4 comments about The Great Dan Patch And the Remarkable Mr. Savage.

1. At the height of this champion's popularity, crowds of 100,000-plus would jam venues throughout the nation for a chance to view him in action.
   
   During the years when records fell as fast as he set them, endorsement deals were a-plenty, with annual earnings topping $1 million. In retirement, he "penned" an autobiography through the use of a ghost writer and never took the time to read the final draft before it went to print. But you can't blame the legend for overlooking his book. You see, this superb athlete was the natural pacer, Dan Patch.
   
   Author Tim Brady does a marvelous piece of research in bringing to life the truly forgotten history of this great Standardbred and owner/promoter Marion W. Savage in the early years of the 20th Century.
   
   The pair rode to tremendous heights, but suffered tragic falls in the years after the last race was paced. It was a wild ride when it was at its peak, with Savage shrewdly parlaying the athletic prowess of Dan Patch into great wealth, which faded away when the franchise fell apart.
   And Dan Patch went from touring the nation in his own railroad coach to dying in obscurity, being buried in an unmarked grave.
   
   The nine-minute DVD contains archival footage of Dan Patch, which is an extremely rare look at the racer. There is very little recorded material available.
   
   Time and age not only erodes the talent of a superior athlete, but it can disintegrate from the public consciousness the feats that seemed like they would live on forever. Brady blows away the dust of a century past and delivers a remarkable distant replay.



2. I love the book but I have noticed several errors in the years. Some of the pages show 2003 instead of 1903. some show 2000 instead of 1900. Not sure who proof read this book before it was released, but they missed allot of errors.



3. Dan Patch was race horse that pulls a two-wheeled cart carrying a driver who weighs 150 lbs. max.
   
   Patch was an unknown pacer in Indiana in 1901 and nationally known in 1902 because of his results in the Grand Circuit. That year he won so many races his owner decided to race him only against the clock. In 1903, Minnesotan W.M. Savage paid $60,000 for him!
   
   Savage is a rags-to-riches story of a man who owned International Stock Food Company. He had big plans for Dan Patch, and for horse breeding in Minnesota. His company made nutritional supplements for farm animals--and when he built his fabulous breeding stables on 700 acres across the Minnesota River from the village of Bloomington, they named that area Savage.
   
   Dan Patch almost died in 1904 from impacted bowels (his recovery may have been helped with Savage's products), and this showed the world Patch was vulnerable-making it all the more important to see him race.
   
   After one race, the newspaper said, "The crowd broke forth in a burst of applause that would have overpowered a mere czar or emperor." Patch broke the two-minute mile numerous times--even achieving a 1.55 time. At his first appearance at the Minnesota State Fair, 30,000 people came from surrounding areas and filled the grandstand, the infield and hills surrounding the track.
   
   Savage was a smart businessman, negotiating Dan Patch's success. But Patch's value wasn't only winning races. In spring 1904, he "serviced" 57 mares, earning Savage $300 stud fee for each, or $17,000--and the race season hadn't even started. Business genius, Savage used Patch's likeness on every one of his products and advertising.
   
   The wonderful photos, and the accompanying DVD show the stable and Patch racing in the early 1900s.
   
   He was a well-loved sports hero of his time. "He had won American's heart and on the day he died, the nation mourned," a newspaper wrote when he died at age 20 in 1916. The ill Mr. Savage died a few days later.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: Well-written, this will keep your interest and teach you facts about horses, racing and smart businessmen--and make you admire a fabulous horse long gone.



4. Written by Tim Brady, whose many credentials include frequent contributions to the "History Channel" magazine, The Great Dan Patch and the Remarkable Mr. Savage is the true story of an exceptional racehorse and its equally exceptional rags-to-riches owner. Did the man make the horse, or did the horse make the man? Set in the early 1900's, The Great Dan Patch and the Remarkable Mr. Savage follows equine champion Dan Patch's remarkable career from county fairs to competitive "brushes" between farm wagons on rural roads to nickelodeon films distributed for public viewing. A handful of vintage black-and-white photographs and nine-minute DVD of rare film footage of Dan Patch racing round out this enjoyable glimpse of a gifted horse and a genius entrepreneur at the turn of the century.

5 comments about King of the Ring: The Harley Race Story.

1. The book is like the man in the ring, good but not flashy. It is a short 178 pages but Race tells a fair number of stories throughout and gives a feel for his stellar wrestling career as well as a glimpse into his personal life.
   
   I think books like these are better than some other wrestling books where the authors write a little too much and lose the readers interest.
   
