Fields Books

Upon reading this new book from Tom Larson,it has finally shown that there is room for a pocket guide amongst all the other "big" heavy Matchbox collector books. This book can be carried easily anywhere you want. Study up on your Matchbox hobby as you go about your travelling. Carry it to Toy Shows, diecast conventions, and even to the local antique auctions. It is small,light, full of brightly colored, well shot photos of all your favorite Matchbox cars and trucks. There is even some rare vehicles,sets, and other accessories shown. With accurate Price quotations for "Mint In Box" models,you are surely to enjoy this work for years to come.
For the price, you can't beat it!
Definitely worth every penny.
Finally, a beautifully compiled Matchbox toy car collectors guide.
It will be a hit, Just watch.
Thanks Tom :)
just another fine book in the Warman's series.
Kudos to Krause Publications for jumping on this one.:)

sincerely
Burney Reid
"Diecast Enthusiast"
Coquitlam, B.C.
Canada

This book is very welcome as it will increase many people's enjoyment of collecting Matchbox models. Due to its easy availability and reasonable price it may even attract some more people to this wonderful hobby.

With its compact size it is ideally suited for carrying around to toy shows and flea markets, where it can be used as an aid in identifying models one might come across.

While experienced collectors may be slightly disappointed at the lack of detail and some embarrassing and sometimes misleading mistakes (which have no doubt been caused by the tight deadline pressure under which the book was written), this book is perfect as an introduction for beginners.

The quality of the many pictures is first class, and the introductory pages in the front section of the book, including a well-written summary of Matchbox history and useful collecting tips, are a must read for anyone interested in the subject.

Congratulations to Tom Larson on this fine achievement!

This is one fine little book. The pictures are superb and the text is short and concise. This book would work well for the seasoned collector as well as a collector that is new to Matchbox.

It's hard to believe that so much information is packed into such a little book. It's the big little book for Matchbook collectors. The photo quality in this book is second to none. Although the prices of these gems are always in flux, it is great to have an updated price guide. The history, collecting tips and listing of online resources contained in the book are treasures in and of themselves.

Most Matchbox guide books are encyclopedic in size. This is the first one I've found that is easy to take with you to toy shows, garage sales, and flea markets. The photos in the book are outstanding. The helpful collecting tips are well-written and are sound advice for collectors. All in all, I'm very pleased to recommend this book. Mine already has considerable wear, and I'll probably be needing another one by Christmas (hint to family)!

A regular reader of Rachel Sa's weekly newspaper column recommended her book to me and I'm so glad she did! I'm not a parent - so I was skeptical at first, but after only a few pages I was hooked. Sa's writing is witty, funny and insightful - it's quite amazing for someone so young (she's 21!). This collection of her columns from The Toronto Sun touches on many topics - school, family, pop culture, sex, drugs, body art etc.- that would be of interest to anyone - be they parents, kids or otherwise. The book also features new items written specifically for this publication, as well as letters from readers (some of which are just hysterical! It's amazing what some people will write...) and Sa's responses to them. Finally, this book is also inspirational. In her introduction, Sa writes about how she came to be a regular newspaper columnist at the age of 17 and how she eventually had this, her first book, published. It's refreshing to read that dreams can and do come true.

Anyone who wants to know their kids, or even themselves a little bit better should give a look to "What Rachel Sa" It's truly the literary equivalent to an angry old man, shaking a reprimanding fist at the world as if to say "GET THE HELL OFF MY LAWN!"

Clever! This book is a fabulous read for any age. Contained within you will find the funny and frank commentary of the young Rachel Sa.

Determined to have a writing career, this young teen (now young woman) worked her way onto the pages of The Toronto Sun. This is a collection of some of those columns written in her clear and refreshing voice. Nothing is taboo, so the topics range from family, friends, sex, work and more. I especially loved the letters and commentary that were included.

If you want to glimpse the teen perspective, open a window to understanding or to dialoging with a younger person, than be sure to give this book a gander.

