Biography: sport Books

Book SynopsisBeliever in Blue is the fascinating autobiography of Marvin Andrews, who famously overcame serious injury and defied expert medical opinion to help Rangers win the title on 'Helicopter Sunday'. A year later, he led Trinidad and Tobago to an unprecedented qualification for the 2006 World Cup. His story is one of religious faith and glory.

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE FOOTBALL BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDSSHORTLISTED FOR THE 2016 WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR'This football book is about something even more important than the "beautiful game"; it is a story of the human spirit.' - Mick Hume, The Times Adrian Doherty was not a typical footballer. For one thing, he was blessed with extraordinary talent. Those who played alongside and watched him in the Manchester United youth team in the early 1990s insist he was as good as Ryan Giggs - possibly even better. Giggs, who played on the opposite wing, says he is inclined to agree.Doherty was also an eccentric - by football standards, at least. When his colleagues went to Old Trafford to watch the first team on Saturday afternoons, he preferred to take the bus into Manchester to go busking. He wore second-hand clothes, worshipped Bob Dylan, read about theology and French existentialism and wrote songs and poems. One team-mate says "it was like having Bob Dylan in a No 7 shirt".On his 17th birthday, Doherty was offered a five-year contract - unprecedented for a United youngster at that time - and told by Alex Ferguson that he was destined for stardom. But what followed over the next decade is a tale so mysterious, so shocking, so unusual, so amusing but ultimately so tragic, that you are left wondering how on earth it has been untold for so long.The stories of Doherty's contemporaries, that group of Manchester United youngsters who became known as the "Class of '92", are well known. Giggs ended up as the most decorated player in United's history; David Beckham became the most recognisable footballer on the planet; Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and others are household names. The story you don't know is about the player who, having had the world at his feet, died the day before his 27th birthday following an accident in a canal in Holland.Trade ReviewMagnificently researched and superbly crafted * Belfast Telegraph *Brilliant * Daily Mail *A sincere, elegant reflection on a young man touched by genius * Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisImprove your chess by studying the greatest games of all time, from Adolf Anderssen''s ''Immortal Game'' to Anand versus Kramnik 2008, and featuring a foreword by World Champion Vishy Anand.The 125 greatest chess games of all time, selected, analysed, re-evaluated and explained by a team of British experts and illustrated with over 1,000 chess diagrams. Join the authors in studying these games, the cream of two centuries of international chess, and develop your own chess-playing skills - whatever your current standard. Instructive points at the end of each game highlight the lessons to be learned.First published in 1998, a second edition of The Mammoth Book of the World''s Greatest Chess Games in 2004 included an additional 12 games. This edition includes a further 13 games as well as some significant revisions to the analysis and information regarding other games in earlier editions of the book, facilitated by the use of a variety of chess softw

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Book SynopsisWith his trademark insider acuity, unsentimental compassion, and faultless eye and ear, Charles Farrell gives us an indelible portrait of one of boxing's great characters and a definitive account of what happens when talent runs afoul of the way things work in the world.Carlo Rotella, contributor to The New York Times Magazine and author ofCut Time: An Education at the FightsMitch Blood' Green hadmore things going for him to make big money in boxing than nearly any fighterin history. A six-foot-six, 225-pound heavyweight with a chiseled physique anda traffic-stopping look, Green had street credibility for dayshe was the gang leaderof the Black Spadesand four New York Golden Gloves heavyweight titles. But his penchant formayhem, drugs, and chaos, while keeping him in the news, torpedoed his pro boxingcareer. He lost a high-profile decision to Mike Tyson at Madison Square Garden,got into a tabloid-grabbing late-night street fight with Tyson at anafter-hours boutique in Harlem, and then disappeared. Until Charles Farrellfound him. In The Legend of Mitch Blood Green and Other Boxing Essays, Farrell captures life in the boxingbusiness from its deepest interior, and offers additional portraits of charactersas wide-ranging as Donald Trump, Floyd Patterson, Bert Cooper, Charley Burley, PeterMcNeeley, and Muhammad Ali. Trenchant, fearless, and often flat-out funny, there has neverbeen a boxing book like this, and there will never be another.

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Book SynopsisThe Big O by Patrick Skene is the story of Olsen Filipaina, a New Zealand Hall of Fame rugby league legend who was a pathfinder for the Maori and Pasifika players who today dominate the Australian National Rugby League.

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Book SynopsisTroy Polamalu was the guiding spirit behind a Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty that won two Super Bowls and led the NFL in total defense five times during his 12-year career. His explosiveness and instinct shone on the field, yet is is Polamalu’s grace and character, his humility and dignity that have made the greatest impression on those closest to him. This biography, the first written on the Steelers’ Hall of Famer, was over a decade in the making. Author Jim Wexell covered every step of Polamalu's career and interviewed countless family members, friends, coaches, team officials, front office executives, and teammates to produce a moving portrait of a remarkable athlete. Polamalu's days as a child in Santa Ana, California; his formative years in Tenmile, Oregon; his college days at the University of Southern California; and his glory days with the Steelers are all covered in this essential chronicle of a Pittsburgh great.

