will break your heart.” — Nathaniel Philbrick, National Book Award winning author of In the Heart of the Sea and Travels with George “The Mosquito Bowl is savage, piercing and haunting. Buzz Bissinger has written an utterly heartbreaking saga that fuses the macho glory of college football with the brutality and futility of combat. It is a measure of Bissinger’s singular talent that his searing account is tragic, yet also inspiring and unforgettable.” — David Zucchino, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Wilmington’s Lie "[Bissinger] succeeds brilliantly, interweaving rich back stories of a few superior college football players whose sports careers and lives were upended and often ended by war . . . . it changed the way I thought about World War II." — New York Times Book Review “[This] remarkable work profoundly communicates the experience and importance of the United States Marine Corps while preserving a rich history that our Corps and Nation should never forget.” — From the Citation for the General Wallace M. Greene Award from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation “A gripping real-life story.” — Washington Post “There simply aren’t enough ways to tell you just how good The Mosquito Bowl, Buzz Bissinger’s new book remembering a remarkable football game in the depths of the Pacific theater of World War II, is. Here’s one: it’s every bit as good—and maybe even better—than Friday Night Lights." — Mike Vaccaro, New York Post "The Mosquito Bowl adroitly resurrects a long-forgotten episode to explore American values across the generations." — Pittsburgh Post-Gazette "Bissinger effortlessly combines sports and military history in this gritty account of a football game played by U.S. Marines on Guadalcanal in December 1944 . . . . The book excels in its sweeping yet fine-grained portraits of how these Marines got to Guadalcanal and in the harrowing descriptions of Pacific Theater combat, including the bloody fight for Sugar Loaf Hill on Okinawa. This is a penetrating tale of courage and sacrifice." — Publishers Weekly "College football and World War II: not an obvious combination, but Bissinger handles it brilliantly." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “From the virtuoso of narrative nonfiction and author of Friday Night Lights comes an astounding story, plucked straight from the annals of the Greatest Generation. Bissinger creates, in intricate detail, a composite portrait of young men caught up in the Not-So-Good War. An inspiring tale of heroism and sacrifice.” — Oprah Daily "Fans of Bissinger’s previous books will find a rich character-driven narrative about two of the dirtiest and deadliest battlefields of World War II . . . . Bissinger has found a way to merge sports with World War II to give readers a heartbreaking narrative of what many young men went through in the last days of World War II. Highly recommended." — Library Journal (starred review) "This well-researched and impassioned book not only chronicles a little-known moment in sports history but also offers a poignant snapshot of the tragedy of war." — Booklist "The Mosquito Bowl is not just a book about war. It is, instead, about the men who fought that war. The author brings us rich details about their lives, their hopes, their dreams, and their aspirations, many of which were either delayed, derailed, or destroyed on Okinawa." — New York Journal of Books "In exploring the hearts and souls of those who risked everything for their country, Bissinger’s book defines some of the qualities that make America great—then, now and forever. And such greatness characterizes exceptional men and women around the world. He also showcases the horrors of war and the blunders that cost lives on the battlefield." — Associated Press "While The Mosquito Bowl is seemingly about an ersatz football game, there is far more here than what occurred on a dirt and coral field on an island in the Pacific in 1944." — Bookreporter “The Mosquito Bowl is about so much more than a football game. Buzz Bissinger captures the heart of America in this brilliant story of young men in a brutal war that at once feels long ago but also a part of who we are today.” — Admiral James Stavridis, 16th Supreme Allied Commander and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Rockefeller Foundation “Bissinger brings the Pacific Theater home in this masterpiece of a book, written by an indomitable author who has never been afraid to confront truth in the written word.” — Coast Weekend “Bissinger unearths a profound story during World War II that is much more than a book about a football game.” — Jacksonville First Coast News “This book shows a new side of WWII—and football for that matter—like we have never seen it before. Sports fans, history buffs, and fiction lovers can all find common ground in this captivating read.” — We Are The Mighty

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Book SynopsisFor two days in late September 1988, Canada’s Ben Johnson was the most celebrated athlete on the planet.Winner of the 100-meter sprint at the Seoul Olympics in a world record 9.79 seconds, he’d just had time to say, “A gold medal—that’s something no one can take away from you,” before testing positive for a performance enhancing drug and giving back his medal.Later admitting to steroid use, Johnson has lived in ignominy ever since, but there’s much more to his incredible story. The sprint he won in Seoul has since been called “the dirtiest race in history,” with six of the eight competitors linked to doping infractions. The steroid for which Johnson tested positive was not the steroid he believed he was using. His drug screening was riddled with irregularities and crucial testing evidence was withheld by Olympic officials in Seoul, circumstances that credible experts now say denied Johnson his right to due pr