   Harley Race has done a good book and it is well worth reading.



2. I just finished reading Harley's book and I found that it was a must read for me since I'm not very far from where he lives. I reside in Topeka, Kansas and have been to his WLW productions on numerous occasions. I've gotten a few autographs from him and had my picture taken with him in the ring, so I felt it was about time I learned more about him than just watching some old footage.
   
   The book is pretty cut and dry, and doesn't add a whole lot of humor or opinion. It seems to be just a recollection of past events that for some might have been researched. I often wonder as all of the citing the book does for sources if Harley himself actually recalled most of these events. The book is really almost at times like reading the back of a baseball card looking at stats. It reads well enough, and although it isn't exactly a page turner it stays clear of writing anything outlandish or otherwise B.S. stories that books like Hulk Hogan's is known for. I gave it a four on the scale because although it is sometimes dry, it gives you a good education at what wrestling once was before it was considered entertainment. The book is a little shorter than I'd like as it leaves many of his personal life details hidden and mysterious. Out of all the wrestling biographies, I'd recommend it to better understand wrestling's past and how it varies from today's "sports entertainment". I'd put this book behind Mick Foley's biographies, Dynamite Kid's: Pure Dynamite, Ric Flairs biography, and William Regals, but it still should remain in your wrestling collection. I appreciated what I took from it. I recommend.



3. I found this book to be a very worth while read. It flows well,and Harley is a good story teller. For anyone who remebers the 70's and early 80's,the glory years,will really enjoy this book.Not only is Harley the king of the ring he also comes off as a gentleman. God bless Harley Race.



4. We have seen Harley Race in person, so it was nice to read his story. This wonderful book tells of his life as he made his way to the top of Pro wrestling. Great book!



5. Description: An enthralling look into the world of oldschool wrestling by a man who doesn't get any more oldschool. Read about Harley Race's journey from working from the very bottom to the very top of the wrestling world, pulling no punches along the way. There is no point of view more unique than Harley Race's.
   
   Rating: I give this a high 9 out of 10 stars. Extremely well written, insightful, entertaining, funny and touching all at once. This book is a complete tribute to the life and career of Wrestling true "King of the Ring". I don't see how any fan of the Kayfabe wrestling era can call themselves a fan without reading this book. New fans could stand to read this as a lesson in what wrestling is all about.

5 comments about Brothers of Iron: Building the Weider Empire.

1. As a fat 12 year old, I picked up my first copy of Muscle Builder Magazine and transformed my body and my spirit. Within a year, I had broken the 60 yard dash record at my junior high school. This transformation, largely motivated by the efforts of Joe and Ben Weider, changed the direction of my life and catapulted me into a lifelong mission toward health and fitness.
   
   This book was an inspirational story of commitment, courage, tenacity and guts. The Weider's ultimate success was the result of overcoming many hurdles and obstacles along the way. In their final chapter, Joe Weider cites his "lessons of bodybuilding: Determination, Persistence, Concentration, Focus and Patience." I will add one more -- Resilience - the ability to bounce back after getting knocked down.
   
   The only reason I didn't rate this book five stars is that I would like to have liked to have seen more content and photos regarding the early bodybuilders who were foundational to the success of the Weider empire.



2. I normally won't read/purchase autobiographies and the Weider brothers (particularly Joe) only reaffirms this stance. Autobiographies are subject to bias and usually paints the subject in a often times rosier than truth light, with that said here is my review.
   
   The Weider brothers no doubt have paid their dues with tireless effort and an impressive work ethic. If this book was only about Joe Weider and his role in publishing this no doubt would be a stellar book. It is good read only because of the author's contribution and not necessarily what comes off like bloviating (especially with Joe Weider).
   
   Ben Weider is proud of his IFBB and he should be, for it has allowed him to see the world. He came off actually more interesting than Joe due to his interest in esoteric and historic pursuits. However a piece of advice for Ben Weider: if you want bodybuilding to be admitted into the Olympics start testing for drugs as prescribed the IOC. The constant reference that bodybuilding received IOC consideration nearly 10 years ago is irrelevant. This topic of drug abuse, particularly anabolic steroids, is the dirty not so secret plague that the Weiders have successfully danced around for over 40 years.
   
   Joe Weider comes off as less than honest or incredibly naive. Here is old Joe making money hand over fist (good for him) while body builders such as Schwarzenegger, Columbo and Zane promoted his fitness and supplement products. The truth is that you can take all the Weider products you want, work out hard and still want (unless genetics is on your side) become the size of these competitors. However Joe admits that at first he did not believe they were juicing up, later admits he was naive, then tells you he hates drugs and finally rationalizes it by saying championship atheletes will do anything to win. What he should have said was that the cash flow was too sweet to pass up at whatever or whoever's expense.
   