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Book SynopsisOne of the world’ s most well-known and respected athletes, Roger Federer has had a career that ranks among the most celebrated and successful in all of tennis history. This entertaining and illuminating chronicle of Federer’ s trophy-laden journey is unique for its day-by-day format: every day of the calendar year is presented with a corresponding bit of fact, trivia, or an anniversary, including hallmark victories, statistics, quirky happenings, and quotations. Fans of a player widely considered the greatest of all time as well as sports fans in general will get to know the 17-time major champion better in a uniquely engaging way with this book

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Book SynopsisMagnus Carlsen: A Life in Pictures tells the story of the reigning World Chess Champion. Magnus Carlsen, born in 1990 in Oslo, Norway, became a Grandmaster by 13. Carlsen was crowned World Champion in 2013, when he defeated Anand and has successfully defended his title three times. He currently plays again for the title in Dubai. Carlsen is a family man, often surrounded by his father, mother and sisters. As a sports fanatic he plays and follows football and basketball. He doesnt shy away from his celebrity status, and was both a G-Star model and a Real Madrid VIPguest. But his most genuine smile breaks through when he talks chess with his youngest fans, the kids in a chess tournament. For this book, publisher New In Chess, part of the Play Magnus Group, had access to pictures of the Carlsen family archive and to all pictures of the best chess photographers.

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Book SynopsisValentino Rossi: Life of a Legend offers an intimate portrait of one of the most successful and iconic legends in the history of MotoGP.Table of ContentsCONTENTS FOREWORD INTRODUCTION : MY GREATES TRACE GRAZIANO AND THE NEW BOY WONDER TALENT SPOTTED GRAND PRIX LEARNER -WINNER 250 TYR ANT BIG -TIME BEGINNER THE LEGEND BEGINS VR46 : THE STYLE OF A SUPER STAR ROSSI PROVES HIS POINT RIVALS PRIDE COME BEFORE A FALL THE WILDERNESS YEARS THE RETURN OF THE NATIVE TAVULLIA : ROSSI PAINTS THE TOWN YELLOW PASSING ON THE BATON APPENDIX INDEX ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Book SynopsisUPDATED EDITION Roger Federer’s incredible 2017 comeback – which saw him winning Grand Slams in his mid-thirties and reaching new heights most had thought impossible – has confirmed his place in the history books as the greatest male tennis player of all time. In this innovative graphic biography, Federer’s tennis is explored like never before: stunning graphics illustrate his serving patterns and superb footwork, detail the spin and speed of his shots, as well as showcase his astonishing records – no man has won more majors, or spent more weeks as the world number one. Drawing on Mark Hodgkinson’s conversations with the Swiss and exclusive interviews with those closest to him, this is the ultimate celebration of the genius of Roger Federer.

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Book SynopsisThe King of White Hart Lane is the authorised life story of Alan Gilzean, the legendary, world-class Tottenham Hotspur, Dundee and Scotland footballer. Exclusive insights provided by his family, closest friends and colleagues add to the author's own experience to reveal Gilzean, the man and the player. A reserved, charming and intelligent individual who shunned the limelight off the field, Gilzean played with a swagger as a maker and taker of goals, especially alongside Jimmy Greaves at Spurs. We discover how the native of the Perthshire town of Coupar Angus became one of the greatest performers in the history of both his clubs. Gilzean emerged a Scottish folk hero having scored the winning goal against England in front of 133,000 at Hampden Park - and was later welcomed back with open arms by the game after ending a self-imposed exile during which the uninformed conjured often defamatory myths. The elegant striker dubbed 'Nureyev in Boots' left us on Sunday, 8 July 2018. There will never be another like him.

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Book SynopsisLure of the Mountains is the first published biography of accomplished photographer, ornithologist, teacher and 1924 Everest expedition member Bentley Beetham (1886 - 1963). Written by the late Michael D. Lowes, a pupil of Beetham's at Barnard Castle School in County Durham, and with a foreword by Graham Ratcliffe MBE, the first Briton to have summited Everest from both the North and South sides, and also a pupil of Barnard Castle School, Lure of the Mountains charts Beetham's life from childhood in Darlington, to rock climbing in the Lake District and selection by the Mount Everest Committee as a member of the infamous and ill-fated 1924 Everest Expedition on which George Mallory and Sandy Irvine disappeared high on the mountain. Many of Beetham's images, including those made on the 1924 expedition, were for over 25 years curated by Michael Lowes and are reproduced in this book with the kind permission of the Bentley Beetham Trust and Durham University. His images of Tibet are 'an important historical record of Tibetan culture and a way of life that in modern times has rapidly begun to disappear'. Beetham was a highly skilled rock climber and a pioneer of new routes in the Borrowdale Valley, where he established such notable climbs as Little Chamonix on Shepherd's Crag, and Corvus on Raven Crag. The author, like many other pupils Beetham inspired, was introduced to climbing by his teacher in the Lake District on club trips, and over the years he became a valuable source of information and expert on Beetham's life and work.

