Biography: sport Books

Book SynopsisA heartfelt portrait of Hank Aaron, featuring nearly 40 years of stories plus never-before-told insights from the home run king When journalist Terence Moore was 12 years old, he treasured his poster of Henry Aaron. Years later, Aaron would sign it for him: "Best wishes to Terry." Later still, Moore would be named an honorary pall bearer at the home run king's funeral, staying up late into the night with Aaron's widow, Billye, to get the obituary just right for the program. Friends and family knew Aaron as quick-witted, hilarious, and fiercely opinionated beyond what was shown in public. With the encouragement of Aaron's family, Moore now shares this intimate perspective on the baseball legend, the culmination of decades of friendship and correspondence. The Real Hank Aaron captures the icon's contagious laugh and pointed views, from the depth of his admiration for Jackie Robinson to his true thoughts on Barry Bonds and the steroid era. Also featuring Aaron's views on race, politics, media, and sports fandom, this is a charming and illuminating glimpse at the man outside the spotlight.

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Book SynopsisCelebrating a New Orleans icon and one of football’s most beloved superstars Drew Brees describes his arrival in New Orleans as “a calling.” Following a catastrophic shoulder injury and a handful of years with the San Diego Chargers, Brees hit the ground running with the Saints, leading the team to the playoffs in his very first season and building toward the ultimate prize: the franchise’s first ever Super Bowl title. By the time he hung up his cleats in 2021, the Saints QB had won 172 games as a starting quarterback, led the NFL in passing yards seven times, and fashioned more than 50 game-winning drives. He won the 2004 Comeback Player of the Year award and was named to 13 Pro Bowls. These moments and memories are collected in Drew Brees: A Tribute to the Saint of New Orleans, a fully illustrated gift book commemorating the 20-year career of one of the most beloved Saints players in history. Featuring more than 100 photographs and unparalleled written coverage from the pages of Sports Illustrated™, this new volume provides readers a complete portrait of the ultimate team player whose impact on the Saints franchise cannot be overstated—from his earliest days in New Orleans to the euphoria of Super Bowl XLIV and beyond.This commemorative book also features SI’s best written coverage of Brees’s career, including pieces by Tim Layden, Greg Bishop, and more.

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Book SynopsisJosh Allen re-wrote the Bills’ record book in 2020 as the team finished 13­–3 and won its first AFC East title since Jim Kelly was behind center in 1995. Allen set single-season franchise records for passing yards, touchdown passes, and completions, and his sights are firmly set on bringing Super Bowl glory back to Buffalo. Featuring incisive writing plus dozens of full-color photographs from The Buffalo News, Josh Allen: Built for Buffalo provides a glimpse into Allen’s early days with the Bills after he was drafted out of Wyoming in 2018, Allen’s thrilling rise to stardom, his transformative connection with receiver Stefon Diggs, and the Bills’ magical 2020 run.This keepsake also looks ahead to where Allen could one day stack up among legendary Bills names like Kelly, Andre Reed, Thurman Thomas, and Bruce Smith.

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Book SynopsisInducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997, Don Shula remains the winningest coach of all time with 347 career victories and the only undefeated season in NFL history. But before he became the architect of the Dolphins dynasty, Shula was a hardworking kid selling fish on the banks of Lake Erie, the eldest of six children born during the Depression to Hungarian immigrant parents. As acclaimed sports biographer Mark Ribowsky shows, Shula met serious resistance at home when he asked to play high school football, but when his parents finally relented, they discovered that their son, though perhaps short on the physical gifts of the truly blessed, had an unmatched mind for the game’s strategy and a stomach for its brutality. With rugged determination, the jut-jawed Shula started as a defensive back in the 1950s, later beginning his thirty-two-year coaching career as the then-youngest coach ever with the Baltimore Colts. The Colts had several successful years, but Shula never quite recovered from the historic loss to the upstart New York Jets in Super Bowl III, and when a lucrative job opened in Miami, he took his talents to South Beach, where he led the Dolphins to the first perfect season in NFL history. Tracing Shula’s singular rise from his blue-collar origins to his glory days in the Miami heat, Ribowsky reveals a man of grit and charisma who never lost sight of a simple creed: “All I’ve ever done is roll up my sleeves, figure out what to do, and start doing it.”Trade Review"Through Shula’s career, Ribowsky provides an excellent look into the early, gritty days of professional football.... Ribowsky’s excellent biography will thrill football fans of all allegiances." -- Publishers Weekly [starred review]"Must reading for budding coaches and a solid work of sports biography." -- Kirkus Reviews"Praise for the books of Mark Ribowsky: “Fascinating” —Washington Post “Brilliant.” —Wall Street Journal “Hugely entertaining.... Extraordinary.” —Dallas Morning News “Magisterial, meticulously researched.... As good as sports writing gets.” —New York Journal of Books"

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Book Synopsis“The opportunity for the greatest turnaround in college football exists here today, and it’s not one to be taken lightly.” —Bill Snyder When Kansas State hired Bill Snyder as its head football coach in 1988, the Wildcats had one of the worst programs in college football and hadn't won a conference title since 1934. Little could anybody predict that Snyder would soon engineer a total transformation in Manhattan, Kansas. From his humble beginnings in St. Joseph, Missouri, Snyder rose to greatness, bringing K-State up from the ashes to a No. 1 ranking, six 11-win seasons in a span of seven years, and one Big 12 Championship. He still wasn’t finished. After a three-year retirement, Snyder returned to lead the Wildcats to another Big 12 title. In 2015, he became just the fourth person in college football history to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as an active coach. In this new memoir, Snyder reflects on a successful yet complicated life, detailing the grueling 80-hour work weeks, his visionary Wildcat Goals for Success, and the virtues he doubled down on during his final years as head coach, all the while battling throat cancer.Readers will discover a multi-faceted portrait of one of college football's greatest leaders, his triumphs and defeats, his greatness and his flaws, and his passion and drive to, not once, but twice, lead a championship team while developing young men.