   In the world of Weider, in particular Joe, he is never at fault. Bob Hoffman, his York barbell company and the AAU are satan. His ex-wfe is a downfall early in his career. This passage is particularly interesting because Joe Weider mentions a daughter. As a previous reviewer pointed out he devotes maybe two sentences to this daughter and apparently has no contact with her. This is odd considering how Weider often preaches family values in his lifestyle mantra. When Vince MacMahon and his shortlived WBF presents competition, especially after several top IFBB bodybuilders (most notably Gary Strydom) jump ship to compete in the WBF; Joe merely says he welcomes them back to his fold following the WBF's collapse. What he doesn't tell the reader is that he "penalized" the bodybuilders 10% of their first year annual wages upon their return to the IFBB.
   
   Joe Weider also fails to tell the reader that he settled with the US Postal Inspectors in the 1970s (Schwarzenegger testified on Weider's behalf) and later in the 1980s with the FTC for ridiculous claims he made concerning the performance results of his products. Why this "highlight" is omitted this reader has no idea.
   
   Joe and Ben Weider would have been wise but probably not as rich if they had promoted natural bodybuilder, which adheres to IOC drug testing and is now growing in leaps and bounds. This would have worked well with their idea of a clean and fit lifestyle. Additionally Joe Weider himself all but lays claim on jumpstarting the fitness lifestyle, when in fact it was him and others including Jack LaLanne and Charles Atlas.
   
   When Schwarzeneggar has blazed a Hollywood and political trail, ecclipsing the immigrant's American dream; Joe Weider is sour that he fails to garner some credit. The truth is Schwarzeneggar-Weider relationship was one back scratching the other during the governor's days as a bodybuilder. Did Weider open the door for Schwarzeneggar to come to America, yes, was the rest of the story due to Austrian's drive and relentless pursuit, yes. In other words Weider is only due some credit and Schwarzeneggar returned it in spades when he became the face associated with bodybuilding. This reader almost has to wonder if it is Mr. Joe Weider that should express some gratefullness to the determined Schwarzeneggar.
   
   What I liked about this book was some of the early recollections of bodybuilding as told by Joe and Ben Weider, as I weight train regularly. Additionally both Weider brothers prove to me they are marketing geniuses. The author also did a fine job of piecing together this read.



3. No doubt about it, Ben & Joe Weider made bodybuilding what it is today. From Ben's tireless efforts as an ambassador of the sport and brother Joe's passion with the magazines, Your Physique, Muscle Power, Muscle Builder, Mr. America, All American Athlete and Vigor to the current Muscle & Fitness and other magazines, forming the IFBB, offering bodybuilders a alternative to the joke that the AAU, York Barbell and Bob Hoffman offered and quality nutritional products that actually worked, bodybuilders all over the world owe a huge debt of graditude to the Weider brothers.
   
   My only complaint is that the Weider brothers did not take proactive action against anabolic steriods.
   
   Hooray to the brothers of Iron. Thank you for taking our sport to levels that only you two could have dreamed of. Ben & Joe are like the Walt Disney of bodybuilding.



4. ANYONE WHO CALLS DAN LURIE GUM UNDER HIS SHOE SHOULD HAVE THAT SHOE UP HIS HEINIE
   THIS IS AN EGOTISTICAL, SELF SERVING WASTE OF TIME. I WAS HOPING TO LEARN WHAT I DIDN'T KNOW BUT ALL I LEARNED IS THAT JOE WEIDER IS FULL OF HIMSELF. IF YOU WANT TO LAUGH AT SOMEONE WHO THINKS HE IS THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE BUT IS REALLY A FALLING METEOR, THIS IS IT.
   JOE WEIDER, IF HE IS DOING NOTHING BUT PUTTING DOWN EVERYONE AND GIVING NO CREDIT ANYWHERE, WILL MAKE HIMSELF LOOK BAD IN THE END, THE CONSENSUS WILL BE ALL EGO AND NO FACT, NO HEART, JUST EGO AND MERCHANDIZING. THIS WILL NOT FARE WELL FOR HIM IN A OVERVIEW OF THE SPORT, LOOK....LET US THINK DEEPLY HERE...WHY DEPRIVE PEOPLE OF THEIR JUST RECOGNITION? WHY? IT DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. IT TAKES A DECENT PERSON TO GIVE RECOGNITION TO OTHERS, WHY DEPRIVE THEM? IT IS A FORM OF STEALING, STEALING SOMEONE'S NAME, FAME, GLORY, CREDIT, TAKING AWAY FROM THEM WHAT SHOULD BE GIVEN IS A SIN, AND JOE WEIDER, BY WRITING WHAT HE WROTE, SHOWS WHAT HE IS INSIDE, A MAN WITHOUT HEART, EMPATHY OR LOVE....THIS WILL FARE BADLY FOR HIM IN THE END, IN THE HISTORICAL MEMORY.