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

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

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

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Book SynopsisOur incredible story under a supreme manager shared in all its glory.' Jordan HendersonThe definitive account of Jürgen Klopp's astonishing revival of Liverpool Football ClubFULLY UPDATED FOR THE 2020-2021 SEASONLiverpool Football Club's stunning Premier League title victory deserves a place in the official record of great sporting achievements. Talismanic manager Jürgen Klopp delivered a first title in 30 years as the Reds became the only team in British history to hold the European Cup, Super Cup, World Club Cup and domestic league title simultaneously.A difficult title defence followed, derailed by an unrivalled injury crisis during a thankless, Covid-shaped season. Still Klopp's Liverpool weathered this storm to secure Champions League football again, surmounting personal tragedy and endless professional setbacks. But what makes the club tick? Can the lessons of its success be replicated by others?Melissa Reddy reveals the inside story of Jürgen Klopp's astonishing revival of the LTrade Review‘Our incredible story under a supreme manager shared in all its glory.’ Jordan Henderson ‘The tale of a watershed season wonderfully told by a great writer I have huge respect for.’ Ian Wright ‘Remarkable storytelling of a remarkable season.’Gérard Houllier ‘I’ve been reading, keeping busy in the bubble. Believe Us, which is the story of Liverpool.’ Eddie Jones, England Rugby coach

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Book SynopsisA head-to-head comparison of the two greatest soccer stars of their generation - and perhaps of all time.One, diminutive and reserved; the other, tall and theatrical. One with six Ballons d''Or, and the other with five. There''s no doubt about it - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the best. But which one is better? This lively book compares every aspect of the legendary rivals'' careers, to let the reader decide. It compares their stats, including their ten years of matchups in El Clásico, their club trophies, and their individual awards and milestones. It analyses their style of play, and how it has evolved throughout their careers. And, it looks at how their rivalry continues off the field, in terms of endorsement deals, social media followings, and philanthropic endeavors. Packed with colour photos of the champions in action, Messi and Ronaldo will spark discussion among both players'' partisans.

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Book SynopsisRubin "Hurricane" Carter was riding a wave of success. The survivor of a difficult youth, he rose to become a top contender for the middleweight boxing crown. But his career crashed to a halt on May 26, 1967, when he and another man were found guilty of the murder of three white people and sentenced to three consecutive life terms. Written from prison and first published in 1974, The Sixteenth Round chronicles Hurricane's journey from the ring to solitary confinement. The book was his cry for help to the public, an attempt to set the record straight and force a new trial. Bob Dylan wrote his classic anthem "Hurricane" about his struggle, and Muhammad Ali and thousands of others took up his cause. The power of Carter's voice, as well as his ironic humor, makes this an eloquent, soul-stirring account of a remarkable life.Trade Review"A document of life lived in the center of hell." --Sports Illustrated"When they come to list the greatest boxers, Hurrican's name isn't likely to pop up in the Top 10. But when they come to list the greatest figures of the 20th century, he'll be alone at the peak." -- Boston Globe"A shocking, savage and brilliant indictment of racial injustice and the inhumanity of the prison." -- Globe and Mail"Carter's scorching and poetic autobiography." -- Toronto Sun

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Book SynopsisSkateboarder and Jackass star Brandon Novak comes clean about his crazy rise to fame, tailspin into addiction and other death-defying stunts on the road to recovery.

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Book Synopsis**DAILY MAIL BOOK OF THE WEEK**Soon to be an AppleTV+ series, this is the definitive account of how Enzo Ferrari became the master of motor racing, and one of the most complex, important and imposing figures in the 20th century.The book draws upon years of original research, conducted in Italy and abroad, and unveils hidden aspects of Ferrari''s career - from his early days as a racer, to how he founded the Ferrari company, and even his dealings with the Italian Fascist government and Communist leaders.Learn how Ferrari pushed his drivers to the brink of disaster, revolutionised the automobile industry and overcame family and company infighting on his rise to greatness.

