Sports Books

I seldom reread a book; this book I have read twice and bought three copies to give away. I will read it again; the writing is so funny, so dazzling. The characters are so real, their stories so poignant. Jewish readers will especially love this book; we know these people though we have never met. I fell in love with Bummy Davis and when he died, I felt a loss. My gangster imagination loved reading about all the mob characters, though I am not a fan of violence or boxing for that matter. I read this book as my husband lay dying of cancer; it kept me uplifted during this difficult time. I loved that it was long and hated that it had to end. This is such a special book, and I haven't even mentioned the awesome research it must have taken to write it.

This book is a very satisfying trip down boxing's memory lane. Ron Ross resurrects here the color and drama of a very fascinating, tough NY prizefighter with a heart of gold--Bummy. Ross gives us in this welcomed work, devoted research, clearly a labor of love, and fine writing. Clearly, I see this book being optioned in Hollywood. Boxing translates to the screen in a big way and I see this book making a million bucks for some talented film maker.

The authur Ron Ross is at his best. I could not stop reading amd I recommended the book to all my sons.I lived in East New york during those days.Fascinating.
Harry Keller

Fantastic account of the life and career of Al 'Bummy' Davis, during the time of Mob rule in New York. Fascinating look into the ways and troubles of immigrant communities and their exploitation by gangsters.

Whether you are looking for a boxing or mafia book, this will do the job.

For anyone who loves a good story, written with wit, humor, and style, this book is for you. I couldn't put it down, and found something to chuckle about or a phrase to admire or an ironic comment I loved at least once on each page. I finished the book today (March 29, 2007)and did something I never did before (and I am 80 year's old). I noted from the book jacket that the author divides his time between Oceanside, LI and Boca Raton, Fl, and even though it is 4 years since the book was written and the author's name is a relatively common one, I called information for his Boca Raton number and took a chance that it was the right Ron Ross. I left a message that if this Ron Ross was an author, would he please call me, and I left my number. A few hours later I received a call from Mr. Ross and we had a delightful conversation for 10 minutes or so. For me to have taken the time to locate Mr. Ross and call him is an example that actions speak louder than words. Believe my action and go out and buy, read, enjoy, and love the book. It's cheap enough, and you'll thank me, and more so, will thank Ron Ross.

Ed Gold

I was fortunate enough to win a copy of Graves' book 'The 10 Bushcraft Books' in 1976. It is in hardcopy and probably covers the same type of content that is included in this other bushcraft book; ropes & cords; huts & thatching; campcraft; food & water; firemaking; knots & lashings; tracks & lures; snares & traps; travel & gear; and, time & direction. It was printed by Hogbin, Poole (Printers) in Sydney, Australia (no printing or copyright dates). FYI, on the dust jacket it gives some background on Graves. He initiated and was the Commanding Officer of 'the Australian Jungle Rescue Detachment, assigned to the Far East American Air Force'. These were 60 specially selected soldiers who 'successfully effected more than 300 rescue missions, most of which were in enemy-held territory, without failure of a mission or loss of a man'. It goes on to say, 'An essential preliminary for rescue was survival, and it was for this purpose that the notes for these books were written. These notes were later revised and prepared for a School of Bushcraft which was conducted for 20 years'. And very accurately states that there 'is nothing quite like them, nor is any collection of bushcraft knowledge under one cover as comprehensive'. The ISBN was/is 0 909824 24. This book may be another option, though probably just as hard to find. Good luck!

I purchased this book back in 1983, and I referred to it frequently while I was in the US Army. This book is an excellent read for novice or expert alike, and Graves makes the message simple with straightforward instructions and illustrations. It is a shame that I cannot purchase this book again since I have just about worn out the copy I have!