5. Joe Weider made his name and his fortune promoting the sport he loves and for which he has an astounding amount of passion --- bodybuilding. There is no one who even comes close to putting the sport of bodybuilding on a par with other sports. Nor is there anyone who has come close to promoting bodybuilding or resistance training as a way to gain health that can last a lifetime.
   
   This book is extremely well written. I suspect that's because a professional writer was brought in to make that happen and Mike Steere did a wonderful job. However, one can certainly see the different styles in communication in the chapters written by Joe and by brother Ben.
   
   The really fun reading, the wonderful reading was that in the chapters written by Joe. But one will notice soon into the book that it is a love fest by Joe Weider to Joe Weider.
   
   Weider blames other people for his failures, including a near bankruptcy and a failed first marriage. He also shows an incredible lack of love or human caring for his one and only child by his first wife. He mentions the child in passing and with no emotion. One wonders why he married a woman he didn't love or resect.
   
   All through the book Joe Weider brags about all he did for the sport of bodybuilding and he takes full credit for it all. He puts down numerous other people in the business.
   
   When Arnold was giving a speech and didn't give Joe credit for making it all happen for him, Joe was angry and upset. He wanted the credit and he wanted it publically. Well, truth be told, he deserved the credit. Arnold would still be a nobody in Austria without Joe Weider. And one needs to understand that egos are as huge as muscles in bodybuilding.
   
   This book gives us a look at the golden years of bodybuilding. It gives us the history of bodybuilding. It's an incredibly powerful and exciting book that gives us an insiders view into bodybuilding from the beginning.
   
   There has been a lot said about Joe Weider. Much of it bad. Bodybuilding is perhaps the only sport that has no sanction against the use of anabolic steroids.
   
   The articles we read in Muscle and Fitness, while great reading, offer workouts that the average person can't do. One has to be juiced to be able to handle all the reps and sets and gym time advocated in the articles. And one certainly has to be juiced to gain the mass of a Ronnie Coleman and the other greats of today. Even Arnold admitted taking steroids in his day and he was nowhere as big as the guys (or some of the gals) today.
   
   Weider comes off as a bit of sexist. He also comes off as very tight with money. Perhaps one can forgive that in a man of his age as long as you don't have to live with him or be around him.
   
   Anyone who is the least bit interested in bodybuilding, in running a business, in the magazine business or sports business should read this book. It's one of the best books I've read in a long time.
   
   You can't help come away with inspiration if you're a businessperson and a glowing love and respect for bodybuilding if you love the feel of iron working muscle and know the value of regular lifting.
   
   I highly recommend this book. It's perhaps the best book of the year --- at least out of the books I've read.

5 comments about Man in the Middle.

1. a great book. shows what happens when a person can't be their real authenic selves.



2. I purchased this book prior to attending a presentation that Mr. Amaechi made to a large group of educators (I didn't get to read the book until after hearing him speak). He is an outstanding orator and not quite as good a writer. I enjoyed his book, but was disappointed that he didn't spend more time discussing his struggle with his sexuality. The book spent too much time talking about his b-ball career and his time with the NBA. I found his work and efforts to help kids to be of note. I also appreciated his openess to speak of his relationship with his mother. Additionally, I enjoyed where he writes of not having the natural talent to play b-ball and yet how hard he worked to achieve the success that he found on the court as a pro player. Not my favorite read but one I appreciated nonetheless.



3. This book is very predictable and doesn't really challenge the reader to think. Mr. Amaechi must not have had a very motivated (or creative) ghostwriter. Anyway, this is the memoir of an NBA star that comes out of the closet, John Amaechi. Mr Amaechi tells his life story of a child growing up overseas. He also discusses his NBA career and his eventual (and very predictable) acceptance of his own sexuality. Of course, he also describes the [...] he faced on a daily basis. But in 2007 this story is somewhat of a cliche, isn't it? Think about it. Macho man decides to come out of the closet and tell everyone that he is a [...]. He expects America to welcome him with open arms because we are all created equally. Right? Do you want to know what type of book I would like to read. I'd like to read a book that candidly discusses all of the b-i-g-o-t-r-y within the g-a-y community. All of the self-hatred, all of the socioeconomic division and all of the blatant ageism and fascism and elitism. Just like most of America, the g-a-y community is not different in this regard. If you're not a rich, w-h-i-t-e person with a nice home and a nice car then you're nothing. And there's the real rub, because the same people that are screaming about equality are the same ones that will back-stab their own. Maybe one day someone will have the courage to write a real book about g-a-y issues, because this a real problem that is plaguing the [...] community. Until then, there's still always books about millionaire basketball players.