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the 2023 Illustrated Sports Book of the YearThe ideal gift for football fansPairing epic sports photography with articles from The Times and The Sunday Times archive, this volume brings together 100 of the most iconic moments from World Cup history.With striking, full-colour photography, rarely seen archival images and sensational reporting on the action, The Times World Cup Moments tells the unofficial story of the world's largest single sporting event as it unfolded on and off the pitch. Featuring the greatest goals, most historic line-ups, heroic players and unforgettable controversies, these split-second moments have changed the course of World Cup history and generated a global sensation along the way.The perfect Christmas gift for any football fan, some of the best moments from this book include: The first World Cup, Uruguay 1930 North Korea's fairy tale, England 1966 David Beckham's perfect free-kick, France 1998 Brazil's golden line-up, Mexico 1970 The infamou

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Book SynopsisOn May 30, 1958, thousands of racing fans poured into the infield at dawn to claim the best seats of the Indianapolis 500, unaware that they were going to witness one of the most notorious wrecks in racing history. Seconds after the green flag, a game of chicken spiraled out of control into a fiery 16-car pile-up that claimed the life of 29-year-old Indiana native and rising star Pat O'Connor. The other drivers escaped death, but the tragic 1958 Indy 500 seemed to leave its mark on them: the surviving drivers were hounded by accidents and terrible crashes, and most would die at tracks around the country. But the tragedy also prompted new regulations and safety precautions like roll bars that would ultimately save hundreds of lives. In The Curse of Indy 500: 1958's Tragic Legacy, veteran sportswriter Stan Sutton profiles the ill-fated race and the careers of the drivers involved, highlighting their lives in the dangerous world of auto racing.Trade Review"In all, the book offers an exciting story of the 1958 Indy 500 and a thought-provoking discussion of its aftermath." * Daily Journal *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments1. A Convoluted Account of the Crash2. A Race-Day Shootout3. May was Busting Out All Over4. O'Connor's Eternal Home5. The City of Railroads6. Deadly Summer of '587. Safety Wasn't First8. Daytona Enters the Picture9. No Average Day at the Teach10. Champion of the Dirt11. How Fast is Too Fast12. O'Connor Victim of Jinx13. Jerry Unser Unlucky Trend Setter14. The Good and Bad of Ed Elisian15. Journeymen Drivers Also Victimized16. Death Common at Langhorne17. The Short Career of Bobby Ball18. Speedway Claims Bettenhausen19. Tony's Legacy Continues20. Check Out Those Helmets21. Keller in Vukovich Crash22. Thomson Known for Bravery23. Among All Else, Foyt is Survivor24. Sachs Almost Won in '6125. The Little Car that Could26. Everyone Loved the Novi27. Innocent Victims28. Sport Loses Two Good Men29. He Was a Wonderful Gentleman30. Fire and Fear are Synonymous31. Just Get Over It32. Danger Highest on Short Tracks33. '58 Drivers Can't Escape Fate34. Dodge Loses in Photo Finish35. Phrase Almost Prophetic36. Later that Night he was Gone37. Jud Larson, A Breed Apart38. A New Rival for Indy39. Ward's Time Finally Arrives40. Dick is Jim and Jim is Dick41. Ward Walks Away42. Major Celebrities Missed Race43. Dick, the Other Rathmann44. Hollywood Comes to Indy45. Fans Fall to Their Death46. Goldsmith was Multi-dimensional47. The Lady Lost her Life48. Indy Among Top 10 Dangerous Tracks49. The Former Winner's Last Race50. Death Wasn't Only Bad Result51. Most Great Indy Drivers Survived52. Mario Survives Spectacular Flip53. The Most Deadly Sport?54. The Trials of Cal Niday55. Weyant the Oldest Survivor56. Stewart Pushes for Safety57. He was Still Alive58. Lower Leg Injuries were Prevalent59. Flying Starts Can Be Frightening60. Getting Out While Getting's Good61. Major Survivable Crashes62. No Chance of Survival63. Bill Cheesbourg, One of a Kind64. Sutton Retired After Seeing Kenyon Wreck65. Turner Did a Turnover66. Boyd Saw A Lot of Action67. Speed and Safety May Not Mix