Kenneth Smith

I bought this book way back in the mid 70's when I was in High School. I used it for a reference on my "Extreme" camping adventures. I then found it to be even more valuable and usefull while serving in the 82'd Airborne. I "Lent" this out to a friend and it was never returned. I know that info presented in this book has been used by my friend while assigned as a survival instuctor for a very elite unit in the U.S. Military. I would recommend this book to all who wish to have a practical guide to survival and I'm pleased to finally get a copy back in my hands.

I picked up a copy of Bushcraft in 1983 and it has been my constant companion. As an Instructor at the Marine Corps Jungle Survival School in Okinawa I used its lessons extensively and have never found a better manual of wilderness survival. Later, as an instructor for the National Outdoor Wilderness school, I taught my students some of the skills I learned from Bushcraft. If you can find a copy, buy it!

I bought this book 20 years ago, when I was a boy scout in the Pacific Northwest. It accompanied me during my Marine Corps enlistment -- and has been to more countries and climes than most people.

GRAVES writes in a straight forward and brief style that stays on message. Judging from GRAVES experiences and the few pics inside the book, it appears he was in the Aussie SAS -- although he never comes out and says so.

There are numerous sketches in the book that clearly demonstrate his ideas and methods.

I find it amazing that this book has not been reprinted. It is a shame...

I enjoyed this book from line one. Josh Wolk is a wonderfully funny story teller. Even if you never spent any time in summer camp, you will love the stories and characters. I didn't want it to end!

About: Thirtysomething guy goes back to his boyhood camp to be a counselor

Pros: Hilarious. I had to stop reading it on an airplane because I had to laugh out loud several times. Well written. The camp is a wonderful setting. Generally good character development

Cons: It can be confusing as to who some of the minor characters are when they are mentioned more than once. Gets kind of repetitive, but I guess that's to be expected as summer camp only has a finite amount of activities.

Grade A-

I am never at all sure why I like reading camp books. I hated the actual camp experience, due to overwhelming homesickness and general dislike of being in groups! But I love reading about camp, and this is probably the best book about it I've ever read. Josh Wolk spends the summer before getting married working as a counselor at the camp he attended for many summers as a boy. The best part of this book is that it really doesn't romantize the experience. Josh feels like a misfit much of the time, the 14 year old boys in his cabin can be very, very hard to deal with, the other counselor in the cabin doesn't pull his weight at all...but still, he has many moments of remembering what he loves about the camp. It sounds like a great camp. I have 13 and 10 year old boys, and I wish now that overnight camp wasn't out of our price range, as it sounds like it could be a wonderful experience.

I hope Wolk writes more books. I'd love to hear about his life as a parent, as he seems like someone with real insights.

Even though it's been 35 years since the first time I was a counselor, every year around Fathers Day I have the urge to grab my sleeping bag and head up to camp for staff orientation. This book reminded me of why that urge is still so strong - why I spent six summers of my life as summer camp staff, working 14 hours a day most days and making less than I could have working a virtually anywhere else.

In the summer before he married and entered a new phase of life, the author chose to relive part of his childhood by becoming a camp counselor at the same camp he'd attended as an adolescent. Although older than the typical counselor and with a fiance waiting at home for him to finish his adventure, the authors experiences of feeling like he didn't quite fit in with the staff, his struggles with trying to stay upbeat after weeks of little sleep and hard physicial work and the silliness he shared with his campers mirror the experience of every counselor, whatever age. His story rang so true - although I worked at two coed YMCA camps rather than an all boys camp, the songs, jokes, activities and adolescent angst are universal.

For those who were campers, it's a window into the mysterious life that counselors led. For those of us who staffed camps, it's a sometimes funny, sometimes touching reminder of why we chose spend our summers without creature comforts of home, making little money while living with other people's children.

I take that title from a Frank Black song, which I think is a pretty accurate way of describing the nervous step you take into full-fledged adulthood. "Cabin Pressure" details Josh Wolk's step.

I first took notice of Wolk through his terrific writing at "Entertainment Weekly." He wrote day-after commentary on the "Real World" that was so gut-bustingly hilarious my friends and I used to E-mail the highlights to each other. After a while, the writing was so good and the show so bad, we stopped watching the show and just read the wrap-ups.