4. From reading this book, it was not clear as to why Mr. Amaechi took the time to write it. He appears guarded about most of his life experiences except those involving his mother. A positive aspect about this book was that he spared the reader salient details about most of his personal sexual activities. Amaechi being an interacial mixture was of far more interests to me.



5. I originally thought this was another tell-all book on the secret lives of downlow basketball players. But it wasn't and this is a good thing. John goes into great detail explaining his distraught childhood in Manchester to becoming one of the best players in the NBA. It is quite inspiring reading his life experiences. This is a great book for someone who may think they don't amount to anything great. Pick up this book and begin a new outlook on life.

No comments about Glory Days: Life with the Dallas Cowboys, 1972-1998.

5 comments about Duke: A Great Hawaiian.

1. Bess Press has published the second book by Sandra Kimberley Hall about Hawaii's ambassador of aloha and its greatest athlete, Duke Kahanamoku.
   Known as the father of international surfing and remembered for his accomplishments in the Olympics, Kahanamoku remains a legend more than 35 years after his death.
   In a moving tribute filled with photos of Kahanamoku, Hall reveals how Kahanamoku remained true to his core values throughout his long life, filled with great success -- his Olympic accomplishments as well as his Hollywood career -- and challenge -- his financial struggles and a comeback from brain surgery.
   Hall, who grew up on the beach where Kahanamoku taught Australia how to surf, arrived in Hawaii during Kahanamoku's centennial and statue unveiling, and launched a career as a freelance writer.
   She has written dozens of articles for airline and surfing magazines and newspapers. Her subjects include the Kahanamoku, surfing history and the Himalayas. Hall is the author of "Memories of Duke: The Legend Comes to Life" (Bess Press. 1995).



2. This book is a gem, a pithy, accessible and colourful distillation of a complex life and memory. It's beautifully written, designed and produced, with good use of rare photographs and images. The inclusion of endnotes, photo credits, further reading pointers and an index enhances the book, which has the distinction of appealing to both the lay reader as an introduction to 'the Duke' and to the historian who seeks a condensed reference to Kahanamoku's life and context. The book is a reminder of the need for a full biography that considers his continued importance and meaning along with his vita.
   
   Gary Osmond
   St Lucia, Queensland, Australia



3. Until Joseph Brennan's Duke: The Life Story of Duke Kahanamoku (1994) is reprinted or another comparable book is made available, the sporting world's great interest in Duke Kahanamoku, Olympic star and the greatest surfing avatar of the 20th century, may be satisfied by Sandra Kimberley Hall's compact Duke: A Great Hawaiian (2004), a brief but beautifully illustrated overview of the champion's life.
   
   Whether as a record-breaking swimmer, a surfer and surfboard innovator, an entrepreneur, an actor in early Holloywood, the Sheriff of Honolulu or as a janitor or garage mechanic during leaner periods of his existence, Duke Kahanamoku was, first and foremost, a gentleman and an ambassador of traditional Hawaiian good manners and 'aloha,' a word which, in addition to other meanings, encompasses a wide range of positive human feelings, from "love, affection, and compassion" to "grace and charity."
   
   As such, Kahanamoku represented the kind of role model--both as a man and as an individual--that is completely lacking on the world stage today. With his humble manner, extraordinary talents, and magnificent physique, Kahanamoku was revered by men, desired by women, and almost universally loved and admired by all.
   
   The photographs of Kahanamoku from different periods of his life are the great strength of Duke: A Great Hawaiian. Hall certainly seems to understand Kahanamoku's intrinsic value as a human being and as an individual, and conveys that understanding with warmth, enthusiasm, and ease.



4. The Y2K millennial issue of Surfer magazine featured on its cover the formal portrait of a young Duke Kahanamoku with the caption "Surfer of the Century." Perhaps you've been to Kuhio beach at Waikiki and visited the Duke statue; maybe even left a flower lei draped on his arms. Most people also take a few minutes to consider the inscription that's written there, imagining what Aloha could mean if we each lived our life that way.
   