This book is one of the best books I've read on helping parents relate to teens. I've read it and so have my kids (aged 17 and 20). I am a disabled father and this is a big help. We all agree that Sa has captured some very strong emotions and feelings. It truly is common sense for a parent of today's youth. I recommend parents pick this one up, or kids pick this up for their parents. I know my brother Kenny is half way done and relating better to his kids already. For some insight, humour, and great writing, get 'What Rachel Sa'.

A regular reader of Rachel Sa's weekly newspaper column recommended her book to me and I'm so glad she did! I'm not a parent - so I was skeptical at first, but after only a few pages I was hooked. Sa's writing is witty, funny and insightful - it's quite amazing for someone so young (she's 21!). This collection of her columns from The Toronto Sun touches on many topics - school, family, pop culture, sex, drugs, body art etc.- that would be of interest to anyone - be they parents, kids or otherwise. The book also features new items written specifically for this publication, as well as letters from readers (some of which are just hysterical! It's amazing what some people will write...) and Sa's responses to them. Finally, this book is also inspirational. In her introduction, Sa writes about how she came to be a regular newspaper columnist at the age of 17 and how she eventually had this, her first book, published. It's refreshing to read that dreams can and do come true.

I was looking forward to reading the updates about former faves but I was more than surprised about the magazines history. Great read and a ton of fun. I sat down and before the first page was turned I was reading it out loud to my girlfriend. Rolled over laughing (or should I say Roller) at parts I just wish I had my sister's record player back so I could bother the neighbors with the sound of my Partridge albums. Great and fun read and perfect for story time with a friend. Strongly suggested it should be your homework to read it.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this book, so I was surprised and delighted to find that the book not only contained the story of Gloria Stavers and 16 magazine, but also featured reprints of actual pages from the magazine going back to 1950s. I was a reader of 16 magazine during the heyday of the Monkees, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and Bobby Sherman, so it was a real treat to see old articles about my favorites, but it also was fascinating to see how the magazine covered other teen idols over the years, from Ricky Nelson and Frankie Avalon to David Cassidy and John Travolta. Best of all, the authors include new interviews with many of the performers who had been prominently featured in the magazine, so the reader learns what the teen idol experience was like from the other side. And it's always nice to find out what your "fave raves" are up to today. My only complaint is that the book wasn't long enough. I wish that additional space had been available to print more old articles from 16 magazine, rather than just one or two about each featured performer. I understand that a second volume will focus on the late 1970s and the 1980s, but I hope that the authors will consider another volume of treasures from the '60s and '70s. All in all, this book is a wonderful trip down memory lane for all of us who grew up in the golden age of pop music.

If you're a woman (or a man) of a "certain age" you might just GET this book. But, if you don't... If you NEVER envied Gloria Stavers when you were a kid, and you NEVER actually wanted to really get to know not just Herman, but alllll the HERMITS, and not just wanted but NEEDED to know everything about Freddy AND alllllll the Dreamers...this book is definitely NOT FOR YOU. But if you did all those mysterious things, then get out your credit card NOW and get this book, 'cause, girlfriend -- it's CALLING YOUR NAME!

My only complaint about the book? the price!!! I can remember buying the REAL 16 Magazine for less than a dollar. I, just like millions of pre-teens of the 60s and 70s made sure we spent our hard earned babysitting money on 16 so we could feel close to our "faves."

It was fun reading about the various teen idols and teen idol wannabees from over the years, but I really wished that Randi and Danny had given us more info on the late Gloria Stavers in her book. It's really too bad she doesn't get the proper credit she should get for being rock and roll's FIRST woman journalist. Indeed, I would say that Ms. Stavers was probably one of the most hardworking but underrated persons in her profession, and apparently for years she was referred to derisively as "Mother Superior of the Inferior." How wrong the detractors were!

Gloria was amazing in the sense that she was a trailblazer when it came to celebrity journalism: she did not possess a journalism degree, but yet she had unprecedented access to the big stars of her day. She wielded a considerable amount of influence for a woman of that time. It's said that between she and Dick Clark, they could make or break an aspiring teen idol.