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Book SynopsisFootball's Braveheart is the riveting life story of Dave Mackay, the fearless, skilled, heroic and barrel-chested left-half who was an icon for Spurs, Hearts, Derby and Scotland. Off the field, Dave was a humble, fair-minded, sociable man. On it, he was an out-and-out winner, a warrior and inspiration with consummate ball skills and intelligence. The heartbeat of Spurs' double-winning side of 1961, he came back after two broken legs to add to a glittering trophy collection started at Hearts. After his playing career, Mackay distinguished himself as a title-winning manager with Derby County. A legends' legend, he was lauded by George Best as the hardest and bravest opponent he ever faced. Fabled managers Bill Nicholson (Spurs) and Brian Clough (Derby) hailed him as their best signing, and other admirers included Jimmy Greaves, Denis Law and Sir Alex Ferguson. Author Mike Donovan has gained exclusive, first-hand insights from those who knew Mackay best to bring you the definitive story of a man who made an indelible mark on football.

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Book SynopsisPeel back the layers and get to the core of a life that nurtured and nourished generations of India's best cricketing talent.

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Book SynopsisNow a documentary narrated by Common, produced by Grant Hill, Dwyane Wade, and 9th Wonder, from filmmaker Mary Mazzio. The inspiring, and moving true story of a group of young men growing up on Chicago's West side who form the first all-black high school rowing team in the nation, and in doing so not only transform a sport, but their lives.

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Book Synopsis?I?m proud to call George a mentor and a friend.? ?Michael JordanOrphaned at just thirteen in a still-segregated Washington, D.C., George Raveling was introduced to a relatively unpopular sport?basketball?in high school. The rest, as they say, is history. Raveling went on to become one of the winningest coaches of all time, a mentor to legendary athletes, and a confidant of the sport?s greatest coaches, including Bob Knight and John Wooden. He convinced Michael Jordan to collaborate with Nike on the Air Jordan. He led the 1984 U.S. men?s Olympic team to their ninth gold medal. He even once owned the original, handwritten copy of Dr. King?s most famous speech after an unlikely stint as a bodyguard during the famous March on Washington.Here, Coach Raveling tells the story of his extraordinary ascent, sharing incredible behind-the-scenes stories of his days working with the best in the game. But this book is more than a memoir?it?s a manual for life that presents surprising methods for harnessing your potential from a man who shaped the careers of so many legends. Raveling imparts lessons learned from his grandmother, his long career in basketball, and his lifelong habit of reading?to which he credits all his success.Whether you?re an athlete, a leader, a parent, a student, or simply seeking to mold your raw talent into greatness, What You?re Made For is a blueprint for your life.