   I ordered a copy of this book before it was published. When it arrived in the mail I realized that I held a small volume, one of life's little primers, that might affect me in a big way -- and that's what happened. If you love the ocean like Duke did, then Sandra Kimberley Hall has written the thank you letter we all wish we could have given him.
   
   Duke Kahanamoku lived from 1890 to 1968. It's been more than thirty years since he died, and people still speak of him as if he's here among us. This book will help you understand why swimmers/surfers/water polo teams/outrigger canoe clubs/open water paddlers... all EXPECT to meet the Duke. He's right there with us every time we greet another ocean enthusiast with the generous spirit of Aloha that was his gift to all.
   
   I'm the guy who led a letter writing campaign resulting in the approval of a U.S. postage stamp honoring the Duke. Others had begun the process more than twenty years ago. Working as a volunteer for the Surfrider Foundation, I circulated a newsletter beginning in 1998. For four years thousands of people all across America responded by sending letters/petitions/postcards of support to Washington -- and we succeeded. The stamp was issued on the anniversary of Duke's birthday, August 24, 2002. More than 62 million stamps were printed, and the edition is now sold out.
   
   The handsome, active and youthful image chosen to portray Duke on the stamp has invited many others to examine his life -- Olympic champion, Halls of Fame, years of public service to the Territory/State of Hawaii. He was a lifelong inspiration to those who met him personally, and also those who could only read about him (a skinny kid like me in the library at Beach Haven, NJ hoping maybe I could learn to ride the surf on my blue & yellow inflatable canvas raft).
   
   We all know that very few of us will ever appear on a commemorative stamp. Those who took the time to write to the Postal Service felt that Duke Kahanamoku was one of those people who represents us at our very best. This book celebrates all the reasons why.
   
   
   Respectfully submitted,
   
   Don Gallagher
   38 Green Acre Road, Lititz, PA 17543-8770



5. This fantastic little book oozes aloha from every page. If the Duke is looking down on us, he'd be stoked, proud and humble to have a book like this written about him. The story of Duke Kahanamoku is a moving one and the author has captured the spirit of the man in these pages.
   The quality of the production is beautiful with photos on each of the left hand pages and the text laid out in simple form on the right. The aloha print cover is a joy. If you're into surfing, or Hawaiian, history this is a must have book and a future collectable for sure. Aloha from England!
   Pete Robinson www.thesurfingmuseum.co.uk

4 comments about Golf Has Never Failed Me: The Lost Commentaries of Legendary Golf Architect Donald J. Ross.

1. Although the only real written work Ross has left us, it is a wellspring of information regarding his thinking on good (and bad) course design. There are also comments regrading how the game was played in his day and a number of other informative and enlightening segments.
   
   The overall style of the book is a collection of short comments on concepts, courses, and techinques of course building. As such, it lacks the flair that we see in other books written by the same generation of architects to illustrait a greater story (as with, for example, Macdonald's Scotland's Gift). Even so, Ross' character comes out.
   
   In addition to the rare look we get at the thinking of a master course architect, there are also numerous photos and design sketches that bring into clear view what is being discussed.
   
   Lastly, for those hoping to hunt down a Ross course near you, there is an index of Donald Ross designed courses and clubs included.
   
   It should be kept in mind that this is a book for the architecture crowd. People looking to "shave off a few strokes" will need to look elsewhere. It is hoped, though, that this book will be available before the 2005 US Open at Pinehurst, as there will no doubt be an increased interest in Ross and his courses.



2. In the introduction to this book, Donald Ross's daughter says, ". . .he approached every new course with the idea that the golf player, champion or duffer, should complete his round challenged by the layout and enriched by the beauty of nature."

   In his career, Donald Ross designed more than 400 courses in the United States. His most famous is Pinehurst No. 2, considered one of the ultimate tests of tournament golf.

   This book was created from an old manuscript Mr. Ross wrote in 1914 that was never published, intended as a guide to future golf architects, supplemented with other published commentaries by and about Ross.

   Mr. Ross had an unusual background for a golf course architect. In a time when engineers usually designed and built the courses, he had served as the pro and greenskeeper at Dornoch in Scotland, after training at St. Andrews with Old Tom Morris and at Carnoustie. The lure of much higher income and the opportunity to build lots of golf courses drew him to the United States with his first job of rebuilding Oakley in Watertown, Massachusetts.

   Here are some of the ideas he shares in the book:

   "These are my standards to laying out a golf course.

   Make each hole a different problem.