Wolk's best skill as a writer is his gift of observation. Give him any scenario and he can instantly break it down, expose each player's motivation, and end it all with a hilarious analogy.

He brings that keen observation to "Cabin Pressure," his tale of heading back to camp as a counselor on the brink of his wedding day. Having remembered camp as a kind of innocent oasis, Josh wants to reexperience it one more time before he becomes, gulp, a husband and a father.

Wolk fills us in on summer-camp life -- what he remembered from his day, what has changed, and what hasn't. The best part of the book is Wolk's interaction with the kids in his cabin. He does an amazing job of letting you know each one, whether they are charming, maddening, or depressingly and prematurely stressed-out and miserable.

I don't necessarily think I bought into Josh's overall theme here -- this whole nostalgic innocence trip -- but it doesn't matter because "Cabin Pressure" is often hilarious and reading this book is like a well-spoken, really funny friend telling you his best summer-camp stories.

The tone can shift from body-odor humor to some strong emotional connections with the boys, and all the while Wolk's razor-sharp observation and pitch-perfect punchlines remain.

After reading Wolk in "Entertainment Weekly" all those years, and laughing my butt off, this book lives up to all of my expectations. Funny and insightful, "Cabin Pressure" is a wonderful debut book.

Reading this book makes you step back to a time when things were simple. I didn't grow up in this time, but have heard story after story of those times. In reading this book you feel that you are there with the author. This is a great book that I plan on buying more copies of for gifts.

Excellent book. I picked this up and couldn't put it down. My only complaint is that it isn't longer. I don't mean that in a bad way I didn't want the book to end. It makes me want to pull up a chair and listen to George Roof tell his stories first hand. From the earliest memories of his outdoorsman life to the harrowing Dall Sheep Hunt in Alaska you go right along with him, you feel like your there. You want to be there. Ethics, morals about life and the life outdoors are discussed and in such a way you'd be a fool not to agree and understand. Highly recomended well worth it. Buy one for yourself and for a friend, they will thank you.

I just finished the reading of this fine quality book. From the beginning of George Roofs hunting career to presnt day, he has been a great example for all hunters to follow. The book is filled with great stories that all hunters can relate to. I found it even more enjoyable for the writer does not fill his stories with unbelievable information, he is true to his word and his writings are all but incredible. Take the time and read the book, from page one you will be entertained and find yourself wandering throught the woods alongside this great hunter and writer.

I bought the book for my 12 year old son. He loves it and hasn't hardly put it down. He says he feels like he is there hunting and wishes he lived when George did. He took the book to school to share with his friends. He also bought one for his school principal who is helping him get started with taxidermy. It is nice to have some positive influences for your kids when there are so many bad influences out there to worry about. I am definitely going to buy more copies for the other hunters in my family. What a great gift.

This book is great! I am ordering another copy to send to my son. The short stories are a joy and easy to read.

DE LUCHA Y TRIUNFO..ESTE LIBRO TE DEJARÁ MUY SATISFECHO...
Aunque no seas aficionado al box!

LO QUE PENSE QUE NO ME INTERESABA SABER SOBRE EL BOX Y SUS CAMPEONES...

PERO ME CAUTIVO Y LO LEI HASTA EL FINAL !
AHORA SI PUEDO DISCUTIR DE BOX CON MI ESPOSO Y MIS CUÑADOS...¡Y HASTA CON MI SUEGRO, QUE ES EX BOXEADOR !

Los mejores campeones, sus victorias, sus sacrificios...
FABULOSO !

LLENAS DE MOTIVACION, COMO LAS HISTORIAS DE ESTOS TIRUNFADORES QUE SON COMO MODERNOS GLADIADORES !

Y TAMBIEN LA VIDA INTIMA DE LOS TRIUNFADORES...
Por eso me fascinó este libro que me regaló mi esposa !
Y seguro a mis cuantes tambien..porque alguno de ellos me "incautó " el libro !
YA DEVUELVELO, BRO!