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Book SynopsisQuite apart from his all too public struggle with alcoholism, the story runs through the surreal highs and calamitous lows of a life lived habitually on the edge of chaos.It is not just a football story.Trade ReviewAs survivor's tales go, this is brutalist epic...McGrath's narrative has a stark honesty. -- Sean O'Hagan * The Observer Sport Monthly *Continuing the trend of brutal honesty which was popularised by Paul Gascoigne's autobiography, McGrath's book is difficult to read for anyone with an ounce of human kindness, especially those who marvelled at his ability from the Old Trafford terraces... Beautifully written. * Manchester Evening News *Laceratingly honest...remarkably unflinching * Mail on Sunday *A startling, harrowing read... far removed from the churn-em-out footballing autobiographies...This is an uncompromising tale, wonderfully told, about one of our most talented and disturbed sporting heroes. -- Hugh Farrelly * Irish Independent *Heartbreaking...poingnant -- Robert Philip * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe World Cup Finals, Sweden 1958. Brazil vs the fearsome USSR.In the opening three minutes - ''the greatest three minutes in the history of football'' - one man wrote himself into the record books. Brazil went on to win the cup, and, in Garrincha, a star was born. Garrincha was the unlikeliest of footballers - with a right leg that turned inwards and a left that turned out, but with a ball at his feet he had the poise of an angel. He played for the love of the game, uninterested in money, and ignoring tactical advice. And he was as wild off the pitch as he was mesmerising on it - mischievous, audacious and dripping with sex appeal. It was his affair and subsequent marriage to the singer Elza Soares that caught the imagination of a nation - their mouth-watering combination of soccer and samba made them the toast of 1960s Rio. But by the age of forty-nine, Garrincha was dead, destroyed by the excesses that made him so compelling. Funny and mTrade ReviewCastro's biography is funny and moving, zealously researched and lovingly told. This excellent new translation by Andrew Downie means English readers can properly appreciate one of the most incredible lives in the history of sport -- Alex Bellos * Daily Telegraph *Passionate, fascinating and surprisingly moving ... a worthy tribute... According to Gazza, Gascoigne has limited interest in books. He should be persuaded to make an exception for Garrincha. He would learn more about himself than by reading his own autobiography -- Josh Lacey * Guardian *[A] powerfully atmospheric and beautifully rendered life of one of Brazil's greatest ever players... A sad and fantastic book -- Harry Pearson * When Saturday Comes *[Castro's] research is exhaustive and exemplary -- Brian Glanville * Sunday Times *A compelling page-turner, warts and all * Scotland on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisTHE BUGATTI QUEEN is the beautifully illustrated story of an indomitable and fascinating woman, a pioneer of motorsport who revelled in danger. Born in 1900 in a tiny French village, Hélène Delangle, aka Hellé Nice, became a dancer and a stripper before catching the eye of Ettore Bugatti. Seduced by the combination of machines and speed, Hellé Nice went on to have an unprecedented career, competing in numerous Grands Prix and becoming the only woman to drive on the treacherous American speedbowls in the 1930s. She set new land-speed records before a notorious accident which almost ended her racing days. Re-creating her rollercoaster career with authority and panache from many previously unpublished sources, Miranda Seymour reveals the story of an unforgettable life and sheds new light on the extraordinary and reckless world of motor-racing between the wars.

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Book SynopsisThis new edition of the universally acclaimed 1997 book is edited and completely redesigned. A classic of motor racing, it celebrates the life and achievements of Jim Clark, World Champion 1963 and 1965. Forewords by Sir Jackie Stewart, David Coulthard, Dario Franchitti and Allan McNish, patrons of the Jim Clark Trust.Trade ReviewClassic Cars "Rich with anecdotal reminiscences from those who raced with Jim Clark. Dymock has clearly done his research and brings riveting details alive"; Motor Sport Andrew Frankel "I thought I'd reached the stage when I'd read as many words about Jim Clark as my lifetime would stand. Not so. Dymock's book is compelling, an engrossing read"; The Automobile "compulsive reading and thoroughly recommended". Classic and Sportscar "a totally inspired publication. Dymock's elegant prose and the personal insight into life of Scottish racing legend great value"; Clark's close friend Ian Scott Watson, wrote in Scottish Field "The sort of book you will not lay down until you have read it cover to cover, the definitive book on Jim Clark. A remarkable tribute not only to Jim but to its author"; Walter Hayes, Vice President Public Affairs at Ford, who played an important role in Jim Clark's career wrote "nobody will ever better define Jimmy or, for that matter any great racing driver"; Dan Gurney "I am terribly moved not only by the way in which you included me, but by all the memories your beautiful book managed to evoke"; Sally Stokes "What a magnificent piece of writing";

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Book SynopsisWhen skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bowl first in the Cricket World Cup final in 2023 against an undefeated Indian team, he knew he was going against conventional wisdom. A fast bowler whose appointment to captaincy was a stroke of genius, Pat Cummins was a leader both on the field and off. Courage, Controversy, Conviction takes a bold look at 'Captain Woke' as he navigates the three-year journey in the limelight featuring his captaincy, his conscience and his controversies.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThe Yellow Jersey Club contains just twenty-six living members. To become one of this exclusive number requires complete dedication, brutal self-sacrifice and the most extraordinary physical attributes. Yet along with the ability to climb mountains, bomb along time trials and survive all the perils of the road, what really makes a Tour de France champion?Edward Pickering set out on a mission to ask them, and gained some astonishing insights into the minds of cycling''s best ever riders of the past forty years, from giants like Greg LeMond and Stephen Roche to more unfamiliar names like Bernard Thévenet and Joop Zootemelk. With his trademark sharp analysis and deft style, Pickering explores the myriad factors that combine to produce success. What does it take to accumulate such great mental strength, skill and endurance? What are the differences as well as the key factors in common? What sets these men apart from the rest of the field? The Yellow Jersey Club giTrade ReviewAn insightful, informative and analytical look at those who have stood on the top step in Paris. * Cycling Weekly *Pickering's narratives are cleverly deceptive; it's surprising just how much the author unravels of each winner's character... compulsive reading. * Washing Machine Post *Throughout The Yellow Jersey Club, Pickering asks plenty of pertinent questions which he leaves up to the reader to resolve, which is something I like. It makes reading the book slower - Pickering's actively engaging you with the text - but ultimately more rewarding. -- Feargal McKay * Podium Cafe *