   So arrange it that each stroke must be made with full concentration and attention necessary to good golf. Build each hole in such a manner that it wastes none of the ground at my disposal, and takes advantage of every possibility I see."

   A sandy loamy soal is best, with very little humus. This gives you better playing conditions and a longer season. Long Island and Cape Cod are best.

   Avoid clay soils because they are hard to drain. Unfortunately, most land around major cities is clay soiled. Favor fan-shaped and oblong tracts of land so that the clubhouse can be returned to with little wasted land after 9 holes.

   Start out with two or more easy holes.

   Favor par 4s unless people insist on par 5s. Par 4s make a better test, especially 425-450 yard ones.

   On par 5s, provide two paths to the green -- one for reaching in 2 and one for reaching in 3.

   "Select your putting green locations, if possible, to give desirable undulating surfaces."

   "Make all the short holes difficult."

   "The holes should be trapped so that par golf depends on skill rather than physical strength."

   "Bunkers should so be placed as to be clearly in view, and in such locations as to make all classes of golfers think."

   He recommends designing from the land, rather than on paper. He also suggests building the best few holes the land will allow, because golfers are attracted and retained by memories of great and challenging holes. He ends humbly with "I am not much of a writer. I find my thoughts run far ahead of my hand and figures when I sit down to write."

   There are about 60 pages in the book that will be valuable to architects and greenskeepers, but will not do much for golfers. You may choose to skip those.

   The book lists the known Donald Ross courses, and has many beautiful black and white photographs and illustrations.

   One of the pleasures of reading this book for me relates to having played on many Donald Ross courses, and belonging to a country club (Brae Burn in West Newton, Massachusetts) that has a Donald Ross course. The book features 3 photographs from our course (the 1st, 2nd, and 17th holes). I will certainly have many new thoughts whenever I play this course after reading this interesting book. To golf's pleasures, I can now add thinking about what the architect was trying to accomplish.

   I also came away with a greater appreciation for Donald Ross, because he was trying to make golf more challenging and less frustrating for the average club golfer like me. This made me want to play many more Donald Ross courses in the future. I hope you have that reaction, too.

   Use this book to help you pick courses that will improve your enjoyment of golf!

   What else do you enjoy doing where the designer or architect makes a difference to you?

   If you like this book, there is a new book out with color photographs of 18 of Mr. Ross's finest holes that you should see entitled: Golf as It Was Meant to Be Played which I also reviewed.




3. Donald Ross was the pivotal figure in the establishment of golf as a recreational sport in the U.S. His courses remain as challenging today as they were during his times.

   This book gives the reader insights into how to view a course with a critical eye. And after reading it, one can quickly identify the trademark features of a Ross design and perhaps score a little better on it.

   The book also provides a comprehensive listing of courses.

   --The man who is going to play every Donald Ross course.




4. This book is timeless. Written over fifty years ago the text and accompanying photos and sketches are well done. If you want to understand a Donald Ross Golf Course then you need to read this book.The photographs are from a time gone by - you can picture yourself there.

5 comments about Invincible: My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain.

1. This book is just about the best inspirational-motivational book I have ever read. I could barely put it down, and I am not even a football fan. It is very well written, and will capture your attention all the way through.



2. Great book about a super guy! Easy to read & very inspirational. I highly recommend this book for anyone intersted in the human struggle to be on top - it's not just about the money or the fame, it's about life & winning as a human being, not a sports super star.



3. Pick this book up over the movie, it is much better. The movie didn't cover the entire story. Mr. Papale tells his story in the way it should. He is very upfront and totally honest with his entire story. I've recommended this book to so many. It is definitely an inspiring story full of determination that will have you looking at your own life. A great hometown hero story.



4. I enjoyed reading Invincible and thought the book was great. I watched the movie when it came out and as usual the book was alot better than the movie. I would recommend this book to any football fans.



5. I certainly enjoyed reading Invincible. However, my opinion may be bias. You see, I grew up with Vince Papale in Glenolden, PA. We lived about three blocks apart and went to the same schools. I was two years ahead of Vince. My sister and Vince's sister were best friends. I knew almost everyone and everyplace mentioned in the book. Although I didn't see Vince after high school, I followed his career with the Philadelphia Bell, Philadelphia Eagles, and TV sport casting years. Interestingly enough, the owner of the Philadelphia Bell was the star halfback on our high school football team. If you are looking for an inspirational story about a local boy overcoming many obstacles to become a professional football player, this book is for you. Unlike some similar stories (Rocky), this one is true!

4 comments about The Earnhardt Collection.