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Book SynopsisEdmund Hillary – A Biography is the story of the New Zealand beekeeper who climbed Mount Everest. A man who against expedition orders drove his tractor to the South Pole; a man honoured around the world for his pioneering climbs yet who collapsed on more than one occasion on a mountain, and a man who gave so much to Nepal yet lost his family to its mountains. The author, Michael Gill, was a close friend of Hillary’s for nearly 50 years, accompanying him on many expeditions and becoming heavily involved in Hillary’s aid work building schools and hospitals in the Himalaya. During the writing of this book, Gill was granted access to a large archive of private papers and photos that were deposited in the Auckland museum after Hillary’s death in 2008. Building on this unpublished material, as well as his extensive personal experience, Michael Gill profiles a man whose life was shaped by both triumph and tragedy. Gill describes the uncertainties of the first 33 years of Hillary’s life, during which time he served in the New Zealand air force during the Second World War, as well as the background to the first ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, when Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to reach the summit – a feat that brought the pair instant worldwide fame. He reveals the loving relationship Hillary had with his wife Louise, in part through their touching letters to each other. Her importance to him during their 22 years of marriage only underlines the horror of her death, along with that of their youngest daughter, Belinda, in a plane crash in 1975. Hillary eventually pulled out of his subsequent depression to continue his life’s work in the Himalaya. Affectionate, but scrupulously fair, in Edmund Hillary – A Biography Michael Gill has gone further than anyone before to reveal the humanity of this remarkable man.Trade Review‘A fascinating piece of work.’ – Mick Conefrey, Alpine Journal * Alpine Journal *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 A pioneering heritage 2 Percy goes to Gallipoli 3 Growing up in Tuakau and Auckland 4 ‘The most uncertain and miserable years of my life’ 5 Escape into the Air Force 6 Harry Ayres teaches Ed the craft of mountaineering 7 The New Zealand Garhwal expedition and the Shipton cable 8 Everest Reconnaissance 1951 9 Everest from Tibet, 1921 and 1922 10 Mallory and Irvine, 1924 11 The 1930s, a decade of disillusion 12 Lessons on Cho Oyu, 1952 13 The Swiss get close, 1952 14 Organising Everest, 1953 15 ‘We were on top of Everest!’ 16 ‘The most sensible action I’ve ever taken’ 17 ‘A somewhat disastrous journey’ into the Barun Valley 18 Employment opportunity in the Antarctic 19 Scott Base 20 ‘Hellbent for the Pole’ 21 Beekeeper in search of a better-paying occupation 22 The Silver Hut expedition 23 Makalu unravels 24 Three new careers 25 Repaying a debt 26 The best decade of Ed’s life 27 A plane crash ends two lives and blights another 28 Killing time making films 29 Ocean to Sky, the last big expedition 30 Reconciliation 31 The last two decades Epilogue Acknowledgements Notes Bibliography Index

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Book Synopsis This is the most complete and thorough biography of Jose Raul Capablanca, one of the greatest players in the history of chess. Beginning with his family background, birth, childhood and introduction to the game in Cuba, it examines his life and play as a young man; follows his evolution as a player and rise to prominence, first as challenger and then world champion; his loss of the title to Alekhine and his efforts to recapture the championship in the last years of his too-short life. What emerges is a portrait of a complex man with far-ranging interests and concerns, in stark contrast to his robotic reputation as the chess machine. Meticulously researched, utilizing many sources available only in Capablanca''s home country, it puts truth to legend regarding a man who stood astride the chess world in of its most dynamic and dramatic eras. Numerous games and diagrams complement the text, as do a wealth of photographs.Trade ReviewEven the most ardent Capa fan will learn something new from Sanchez's very readable book." - Chess Life"Meticulously researched...a welcome addition...first rate...highly recommended." - IM John Donaldson (JeremySilman.com) "Amazing...substantial research...a nice addition to any chess library." - Huffington Post "A luxurious work and a true labor of love...remarkable and well-researched." - ChessBase "The first major biographical study of Capablanca in over 25 years." - Mind's Eye Press "The elegant volume is both a biography, a manual of history and an excellent collection of annotated games." - Que Pasa en VenezuelaTable of Contents Foreword by Andy Soltis Preface 1. Havana the Eldorado of Chess 2. Tadeo's Saga 3. The Boy Prodigy 4. Champion of the Americas 5. The Prodigal Son 6. The New Conquistador 7. In Morphy's Footsteps 8. A King in Waiting 9. The World Chess Championship, 1921 10. The Crowned King 11. Slipups at the Summit 12. More Challenges, New Triumphs 13. The World Chess Championship, 1927 14. The Eternal Challenger 15. Twilight Intermezzo 16. Smiling Again 17. The Silent Killer 18. His Last Bow Epilogue Capablanca's Matches Appendix I: Capablanca on Four Great Predecessors (Articulos sobre sus predecesores en Crítica, 1927) Appendix II: "The Illness and Death of José Raúl Capablanca," by Dr. Orlando ­Hernández-­Meilán, Neurologist Chapter Notes Bibliography Index of Images Index of Opponents Index of Openings (by Traditional Name) Index of Openings (by ECO Code) General Index