A knowledgeable and enthusiasic treatise on folding kayaks, their varieites, history, and use. Useful for the would-be purchaser, the novice, and the experience paddler alike.

An outstanding primer on the folding kayak from soup to nuts - a wonderful book. The author is unreserved in his love of and praise for the folding kayak. He thinks they are better and tells your why. But there is a wealth of information here too for the hardshell kayaker.

Anyone interested in folding kayaks needs this book. Anyone interested in kayaking in general should consider it.

This book is, roughly speaking, a consumers'
guide to buying and using a folding kayak.
A guide like this is especially useful because
the market is quite diverse and it's almost
impossible to test-paddle allthe brands that
are available.

Especially important is Diaz' summary of the
two main reasons for choosing a folding
kayak. The first and most obvious is portability.
You can, indeed, take it with you-even on an
airplane. This means that any trip has the
potential to become a kayaking vacation.
The second advantage of folders-and one that's
not often mentioned is their flexibility.
Like the original Inuit skin-on-frame boats.
a folder flexes in the sea. This makes for a
softer, less-punishing ride and reduces
fatigue. There is also a pleasant sense of
place that goes along with a flexible boat,
a sense of being on the water instead of
being on an amusement park ride.

So: buy this book to get a good sense of why
folding boats are worthwhile and study it
to find out which one is best for you.

Back in 1997 I wrote the first Amazon review of what was then the only book devoted entirely to folding kayaks.(You might want to scroll down and read it; everything I wrote still applies).With no competition you'd think Ralph would be content to rest on his laurels, but instead he's put a lot of effort into an extensive rewrite of the original book. All the new boats that have appeared on the market since the first edition have been included, and plenty of solid information from Ralph's invaluable Folding Kayak Newsletter has been integrated into the new edition.

If you have the slightest interest in folding kayaks, you certainly owe it to yourself to buy a copy of this book. And if you already own the first edition, you should absolutely get this one as well, for all the new material Ralph has included. It's still the bible of the sport.

Complete Folding Kayaker, 2d Edition

By Bill Marsano. The folding kayak or boat-in-a-bag is rare compared to rigid or hardshell kayaks--and a lot more expensive. But unlike those others, you take it with you. You can break it down into component parts, stuff the bits into one or two bags or even, in the case of the Feathercraft, a specially designed backpack with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt, and take it wherevever you're bound. That's the whole point: No more hoping to find kayak rentals at your destimnation. No more settling for whatever beat-up barges the renters happen to have on hand.

If that tempts you, then you need this book to help sort out the facts and fiction (are folders fragile? less efficient than rigids? less stable? etc.) and get a handle on the numerous makes and models, which vary considerably in price, weight, size and design. Diaz, who is a good writer and an enthusiast (he publishes the Folding Kayak newsletter), has done his homework, updating his 1994 first edition to include and critique several kayaks that are new to the U.S, market

That's a critically important part of this book: So far as I know, this is the sole source of independent information covering the whole category. But Diaz offers a lot more. He goes beyond the hardware to presnt a very good course in basic kayaking: instruction and skill drills, safety, navigation. sailing rigs, kayak camping, and repairs and maintenance. The Resources chapter alone (on books, guidebooks, magazines and newsletters, websites, dealer access and much more) will keep you busy all by itself.

In short, if you've got an itch to paddle, this book will help you make an intelligent choice and teach you what you need to enjoy it when you get out on the water.--Bill Marsano owns a Feathercraft Kahuna and has unfolded it numerous times in the U.S., Italy and France.

As you read this book it seems as though you are right there with Larry and Lin as they build and sail their small boat from California through Mexico, Central America, Jamaica, up the U.S. East Coast to the Chesapeake Bay and finally to Europe. This is the 25th Anniversary edition of this book. It has been updated from the original with pictures and maps. A great book I would recommend it highly for anyone with an adventurous spirit.