1. I ordered a hard-cover copy of this book. I received a paperback. For the longest time, I simply assumed I accidentally ordered the wrong book and remained embarrassed by my gift. Despite the book being a great archive of Earnhardt's career, the paperback appears like a coloring book from the outside. It does not appear to be a quality gift, but rather a cheap way out of one. Then I looked into it, and realized I did in fact order a hard-cover. Fansedge Inc simply delivered me the wrong book-- one that's half as expensive. Convenient? I don't know. I'm interested to see how they handle my complaint.
   Anyhow, I give the book itself, as an Earnhardt archive collection, 5-stars. The company selling the book, however, I give a lowly 1-star rating. Hence, my total 3-star rating. But who knows, perhaps Fansedge Inc will provide me with excellent customer service, in which case, I'll improve my rating of them.



2. This book is a must for any fan of Earnhardt Sr. I bought this for my father for christmas and he hasnt put it down. Very detailed and thourough in Dale's wins. Very impressed with the content, pictures, and overall presentation of the information. A great book and great addition to any collection! a must buy!



3. The reviewer who said Dale Earnhardt Sr. was nothing but trash must be a Gordon fan. This review is to be about the book in question, not about peoples personal opinion's or dislikes of the man it is written about. The book is just as awsome as the man it is written about and I'm sure any true "Intimidator" fan would be proud to own it. At least this book gives us as fans the chance to relive some old memories every time we read it since "The Man In Black" has gone on to greener pastures. God bless ya Dale and rest in peace.



4. I got this book for my birthday this year. It is one of my prized possessions. If you are an Earnhardt fan, get this book. It gives accounts of every win, from the first win at Bristol, to the last one at Talladega. Very colorful and very detailed. It is a real treat!

5 comments about Two Ton: One Night, One Fight -Tony Galento v. Joe Louis.

1. The book should be of great interest to living boxing or history fans who remember the era and add dimension to those who don't.
   The book conjures up moments of history without being academic or tone-deaf to the human side. Author Monninger is a first class novelist and prolific writer; this one has the distinction of detailed research and facile delivery. Monninger creates the period as if you are living it. I might have done without reading a few sections too heavy in boxing detail such as the measurement of the forces of a heavyweight fighter's punch. In the ring with mere amateurs, I've had ribs broken twice by body shots, a broken nose, various cuts and an infinite number of bruises. It rather kills the fun of it all to read that a heavyweight's punch delivers a force of 2800 newtons. But the story of the determined loser-hero willing to risk all to make his mark on history is a testament to all of us who struggle to find inspiration.
   Like Joyce Carol Oates well-known book `On Boxing', this story of Two Ton Tony Galento is something of a departure from traditional boxing literature. It's funny, it's fascinating, it entertains, and it's one of the markers by which America's time is measured.



2. As a boxing historian and a huge reader, I found "Two Ton" to be one of the best additions to the boxing library in many years. The author did a superb job in his research and in portraying the men and their time. It is a terrific read on many levels and highly recommended ...



3. Nice book. Easy read. Learned a lot about a guy I knew almost nothing of (Two Ton Tony Galento) and learned a lot more about a guy I already knew pretty well (Joe Louis).
   
   They could not have been more polar opposites. Louis was a physical specimen, well off from some big pay-day fights, reserved, a gentleman, supremely talented and, of course, black. Galento was white, short and fat, a tavern owner who needed the money, a clown, a plodder in the ring and a bit of a lout. The one thing they did have in common was their chosen profession.
   
   This may have been a five star special, but there are a few instances where the author goes a little Joyce Carol Oates on us and loses the narrative voice of the book. Don't get me wrong--I have nothing against Joyce Carol Oates, but I only enjoy her stuff when I'm reading Joyce Carol Oates.
   
   Two Ton Tony literally makes his two seconds of fame (the two seconds Joe Louis was on the canvas during their fight) last a lifetime. The author suggests that causes a lot of 'what if' thoughts to creep in. I look at it as at least he got the two seconds which is a lot more than I can say for most of us.



4. Excellent book and writer. Loved the way the fight itself is broken up by the boxer's stories. Really well written and engrossing. I'm a huge boxing fan and this book delivered. If you want a well written book that captures that era this is it.



5. Boxing isn't really my thing, but I can't resist a good, well-written story. Joe Monninger's sharp, clear prose draws the reader back in time and deep into the drama of two men's lives, each both very ordinary and very special - almost mythological. It's tough not to find something of yourself in both, and impossible not to be pulled along by this engaging story of one night and one fight. Buy it. Read it.