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Book SynopsisDetails the lives and accomplishments of influential climbers. Aimed at all climbing enthusiasts, this book profiles nine of the world's best young climbers in their own words and through conversations with their peers, to create an intimate portrait, revealing their personalities, drive, passion, openness and intimacy.Table of ContentsThe following is a list of climbers profiled within Vertical World. Foreword by Pete Takeda, Senior Contributing Editor to Rock & Ice Beth Rodden, 25, from Davis, CA: First American woman to establish a 5.14b (The Optimist, Smith Rock, OR). Chris Sharma, 24, from Santa Cruz, CA: first person to climb 5.15a (Realization, Ceuse France). Dave Graham, 24, Portland, Maine: has climbed more 5.14s than anyone else in the world, with 100+ routes under his belt. Dean Potter, 32, Yosemite, CA: first person to free climb both El Cap and Half Dome in a day. Dean also free-soloed the Supercanaleta on Fitz Roy in 6.5 hours and soloed the Compressor route on Cerro Torre in 11 hours. Jason Kehl, 27, from Maryland: unrepeated ascent of Evilution (V11) which stands 55 ft. tall, first ascent of After Midnight (V10/11, 25 ft. high) and The Fly (V13, 25 ft. high). Josh Wharton, 27, Rifle, CO: Bold ascent of The Flame in northeastern Pakistan under great odds and first ascent of the world's longest route called The Great Trango Tower in Pakistan. Lisa Rands, 28, from Bishop, CA: first American woman to climb V11 (Plain High Drifter, Buttermilks, CA). First woman to lead E8 6C (The End of the Affair, Curbar Edge, England).Steph Davis, 31, Moab, UT: Second woman, behind Lynn Hill to free climb a route on El Cap in a day (The Freerider, 5.12d/13a). Steph was also the first woman to have climbed all seven of the major peaks in Patagonia¿s Fitz Roy Range.Tommy Caldwell, 26, from Estes Park, CO: established the world's most difficult big wall free climb (The Dihedral Wall, 5.14a, El Cap, Yosemite, CA). Katie Brown, 24, from Boulder, CO: First woman to onsight both 5.13d and 5.14a (Omaha Beach, Red River Gorge, KY and Hydrophobia, Mont Sant, Spain).