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Book SynopsisOne Man's Legacy chronicles the brief but brilliant life of Dr Tom Patey: bard, musician, and one of Scotland's foremost climbers and mountaineers. His story is one of pioneering ascents and boundless enthusiasm, and his spontaneity, carefree approach and ability to burn the candle at both ends remain legendary, several decades after his untimely death. Meticulously researched over several years, this definitive biography covers every aspect of Patey's life in rich detail. Youthful endeavours with the Scouts and early forays on the Aberdeen sea cliffs were the foundation for Patey's university years, where he established - often solo - many classic summer and winter lines in the Cairngorms, cementing his reputation as a tough, fearless mountaineer with exceptional endurance. A stalwart of 1950s bothy culture, his natural gifts as a musician and raconteur garnered him friends far and wide, and enabled him to transcend social and cultural boundaries with ease. Later, as a Royal Marine and then a highly respected GP, he maintained an insatiable appetite for exploring new terrain both in his native Scotland and further afield, in the Alps, Norway and the Karakoram. By drawing on Patey's essays and verses, published collectively in the celebrated One Man's Mountains, the narrative is imbued with dry wit and gentle satire, and brought to life by unseen images from renowned photographer John Cleare and the Patey family archive. Supported by a foreword from Mick Fowler and first-hand insights from some of the leading climbers of the last century, including Sir Chris Bonington, Joe Brown and Paul Nunn, One Man's Legacy celebrates a complex, larger-than-life character who rightly deserves his place in mountaineering history.

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Book SynopsisThis revised and updated biography intertwines the incredible playing career of one of the best and most popular tennis players of all time with a history of how he came to rescue the image of a young, war-torn country on the world stage. It describes Djokovic’s modest upbringing, revealing how he met the woman who taught him both to play tennis and how to deal with life as a high-profile icon. It charts Djokovic’s battle with illness, his relationship with a volatile father, and how his on-court deeds have made his country proud. It also tells the story of Serbia, offering a nuanced portrait of a people with a troubled past, and offers an unrivaled assessment of the player’s recent drop in form—and the untold reasons behind it.

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Book SynopsisOne of the most surprising footballstories you will ever read: the life of George Robledo, the forgotten foreigngenius of English football.

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Book SynopsisOne week in June. One small island. 40,000 annual visitors. Raw speed. Numerous annual deaths. The Isle of Man TT motorcycle road race. Five minutes to go. The claxon sounds, harsh as an air raid siren. Television crews attempt last-minute interviews with riders. The thousand yard-stares give it away: they're really not listening now. Four minutes to go. The grandstand is packed. Some racers tell their mechanics, 'I'll see you later for a pint' - just to make themselves believe they will.Three minutes to go. For the first man on the road, hidden dangers exist. He will have no-one to follow. And he is the hare that the greyhounds will be chasing. Two minutes to go. By the end of the first lap, riders will be howling past faster than a bullet from the barrel of a gun. A full 160pmh. And that's not even the fastest part of the course.One minute to go. The atmosphere is palpably tense. It's like no other sporting event on earth. Formula 1 drivers can crash spectacularly and just walk away. Everyone knows that's not the case here. Five seconds. The starter raises the chequered flag, ready to snap down. No more time for nerves, for doubts. The race has started. How it will end, no-one knows. The TT has begun. In Ragged Edge, Stuart Barker will write the definitive story of this unique event, from the tarmac up. The history, the atmosphere, the heroes, tragedies and legends. And most importantly: our fascination with this seductive yet perilous test of skill and daring. This is the unvarnished, raw truth behind the world's most dangerous sporting event - in the words of those who ride it.

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Book SynopsisLionel Messi and the Art of Living is a bold and insightful examination of a world-famous sporting hero's career from an entirely new perspective, providing a context extending far beyond the football field. The idea that sports stars are role models is a cliche, but it is also true in a way that is rarely appreciated. Although the details of Messi's story are already well known, The Art of Living examines afresh and anew his highs and lows, his successes and failures, his ongoing evolution and his endless struggle to succeed. It encourages us to consider, to analyse and - above all - to think about Messi's career from a different viewpoint, understanding how his journey can be related to our own lives on a meaningful and impactful level. Containing exclusive, illuminating interviews with deep thinkers and high achievers from a number of different fields, this book delivers a fresh and inspiring approach to a global icon, ensuring that you will never look at Lionel Messi - or life - in the same way again.

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Book SynopsisConsidered by many to be a genius at his peak, Alex Higgins''s unorthodox play and exciting style earned him the nickname ''Hurricane'' and led to his immense popularity and fame. In 1972 he became the youngest winner of the World Championship, repeating his victory in emotional style in 1982. Higgins''s story is so much more than just snooker. Head-butting tournament officials, threatening to shoot team-mates, getting involved with gangsters, abusing referees, affairs with glamorous women, frequent fines and lengthy bans, all contributed to Higgins slipping down the rankings as he succumbed to drink and lost his fortune. After suffering throat cancer, Alex Higgins now reflects on his turbulent life and career in his first full autobiography. The Hurricane is back - prepare to be caught up in the carnage.