Page turner - made me want to drop everything and sail. The combination of this book and Slocum's book gave me the sailing bug. Contains useful information for those that are thinking about buying a boat. As seasoned, adventurous, resourceful sailors, the Pardeys' books are useful for salties or salty-wannabes (like myself).

Now available in a brand new 25th anniversary edition, Lin and Larry Pardey's Cruising in Seraffyn now sports a new introduction, "Anyone Can Go Cruising," and a new appendix, "Affordable, Attainable Dreams." Cruising In Seraffyn is an exciting, detailed cruising guide with a 16-page spread of full-color photos, making it an adventurous reference for nautical buffs and armchair travelers alike. With its decades of sailor's wisdom and inspirational prose, Cruising In Seraffyn is very highly recommended reading for anyone interested in setting sail for pleasure.

I loved the book, but always wished there were more photos. Now I have seen the new edition, in hard cover, published by the Pardey's. It is great. They have done it for the 25th anniversary of this book. Lots of color photos, a really updated discussion of cruising costs and a really nice story about what has happened to Seraffyn over the past 30 years. The pictures of the Pardey's new boat and Seraffyn sailing side by side are worth the $2l.95 price. Unfortunately, the book will not be on the American market until June. I got one from a friend who is a book reviewer. I was told you could wait till june and get it at ..., or you can go to the news letters on thier web site, ... and order one early.

As other folks have written, this book is lovely to read and inspiring as can be. The new edition, in its hard cover is not just a simple reprint. It is almost a whole new book - the new introduction gives grand info for sailors today, the appendix puts it all where it is for those who want to sail off in 2002. But best of all are the l6 pages of full color photos - stuff to dream about, ideas to use on your boat. Really lovely. If you have the old edition, you'll still want this one. If you've never read the first book, this is the one for you.

Alfred Hitchcock has nothing on Art Donovan when the legendary Baltimore Colt defensive lineman writes in Fatso about his experiences with the birds hovering over Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. Give me Hitchcock's flock any time!

The autobiography is a must read for any football fan who wants to laugh while learning a few things about the pro game before the "modern era."

I bought the book when it was originally published about 20 years ago based on the numerous interviews on TV and radio where Donovan held court with local and national media members. I give Dononvan all the credit in the world for working hard to promote the book and his stories were absolutely hilarious.

Donovan seemingly has a great quip for every situation and his recollections on his 1952 season with the Dallas Texans is especially outstanding. Talk about a club on the run - from creditors, that is - Donovan played on the team in 1951 when it was the New York Yanks and moved with the franchise to its new home in the Cotton Bowl.

The Texans were sold back to the league midway through that season, played the bulk of its schedule on the road and ended the year at "home" in the Rubber Bowl in Akron, OH. The franchise folded after the season and the remnants of the club became the new Baltimore Colts. Donovan was a rookie with the "old" Colts franchise that folded after one NFL season.

What may be lost on some readers - due to the comic story-telling - is how good Donovan was in the trenches. Selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls, Donovan was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. He was a cornerstone player on the Colts, who fielded some of the finest teams in NFL history.

The book may be difficult to locate in second-hand bookstores, so I suggest browsing the available copies through Amazon sellers.

And if nothing else, you will get a different view of certain things that drop from the sky.

Art Donovan played in a very unique age, when, as he put it, "Pro Football was played by Coal Miners and West Texas psychos" to the time when "guys in suits" became the norm. The stories he tells are not only hilarous, but very telling about the brutality of football in the early 50's.

A great read about for the insight on other greats from that time from Bobby Layne, Unitas, Van Brocklin, Y.A. Tittle, etc.

If you can find the book buy it!

Simply stated, this is one of the most enjoyable books ever written. Art Donovan is an incredibly funny man who just happened to be the finest defensive tackle ever to play the game, and his hilarious anecdotes will amuse any reader, whether or not that reader is a sports fan. Besides its wonderful humor, Art Donovan's story is one of hard work, dedication, and talent in the competitive world of pro football. This book is sure to please any reader, so find a copy, and enjoy it.