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE PEOPLE''S BOOK PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024SELECTED FOR THE BBC AND READING AGENCY''S BIG SPORTING READ 2024 SHORTLISTED FOR THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2024 WOMEN''S SPORT WRITING AWARDA WATERSTONES BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 - SPORT''Incredibly moving and inspiring'' Gabby Logan''It''s brilliant I loved it'' Lorraine Kelly''Brilliant impressive and vividly told'' The Times ---JOIN LOUISE MINCHIN ON 17 EXHILARATING ADVENTURES WITH TRAILBLAZING WOMEN WHO ARE BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS, SMASHING RECORDS AND CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES. ''To get to the heart of who these women are I decided to do it the way that I know best, by taking part, spending time right beside them to experience the things they love.''Driven to bring more attention to female stories of courage and endeavour, Louise Minchin pushes herself to the extreme and embarks on thrilling enduranTrade ReviewIncredibly moving and inspiring... Louise perfectly tells the stories of powerful and intrepid women... a reminder of what women can do and how enormous our untapped potential is. * Gabby Logan *Prepare to be blown away… the most incredible examples of girl power. * Judy Murray OBE *An extraordinary book. * Claudia Winkleman, BBC Radio 2 *Louise is such a positive and uplifting presence. Her fearlessness should inspire us all. * Susanna Reid *Wow – I loved this book. What a wonderful celebration of women’s courage, resilience and endeavour. * Dame Kelly Holmes *Brilliant … impressive and vividly told. * The Times *Fantastic! * Alex Jones, BBC The One Show *Terrific. An inspiring, expansive exploration of adventure seeking. A call to arms for women to chase the best versions of themselves. I loved it... Not only is it a cartography of wonderful women to discover, it's a manifesto for change that will seep into different areas of life. * Irenosen Okojie MBE, writer and Women's Prize for Fiction 2023 judge *A celebration of the strength, power and determination of women. Reading these stories will leave you feeling inspired while dreaming up your own challenge to tackle. Life is for grabbing, and these women do just that. * Giovanna Fletcher *An entertaining rollercoaster... it took me to places emotionally I now long to go physically. … A deep dive into the limitless strength of the female spirit. * Lorraine Candy, Sunday Times bestselling author and journalist *It’s brilliant – I loved it. * Lorraine Kelly *A truly remarkable collection of stories from incredible women... their adventures are an inspiration to us all. * Sir Chris Hoy *Fascinating, beautifully drawn and thoroughly inspiring. * Psychologies *This brilliant book reminds us we are all capable of so much more than we believe. Completely inspiring. * Bryony Gordon *A special book… a beautiful exploration of what it means to be fearless... Fabulous outdoor adventures to inspire us all to get outside and have fun… Keep this book to hand when you need a dose of inspiring female courage and resilience. * Julia Bradbury *I love this book. * Susie Dent *If you were ever looking for inspiration to help you set that goal, then you’ll find it here. * Woman & Home *A moving and powerful read that will help you to connect with your inner bravery. * Woman's Own *This book celebrates the bravery of these women of all backgrounds, religions, ages, shapes and sizes ... Many adventures are terrifying, some are painful, all are exhilarating ... It’ll leave you feeling inspired, thrilled and utterly exhausted. * Woman's Way *Louise takes you on an exhilarating adventure across the globe to tell extraordinary women's stories and to test herself. * Top Sante *Every day working alongside Louise felt like an adventure with an extraordinary woman. She is as amazing and just as inspirational as the women she writes about. * Dan Walker *An inspiring book by an inspiring woman. Fearless will take you on an adventure with a selection of moving and motivational stories. The kind of stories that hold up a mirror to show you who you are and what you might be capable of. A beautiful book. * Alice Feeney, novelist *I was thrilled to read Fearless. Every one of the nineteen women featured in the book (and I’m including Louise herself) is an awe-inspiring role model in her sport (or sports) of choice. Their stories will take your breath away. * Eleanor Oldroyd, sports broadcaster *Wow. What an incredible book... So many remarkable and inspiring stories. Thoroughly engaging and deftly written. * Giles Paley-Phillips, author and podcaster *A perfect antidote to any time you think you can't keep going. Whilst it features incredible feats of determination and tenacity, Louise as the author experiences each of the gruelling challenges alongside the women. As a reader, it means you're transported through each and every challenge, uphill struggle and feat. It's such an inspiring read and sends a message to us all that nothing is impossible. * Nicola Rowley, author and podcaster *Inspiring * Goodhousekeeping.com *Table of ContentsFearless – The Back Story 1. Anaya and Mitali Khanzode – Escape from Alcatraz 2. Christine Grosart – Wild Caving 3. Cath Pendleton – Freediving Under Ice in the Dark 4. Belinda Kirk – Overnight Dartmoor Crossing 5. Zainab (Zee) Alema – Rugby 6. Sophie Storm Roberts – Cycling 7. Mollie Hughes – Mountaineering 8. Caroline Bramwell – Long Course Triathlon 9. Lucy Gossage – Team Hike Bike and Paddle Board 10. Vivienne Rickman – Mountain Swimming 11. Kadeena Cox – Indoor Track Cycling 12. Rhian Mannings – Hiking 13. Mimi Anderson – 1200km Cycle Across Argentina 14. Lizzie Carr – Stand Up Paddleboarding 15. Anoushé Husain – Indoor Climbing 16. Rhiane Fatinikun – Hiking 17. Susie Chan – Ultrarunning And Finally Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisWho is Harry Redknapp? Football genius or football chancer? Master tactician or practical joker? How is it that even when he was facing court proceedings for tax evasion so many people were still seriously tipping him to be the next England manager? How can one man have two such diametrically opposed and incompatible career trajectories? Does the longing to have an English manager in charge of the national side warp people''s thinking?''To Portsmouth fans, Redknapp was the man who walked on water and won them an FA Cup. To Southampton fans, he is still the devil incarnate who had them relegated before jumping ship to their arch rivals. Spurs fans aren''t sure what he is, bit don''t care as long as he keeps the team together and winning. Sometimes he''s the Messiah, at others the clown. Whoever he is, Crace is determined to find out.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive story of the father of modern football, Herbert Chapman.Herbert Chapman, the boss of the all-conquering Arsenal team of the 1930s, was the father of modern football management. A relative journeyman as a player, he moved into the dugout aged 29 with Northampton Town, before building a multiple-title-winning team with Huddersfield in the 1920s. It was at Arsenal, however, where Chapman would leave an indelible mark on the landscape of football. Patrick Barclay''s poignant and detailed biography weaves Chapman''s story into the momentous times through which he lived, including the tragedy of the First World War, the subsequent Depression and the rise of fascism. Deeply influential on Arsenal successors such as George Graham and Arsène Wenger, he also pioneered changes in the game''s scenery and tactical approaches. As Sir Matt Busby later remarked, Herbert Chapman changed the game of football.Trade ReviewBarclay vividly and brilliantly conjures up a forgotten sporting age. -- David Lister * THE INDEPENDENT *Anyone, Gooner or not, who gazes up at his statue standing in slightly paunchy, plus-foured glory in front of the Emirates stadium and desires to learn more about the Yorkshireman who first too Arsenal to the heights need look no further than this, surely definitive, biography. -- Simon Redfern * THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *Barclay's hugely entertaining story is as full of off-ball incidents and punch ups as today's game....(the book is) robust as Herbert Chapman's desk.. -- Robert Fox * LONDON EVENING STANDARD *Barclay's eloquent writing is a fine tribute to the Arsenal legend. With a backdrop of war and accusations of illicit player payments while at Leeds City, there's also plenty for non-Gooners. * FOUR FOUR TWO *Affectionate, insightful and rich in historical context. * CHOICE *