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE CRICKET BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE CROSS BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2017WINNER OF THE MCC/CRICKET SOCIETY'S BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2017Mark Nicholas, the face of Channel 5's Cricket on Five and anchor for Channel 9's Test commentary team in Australia, has a unique knowledge and perspective on the world of cricket. As both a former player and now a professional observer and commentator on the game, he knows all the key figures of the sport and has witnessed first-hand some of cricket's greatest moments. His book is a personal account of the game as he's seen and experienced it across the globe. From epic test matches and titans of the game like Lara, Warne and Tendulkar, to his own childhood love for the sport, Mark gives us his informed, personal and fascinating views on cricket - the world's other beautiful game.Trade ReviewMark Nicholas...captures the magic of top-flight cricket in this likeable memoir. * Sunday Telegraph *[H]ugely enjoyable... Nicholas has done a huge service to a game already in his debt. He helped to lift English cricket out of the sporting gloom of the late 1990s; and now he has chronicled his era as if he were one of us. For that, every cricket nut, English or otherwise, should be immensely grateful. * Independent *Mark Nicholas has written a fascinating and engaging account of his life in cricket, firstly as a player and latterly as a commentator. This is an immensely readable but far from lightweight book, packed with anecdote, opinion and - a valuable gift - empathy... he is an elegant, enthusiastic observer of the game and this book, and indeed his life in cricket, deserves plaudits. * ESPN Cricinfo *A typically entertaining collection of thoughts, opinions and memories from inside the soul of the game we love. -- Sir Ian BothamEvery chapter is interesting in its own way. I didn't always agree with him but that's not the point. The point is that I wanted to read on. -- Geoffrey BoycottMark Nicholas has been at the centre of the game as a player, writer, commentator and analyst for years. Very few have ever equalled his passion, perception, knowledge of the game and matchless ability to communicate it with wit, charm and flawless fluency. All these qualities and more have flowered in A Beautiful Game. -- Stephen FryA brilliant broadcaster with a wonderful knowledge of the game and, above all, an infectious passion for cricket. -- Shane WarneThe thing about Mark is his uniquely positive take on cricket. He conveys the message that the game may not be easy but it's sure worthwhile. His book is the same, a celebration. -- Alastair CookMark Nicholas is a master with words, both written and spoken. His positivity is what separates him from others and it's what shines through in this book. -- Sunil GavaskarVision, knowledge, enthusiasm: three of the attributes that give Mark authority and respect. This book reflects his passion for the game and his ability to tell the stories that make it so special. A great read. -- Michael VaughanTop class from first to last. -- Sir Michael ParkinsonQuite possibly the best cricket book you will ever read - a masterpiece. -- Mike ProcterWhether writing or commentating, Mark has always been able to take us inside the game. If I was buying one cricket book this year, it would A Beautiful Game -- Wasim Akramthis is indeed a beautiful book. It is the memoir of a complex and fascinating man much more interesting and nuanced than the sporting celebrity with whom most of us are familiar... a gifted writer who possesses not only an uncanny eye for the game but for humanity in general. * The Australian *

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Book SynopsisRick Broadbent is a sports writer for the Times, for whom he covers MotoGP, among other things. He has previously witten books on football, boxing and athletics as well as, most recently, collaborating with motorcycle legend Ron Haslam on his autobiography Rocket Men, published by Bantam Press in July 2008.Trade ReviewThis is a stunning book. It is history but reads like a "can't put it down" novel - hardly surprising considering it grippingly features the two greatest motor cyclists of all time, Mike Hailwood and Valentino Rossi. Rick Broadbent tells the enthralling story of a thrilling and dangerous sport like never before and it had me by the throat -- Murray WalkerIt was an odd decision to alternate a celebration of the brilliance of Valentino Rossi, today's Italian motorcycling superstar, with a reconstruction of episodes from the life and times of Mike Hailwood, the biking ace of the 1960s and 1970s, but it succeeds brilliantly. The technology is quite different, and so are the rewards, but the requirements of a true racer - courage and skill - are unchanging. In this hymn of praise to those who live closest to the edge, you can smell the grease and burning rubber -- Nick Pitt * The Sunday Times *Peppered with anecdotes and insight... a fantastic, page turning read which presents a window into the personalities which are normally only seen on the track or in a press conference * MotoGPBlog *A fantastic new book... well worth getting * MotoGP World *Impressive * Leicester Mercury *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisJuan Manuel Fangio''s name is indelibly inscribed in the record books and many consider him to be the greatest driver in history. It was 46 years before his record of five World Championships was beaten, but even now he is still remembered for an exceptional Formula 1 career which contained some of the greatest displays of skill and daring ever seen. Few though know of his almost super-human exploits in epic South American road races that made competition at the pinnacle of motor sport seem like child''s play. Gerald Donaldson chronicles not only those arduous early competitions but also his long journey from humble origins in remote Argentina to the lofty heights of international celebrity.Trade ReviewFascinating * Guardian *Donaldson's offering on the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio mirrors his deep understanding of the sport's heroes * Independent *An enjoyable read that brings out the essence of a dedicated, warm and humble man * Classic Cars *