Art, you are a true son of the Bronx! Although you were in the generation before me, I could relate to MANY of the places you describe, and I felt like I was there in the empty lots, playing baseball and football. Ah memories!!

I also identified with you when Notre Dame didn't take a shine to you because you were from the Bronx -- been there, had that done to me too (not at ND, but in the good old South) -- it's ND's LOSS.

This book brought me back to those days when sis, Mom and I used to watch football games on our little Black and White TV -- those days when the Offense was the Defense too, when safety equipment was nothing to write home about -- when people DID play with broken limbs -- bless you for your falling-down-act Art......

Art is also hysterically funny and doesn't couch his language -- more than one person sitting next to me on the Subway quickly learned to avert their snooping eyes while I was reading this book.

Reading his book reminds me just why I loved the game back then and detest it now. This is a down-to-earth, humble and geniune person who just happened to play football back in the 50's. Not these self-absorbed, spoiled and boorish jackholes of today. If you want to take a trip back in time and understand why many of us are "old school", you'll want to read this. Artie rules!!

This book is one of the best guides I have ever purchased. I have used it to purchase 4 sets of grandstand seats and have had a perfect view of the field using this guide. This guide was sent from the Fenway gods.

In the interest of full disclosure, I know Tim Shea. He even wrote a testimonial on the back of my book Green Monster University: Creating Die-Hahd Fans Since 1901.
But that aside, you must believe me when I say this book leaves nothing to chance in guiding you in and around the most historic ballpark in the country.
Things have changed since I was a kid and had season tickets. For one, you could GET season tickets. But now, with added seats, and exorbitant parking rates, and a concourse containing an expanded array of foods, it's become a science to plot your day at the park.
This book is to Fenway Park as the "Let's Go" series is to travel abroad. For anyone that is about to experience Fenway for the first time, GET THIS BOOK!

If you are a huge baseball fan like I am, a visit to Fenway is absolutely a must even if you just go once in your lifetime.

Just obtaining a ticket to a Red Sox home game can be a daunting task due to the extremely high demand, so before spending your hard earned dollars READ THIS BOOK. It tells ALL the intricate details of the mind boggling choice of seats and how to avoid the dreaded "pole obstructions". The book also has a wealth of many other tips on how to make the trip to The Church Of Baseball a truly memorable experience.
A 5 Star job was done by this author and wow, thanks to him for this wealth of information!

If you are a Red Sox fan, and visit Fenway alot. You need this book!!

I never again am sad when I get to the park to see my view at home plate is a pole!!!

Dont buy the bad tixs!!! Save them for the uninformed!!!

I enjoyed learning what Tim had to say about Fenway and have passed on the copies that I have purchased to my son and daughter. I have placed my copy in my local library to share with other Sox Fans.

I have played around with tomahawks and fighting axes since I was a kid, but was never able to find a good reference for use of the tomahawk in combat until now. Dwight McLemore's "The Fighting Tomahawk" stands out as an essential reference for all students of Western martial arts and American blade arts.

The Fighting Tomahawk teaches the basics of the tomahawk as well as both the offensive and the defensive use of this unique weapon. In addition Dwight McLemore offers the reader an excellent introduction to using the long-knife in the reverse grip and in conjunction with the tomahawk.

Finally we are given a look a throwing the tomahawk. The tomahawk makes an effective throwing weapon, even if it doesn't stick. As Mr. McLemore points out "in tactical throwing the focus is on hitting the target and basically knocking the hell out of the opponent."

The tomahawk is a weapon that has been carried by soldiers since the Revolutionary War, is carried by woodsmen and others even today. "The Fighting Tomahawk" will teach those who carry this weapon how to effectively use it. Detailed text and numerous illustrations throughout make this book a foundation course in tomahawk fighting.