If you ask me, Gloria should be nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for her contribution to rock and roll journalism. It was Gloria with her "40 intimate questions" who set the pace for the way news about celebrities is reported. She made the stars approachable to the average person. Gloria Stavers was far more important in the lives of the nations pre-teenagers than one realizes. Not only was she the one giving us the "scoop" on our favorite stars, she made us feel she really understood what we were going through in our everyday lives...and while she feed us fuel for fantasy, she also was opening doors to places most young girls wouldn't have even considered venturing into, and subtly telling us how to make our dreams to "be somebody" a reality. Granted the pages of 16 were free from controversy, but it didn't mean she wasn't a rebel of sorts. While others talked of feminism and being "new women"...she didn't mention that in her pages. No, apparently she was too busy "walking the walk."

As silly as it sounds now, 16 Magazine was my "salvation" Looking back, I feel the most important lesson 16 Magazine taught me that my feeling are important, my likes aren't silly, my goals are valid and that I shouldn't just settle for a mundane life. It helped me to become the strong and well rounded woman I am today. Far too often the messages adults gave us girls was "you can't" "you shouldn't" or "you'll never make it." Yet, Gloria in her pages, gave girls the message "you can"...whether that "can" met meeting Davey Jones, Rick Springfield(or whomever tripped your trigger) or just deciding to make another dream come true.

Superbly packaged. Grouped by decade, teen idols reflect on their experience and have their memories punctuated by reprints of the articles most emblematic of their experiences. So many memories....Credit was also finally given to Gloria Stavers, who sheparded so many of us through pre-teenhood. Totally respectful of the teenboppers who saved their babysitting money so they could buy the magazine or send in for the contests. I'm hoping this is one of a series!

Found the last edition in 2005 and have this updated edition.

Find anything and have a laugh while doing it. Trivia, bars, goofy stuff worth knowing and it'll fit in the back pocket of your jeans, too. And I didn't just buy one, I bought 20 of them for friends. THAT'S what I think of it!

-Mark Braun
Old Timers' Baseball Association of Chicago

Interesting and minute facts about Wrigley Field are presented in this book. Although it has some items specific to the 2005 season, the rest of the information is fun to read.

This book is a must for all Cub fans or any visitors to Wrigley Field or the Wrigleyville area. I have been going there for close to 35 years and learned a lot of great ideas for my next visit.

fun to read, great gift book for chicago visitor or native cub fan. slips right in your pocket to carry along on game day. Lots of new information even a pretty dedicated cub fan wouldn't know. Makes going to a game fun.

If you are planning a trip to Chicago, this book is a must for getting around Wrigleyville! Filled with many obscure and entertaining Cubs facts as well as where to go before and after the game. If you are a sports fan and are looking to impress your friends with your Cubs knowledge or are just taking in a game, this book is terrific...

I bought a few copies as early Christmas gifts because I know my dad and brothers are big fans. After flipping through just the first few pages of photos and text, I knew I made the right choice. The author really covered his tracks. The photos are fantastic! There's no better time in the midwest than fall -- and this book seems to bring out the best of that season.

Touchdown! This book drives the length of the field to take the reader on a journey through small towns and big cities who live and die for football. The tradition of Ohio High School Football is second to none and Butler's brilliant narration mixed in with interviews from coaches, players, parents and fans captures what Friday night in the fall is all about - a social gathering of sorts where football is the main focus. Rothchild's photography allows the reader to experience every facet of Friday night football from the star quarterback to the mom selling programs to raise money for the band.

Across Many Fields is a must for anyone who loves high school football.

I hesitated to buy this book because I had read some negative things about it on some Ohio high school internet sites. Then I browsed a copy in a local bookstore and realized how foolish I was to wait. This is one of the finest books on high school football I've ever seen (and I own many).

Across Many Fields is about football with capital "F". Having read it now (which I suspect some critics have not), I realize the authors were looking for the whole picture and that people unhappy with it were upset because their team wasn't represented. Well, this book isn't about one team or another. It's about all the teams in Ohio that strap on the helmets each season and all the people who support these young men (and a few women).