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Book SynopsisMarch 2016: following a brutal title fight with Chris Eubank Jr, former British champion Nick Blackwell ended up fighting for his life in a coma. That night, victory was no longer important; boxing was no longer a sport.Elliot Worsell, journalist and lifelong boxing fan, had been ringside and in the dressing rooms at Wembley, and what he saw and heard would transform his view of the sport he loves and force him to question his own complicity.In Dog Rounds, Worsell goes in search of boxers who have killed in the ring. Spending time with these pariahs and returning to the venues in which tragedies occurred, Worsell reveals the extent of the devastation left behind. In doing so, he uncovers an incredible story of guilt, forgiveness, obsession and violence.Trade ReviewI left the book outside at the smoking area at Dublin airport just as the Eubanks were in the sixth round. I then found another copy at Heathrow. Dog Rounds is an outstanding book. -- Doug StanhopeI've not read a better sports book this year. Insightful, conflicted and especially moving -- Matt Dickinson, Chief Sports Writer, The TimesOne of my favourite sports books of this year -- Matt Williams * Radio 2 *Best Holiday Read 2017 -- Ross Raisin * Observer *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Sports Book Awards 2018 for Biography of the Year and Cycling Book of the Year There are things he does alone, and things that he alone does. Jacques Anquetil was a cyclist with an aristocratic demeanor and a relaxed attitude to rules and morals. His womanising and frank admissions of doping appalled 1960s French society, even as his five Tour de France wins enthralled it. Paul Fournel was besotted with him from the start ("Too young to understand, I was nevertheless old enough to admire") and followed Anquetil's career with the passion of a fan and the eye of a poet. In this stunningly original biography of a complex and divisive character, Fournel - author of the seminal Vélo (or Need for the Bike)- blends the story of Anquetil's life with scenes from his own, to create a classic of cycling literature.Trade ReviewA wonderful little book about a great man -- Tim Krabbé, author of The RiderAt last the coolest of champions gets the biography he deserves -- Richard WilliamsIf you don't know Fournel, then you're missing out, if you don't know Anquetil, then you don't know cycling. -- David MillarAn unconventional take on a fascinating character. This is not your standard cycling biography - and all the better for it. -- Gary ImlachWhat a wonderful book Paul has written. It's is one of the most powerful cycling books I've ever read - certainly the best biography. -- Michael HutchinsonEvokes the mysticism which surrounded Jacques beautifully -- Herbie SykesA magnificent book * Le Monde *A beautiful story * Le Figaro *A profound essay * Libération *Praise for Vélo: Joyous. Destined to become a classic * Road.cc *One of the loveliest pieces of writing about cycling * Cyclingtips *Praise for Need for the Bike 'Paul Fournel is the real deal. In his carefully cadenced prose poem...he shares a passion for the sport matched only by his love of language. * Bicycling *A fascinating mix of bicycling memories, observations, and experiences the author has gathered during a lifetime of cycling ... This very personal book, doled in short, easily digestible doses, packs a meal that ultimately satisfies deeply * ForeWord *

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Book SynopsisThe Lion Who Never Roared: The Star Robbed of England Glory is the incredible story of Jack Leslie, the only black player in the Football League when he was selected for his country in 1925 only to be dropped due to the colour of his skin. Jack had an illustrious career at Plymouth Argyle with 137 goals in 400 games. He became the league’s first black captain before an eye injury forced him to retire. In his 60s he joined West Ham United … to shine the boots of World Cup winners like Bobby Moore. Nearly a century after Jack’s heyday, research for this book helped bring recognition at last from the FA, who awarded him an honorary cap in 2023, while a campaign led to a statue that now proudly stands outside Home Park in Plymouth. Drawing on material from the Leslie family archive, Jack’s legacy is unfurled in this heart-breaking yet inspiring biography, which includes contributions from Viv Anderson, the first black player to win a full England cap, and Sir Trevor Brooking.Trade Review"Matt Tiller's beautifully written and strikingly illustrated book about Leslie's life is both a labour of love about an authentic local hero wronged, but also a wonderfully detailed account of the life and times at a lower league English club in the inter-war years... Tiller has ensured that Jack Leslie's name will never be forgotten." * When Saturday Comes *"Too many stories from the days before social media and 24/7 rolling sports news coverage have disappeared from our collective consciousness. We should be grateful to Tiller for reclaiming this one." * Times Literary Supplement *"A beautifully written and fitting tribute for a unfairly overlooked legend." -- Josh Widdicombe"Inspiring and important. An extraordinary life story." -- Viv Anderson MBE"Moving, sad and uplifting. Everyone should know the legend of Jack Leslie." -- Matt Barlow * Daily Mail *"An evocative and gripping portrait of a remarkable football pioneer." -- Debbie Hewitt * Chair of the FA *"This is a fascinating and eye-opening read. It's also evocative... and it flows at a nice pace. Indeed, upon finishing the book you feel in awe of everything Jack Leslie did manage to achieve." * Argyle Life *