The Fighting Tomahawk is a must have reference for anyone who carries a tomahawk and for everyone who might like to add this unique weapon to his personal arsenal and martial skills set.

The Fighting Tomahawk by Col. Dwight McLemore and published by Paladin Press gives the reader important insight into the use of this rarely studied weapon. Col. McLemore takes his concrete understanding of sound martial principles and distills the essences of the Tomahawk into clear and concise descriptions; making even complex principles easier to understand. To follow this, he adds drills for partner and solo work as well as a sample training schedule. Finally, there are a plethora of illustrations to aid the reader's comprehension of this system.

McLemore has also riddled his work with historical anecdotes from the frontier and finished it with an excellent bibliography. Both of these show the extensive research Col. McLemore did for this book which makes it an invaluable resource. Col. McLemore should be applauded for creating a wonderful training tool to help the martial artist start his studies of the Tomahawk.

What a read! I can't wait to get my copy signed! It is refreshing to see a martial arts book illustrated such that you can understand the principles without the staged three or four side shot photos that show a perfect technique against a dubious attack at best.

The teaching structure of the book is definitely European, based on the Italian and German examples from the renaissance. It bears a passing resemblance to FMA, mostly because the FMA teaching structure derives from the same source.

Col. McLemore covers the basics of the system, deployment of the weapon, and the use of the companion weapon the longknife. He covers the history and explains his sources. I feel that the work is a fine example of a historical research and application of the principles of western fighting arts.

It is a good read and should be added to the shelves of any western Martial artist and in fact would even benefit the eastern martial artist to understand the dynamics of one of the first American martial arts.

Scott Wilson
Professional Swordsmith

This is an excellent book. The techniques within are understandable to someone completely inexperienced with the weapon, yet still challenging and resourceful to someone who has worked with it a great deal. Mr. McLemore's research is admirable. I have studied various styles of historic combat as my cognate studies for my PhD, and can attest to the lack of written information with regard to these weapons.
I have done a great deal of study in military sabre, which is referred to numerous times in this book. Mr. McLemore's references to it are spot on, and to adapt the tomahawk moulinets and angles of attack to those used in sabre seems to me to be the most plausible way to approach this weapon.
Mr. McLemore brings forth many historical points in this book. Having done a great deal of research in these areas myself, I do not find any inconsistencies or blatant errors in his facts. He also is very clear that some points he brings up are educated guesses, as there exists no actual documentation. This is good scholarship. In historic combat, there will always be instances where there is no documentation for our theories. This is where we apply our study of combat theory, and the weapon itself to fill in the holes. So long as we acknowledge to our readers that we are hypothesizing, there is nothing wrong with this type of research. This is what Mr. McLemore does in these instances, and I could not possibly argue with his findings.
This book is extremely valuable for the reader interested in becoming proficient in this weapon. I would encourage all students of martial arts to read it, especially those students of Filipino Martial Arts. Similarities to Kali do exist, however, the axe head alone gives a dynamic that is missing from Kali, and it is always interesting to see how two styles of fighting, such as Tomahawk and Kali, or even Katana and Longsword, can be so similar in their concepts even though there is no evidence of one influencing the other during the period of their inception.

The Fighting Tomahawk is a unique book as it focuses on close fighting instead of the usual throwing of the Tomahawk. This is a must for any person interested in Hand to Hand combat, Frontier fighting, the Historical Old West or Western Martial Arts in general. With only two movies that I know of: The Last of the Mohicans with Daniel Day Lewis and The Patriot with Mel Gibson that show actual realistic close quarter fighting with a 'Hawk it is about time a book was written that taught this to the aspiring Tomahawk fighter.
Having trained with Mr. McLemore I can definately say his concepts work AND WORK WELL! I can't recommend this book enough! The concepts in this book could easily be applied to all sorts of weapons (hachets, hammers, crowbars, etc). So whatever your reason for buying any martial arts books make sure this book is on your shelf. Don't leave an empty space in your knowledge!