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Book SynopsisAn incomparable memoir of business and football from the woman known as "The Princess of Darkness." Former NFL team executive Amy Trask has held many titles during her career—including chief executive, analyst, and author—but Raiders fans know her better as "The Princess of Darkness." Trask joined the Raiders as an intern during law school after the team moved from Oakland to Los Angeles—the position the result of a cold call she made to the team. From there, she worked her way up through the ranks of the organization, to the post she would eventually hold as chief executive. Along the way, Trask worked extremely closely with the late Al Davis, a man who treated her and others on his team without regard to gender, race, and age. Trask may have been the highest-ranking female executive in the NFL during her tenure with the Raiders, but in You Negotiate Like a Girl: Reflections on a Career in the National Football League, she shares how she found success by operating without regard to gender.Replete with insider tales about being part of the Raiders' front office, behind the closed doors of NFL owners meetings, and Davis himself, Trask's book is a must-read not only for football fans, but anyone who wants to succeed in business.

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Book SynopsisA heartfelt portrait of Hank Aaron, featuring nearly 40 years of stories plus never-before-told insights from the home run king When journalist Terence Moore was 12 years old, he treasured his poster of Henry Aaron. Years later, Aaron would sign it for him: "Best wishes to Terry." Later still, Moore would be named an honorary pall bearer at the home run king's funeral, staying up late into the night with Aaron's widow, Billye, to get the obituary just right for the program. Friends and family knew Aaron as quick-witted, hilarious, and fiercely opinionated beyond what was shown in public. With the encouragement of Aaron's family, Moore now shares this intimate perspective on the baseball legend, the culmination of decades of friendship and correspondence. The Real Hank Aaron captures the icon's contagious laugh and pointed views, from the depth of his admiration for Jackie Robinson to his true thoughts on Barry Bonds and the steroid era.Also featuring Aaron's views on race, politics, media, and sports fandom, this is a charming and illuminating glimpse at the man outside the spotlight.

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Book SynopsisThe powers-that-be in 1920s auto racing, namely the American Automobile Association’s Contest Board, barred everyone who wasn’t a white male from the sport. But Dewey Gatson, a black man who went by the name Rajo Jack, drove into the center of “outlaw” auto racing in California, refusing to let the pervasive racism of his day stop him from competing against entire fields of white drivers. In The Brown Bullet, journalist Bill Poehler uncovers the life of a long-forgotten trailblazer and the great lengths he took to even get on the track, showing ultimately how Rajo Jack proved to a generation that a black man could compete with some of the greatest white drivers of his era, winning some of the biggest races of the day.Trade Review"Poehler has done a fine job of researching the life of Rajo Jack, relating his determination and poise in the face of discrimination." - Library Journal"This excellent, very important book tells an inspirational tale." Hemmings

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Book SynopsisBest known to a generation of Australian cricket fans as the incisive, and sometimes controversial, cricketing voice of the Sydney Morning Herald and ABC radio, Peter Roebuck's own career spanned 25 of the most exhilarating years of world cricket.From the heyday of the Somerset cricket club to the controversy of the World Series and ten happy years with Devon, Roebuck played alongside some of the true greats of the world game. Viv Richards, Joel Garner, Ian Botham, Martin Crowe and a young Steve Waugh were all team-mates. Considered by some the best cricketer to have never played for England', he did in fact captain an English team which travelled to Holland. Their emphatic victory in the second Test was completely overshadowed by their shock defeat in the opening game!A dedicated coach and mentor to young enthusiasts, Roebuck first came across some of Australia's current crop of cricket superstars as brash young novices at the Academy - Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting and a portly young man with the most dangerous spinning finger in the world, one Shane Warne. In Sometimes I Forgot to Laugh, Peter Roebuck gives his readers an insight into the hitherto very private life of a complex and sometimes troubled man, but one always sustained by his abiding passion for the game of cricket.Table of Contents1 Antecedents2 To Bath3 Millfield4 Professional Debut5 More Blues6 Greece7 Down Under8 Somerset Resurgent 1978-799 Mixed Results, 1980-8210 Decline and Fall11 Learning to Lead12 The Somerset Affair13 Into the Press Box14 To Regroup and Rebuild15 Towards Retirement16 The Australian Renaissance17 The Glory Years: Border, Taylor and Waugh18 Cricketing Controversies19 Devon Days20 Africa21 Trial and Tribulation22 The Australian Way23 The Power of the Pen24 Two Great Batsmen25 Epilogue

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 *

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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 *

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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

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