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Book SynopsisTwenty football stars talk about God and the difference their faith makes to them, both on and off the pitchTrade ReviewFootball, fame, fast living, and faith? Surely they can’t go together? The modern day footballer appears to have everything, but beneath the glamorous surface are people just like you and me with their hopes, fears and frailties. To hear them talking openly and honestly about their faith is not just fascinating, but a massive encouragement. * Simon Thomas, Sky Sports *I am truly grateful for the revealing insights in this book from those who have not just played football well but kept the faith while doing so. * J. John, Philo Trust *A rare, interesting and encouraging look at how some well-known football players live out their faith on and off the pitch. A great read for football fans like me! * Mike Pilavachi, Soul Survivor *Refreshing to discover through this book that football, fame and faith can come together. This is a most interesting and encouraging book which will prove a good read for football and non-football fans alike. -- Clifford Skillen * Church of Ireland Gazette *[It] offers something genuinely new and exciting that is both interesting and spiritually nourishing. * Anvil (33.1) *

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Book Synopsis_____________________________THE NEW YORK TIMES NO. 1 BESTSELLER on the murder behind the Netflix documentary Killer InsideHe had it all. A $40 million NFL contract. Fame. Adoration – until he was convicted of murder, and jailed for life without parole.A true story told by the master of crime fiction, All-American Murder is the tale of Aaron Hernandez, once the NFL's youngest player, a star for the New England Patriots and a Super Bowl veteran. His every move played out in the headlines, and yet he led a secret life – one that ended in a maximum-security prison. What drove him to go so wrong, so fast?This explosive account of the rise and fall of a life cut short in the dark shadow of fame, culminating in Hernandez's own untimely death behind bars, is built on original, in-depth reporting. Was Hernandez a victim himself, suffering violence-inducing brain damage from the sport that meant everything to him – or was he just a heartless killer?_____________________________‘The man behind the hugely popular Alex Cross series has interviewed those closest to Hernandez to get the full, winding story on the NFL star turned murderer.’ The Sun‘Patterson unravels Hernandez’s complicated and troubling story.’ CBS News'This disturbing true-crime thriller is another fast and captivating Patterson read.' USA TodayTrade ReviewThe man behind the hugely popular Alex Cross series has interviewed those closest to Hernandez to get the full, winding story on the NFL star turned murderer. * Sun *Patterson unravels Hernandez’s complicated and troubling story. * CBS News *This disturbing true-crime thriller is another fast and captivating Patterson read. * USA Today *

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Book SynopsisPush until it hurts, then push some moreEven by the standards of a sport that requires enormous stamina and capacity for suffering, Jens Voigt is in a class on his own. Beloved by cycling fans for his madcap one-man breakaways as much as his sense of humour and quotable catchphrases, Jens is one of the most popular personalities in cycling.Jens was born near Hamburg, and came up through the East German system before the Wall came down. He got into the national team through the German army, before signing for his first big team. In many ways he is cycling’s anti-star; despite arguably spending more time at the front of the Tour de France than any other rider he has only worn the yellow jersey twice as his efforts have always been in the service of others.Jens embodies the best of cycling’s qualities – loyalty to his team, sacrifice, and devotion to the sport. He says, ‘I’m not a head person, I’m more of a heart and guts guy. That’s how I race.’ Shut Up Legs is a funny, insightful and entertaining look at the tough realities of professional cycling, told in Jens’s trademark irreverent and inimitable style.Trade ReviewVoigt defied age, logic, and, regularly, common sense, to craft magical, against-all-odds stage wins * Velonews *Cycling's beloved superfreak * Wall Street Journal *Suffering and Voigt are inseparable … but the man is much more than a catchphrase * Cyclist.co.uk *One of the most recognisable and loved riders in the peloton thanks to his fearsome attacks, irrepressible good humour and memorable sound bites * Cycling news *Classic ‘Jensism’ “Shut up legs!” titles a book that appraises the nuts, bolts, and uncharacteristic German sense of humour behind of one of cycling’s most complex and charismatic characters. * GQ *

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Book Synopsis**A USA TODAY bestseller** A riveting narrative of love and loss, grief and joy, as one woman embarks on a quest for a record on the Pacific Crest Trail. When Emily Halnon lost her beloved mother to a rare uterine cancer at just sixty-six years old, she wanted to do something monumental to honor the person her mother had been: adventurous, courageous, inspiring. Emily’s mom had taken up running in her late forties; she ran her first marathon at fifty. She learned to swim at sixty so she could do triathlons, and she lived through a grim diagnosis with extraordinary joy and strength, still going for long bike rides and walks up until the final weeks before her death. She even went skydiving to celebrate her sixtieth birthday. It was going to take something special to pay tribute to such a remarkable, lifeloving spirit. Emily, already an accomplished ultrarunner (inspired to initially start running by her mother), decided to try to break

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