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Book SynopsisA new, fully illustrated gift book commemorating the unparalleled rise, fall, and comeback of golf’s greatest champion Tiger Woods turned pro at age 20 in 1996, rapidly ascending to become the No. 1 ranked player in the world at age 21 and the youngest player ever to achieve the career Grand Slam. Woods’ second decade on the tour was one of reinvention, marked by injuries and personal struggles before a comeback that culminated in Woods first major win in 11 years at the 2019 Masters. In celebration of Woods’ first quarter century on the professional circuit, those moments and memories are collected in Tiger Woods: Celebrating 25 Years on the PGA Tour. Capturing the magic of Woods’ career as only Sports Illustrated™ can, this new volume includes more than 100 full-color photographs, some of which have become nearly as iconic as the man himself—from Woods’ earliest days on the golf course with his father to his play alongside his son, Charlie, in 2020.This commemorative book also features some of the best written coverage of Woods’s career from the pages of Sports Illustrated™, including pieces by Frank Deford, Rick Reilly, Gary Smith, Alan Shipnuck, and more.

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Book SynopsisIn 20 seasons in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform, Kobe Bryant ascended from teenaged rookie to 18-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion. The superstar known as the Black Mamba left his mark on basketball and popular culture as a fierce competitor who inspired those around him and never settled for less than the best. To commemorate the life and career of the most beloved Laker of his generation, these moments and memories are collected in Kobe Bryant: A Tribute to a Basketball Legend. Featuring more than 100 photographs and written coverage from the pages of Sports Illustrated this new volume provides readers a complete portrait of the international basketball superstar who transcended his sport to become a cultural icon. Relive every moment including Bryant entering the NBA draft directly out of high school, winning consecutive NBA Finals MVP awards in 2009 and 2010, the unforgettable 60-point farewell game, and the poignant tributes that followed his death in 2020.This lavish keepsake also features the best written coverage of Bryant’s career from Sports Illustrated, including pieces by Chris Ballard, Jack McCallum, Lee Jenkins, and more.

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the championship glory, Hall of Fame personalities, and passionate fans that make the Boston Celtics one of the most revered teams in basketballSports Illustrated™ celebrates basketball greatness with The Boston Celtics at 75, an extraordinary collection of classic stories and photographs from the pages of SI. This commemorative book salutes hall of famers like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy, Paul Pierce, and coach Red Auerbach.Fans will unearth countless gems from the Celtics' past on each page of this diamond celebration.

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