The pictures are tremendous, glorious and the writing is smooth and creative. For any football fan, for anyone who has relished the crisp autumn air on a Friday night in a local football stadium, this book is a can't miss. You'll be transported!

This book took me back to my high school years. I was a 320 pound offensive lineman. The 4 years I played high school football were the best of my life. I can never get them back, but with this book I was able to bring back all my memories. Chris and Jen have provided ex-jocks like me something to hold on to. I reccomend this book to anyone who wants some way to recall those glory years of high schoo.
Giles Powell.

While Across Many Fields chronicles the 2001 Ohio high school football season, this book is to be enjoyed by all -- regardless of the reader's geographic location. Across Many Fields goes well beyond statistics and X's and O's to explore the very essence of high school football; whereas a Friday Night Lights exposes the darker side of a big-time high school program, AMF is a celebration of the sights, sounds, athletes, and communities that make autumn evenings special for so many. From big-time rivalries to small town tradition, this book explores high school football with a depth and passion that make it a captivating read.

Handsomely photographed and insightfully written, Across Many Fields is a timeless tribute to a uniquely American institution.

This is a great book for serious birders. It contains a great amount of important information that is well organized and helpful. This is a technical book that I would not recommend for the beginner, however, I found it practical in its structure and content.

I strongly recommend this book. I held back from awarding a full five stars because I felt that their illustrations lacked a little "life" although experienced birders will probably not find this to be a problem.

I bought this book and the contents are very helpful in identifying birds. The problem is it has the information duplicated from pages 145 to 176, skipping from page 112. I have tried to exchange it with another one, but it had the same problem. I tried to do that for the third time, and now I am waiting for it. I hope it arrives with all the pages and no duplications.

I have quite a few birding books and have been birding for 30+ years. I feel that this book has been a key for improving my skills, more than any of the other books with the exception of the new Sibley guide and perhaps the old out of print "The Western Birdwatcher" by Zimmerman.

Kuaffman's books taught me some key points that I still employ when checking the scaups, dowitchers, gulls and looking for Western Sandpipers among other difficult identifications. His succinct descriptions and comparitive sketches make it much more possible to know how to identify a juvenile Western Sandpiper as opposed to a Semipalmated Sandpiper. I found that I would often go back to this book rather than the other shorebird books I had. Another key section in the book is the coverage of identification tips for the Terns. I had always found it difficult to separate Forster's and Common in the field despite the seemingly easy differences in field guides. This book helped out with good wing pattern comparisons and other marks that were not included in the guides. The pattern drawings of the Terns and Shorebirds alone are worth the cost of the book.

If you are ready to start on Iceland and Thayer's Gull or Rufous and Allen's Hummingbirds you can't go wrong by getting Kauffman's Advanced Birding.

This book is appropriate for anyone who wants to improve his bird identification skills, whether he is already "advanced" or not. Kaufman does an excellent job detailing how to go about identifying birds in many problem groups, such as accipiters, dowitchers, and fall warblers. In some cases the information amounts to helpful hints that will make identification a little easier (did you know that the nail on a Greater Scaup's bill is substantially larger than that on a Lesser Scaup's?). In others, the information is a practical necessity if you ever plan on unraveling the species in question (if you're trying to identify a Thayer's Gull without this or some even more esoteric work, forget it).

My only quarrel with this book is that Kaufman sometimes places more emphasis on small field marks, and less on overall shape and other amorphous characteristics ("jizz," to the Brits), than I think appropriate. Otherwise, darned close to perfect.

This book rocks the house

This is an excellent guide to Afghanistan. Both for the expert and the newcomer. Given the current security situation in Afghanistan, I would recommend the Essential Field Guide as a must to all US and Coalition soldiers and peacekeepers. It could save their lives and US policy.

The guide provides exactly the sort of quick understanding with excellent overviews and infobriefs on culture, economies, health, environment, ethnic groups etc. that would prove more than useful through a more thorough understanding of this country and its people. Edward Girardet, who has written for the Christian Science Monitor and National Geographic, is also one of the top experts on the country since first reporting it at the beginning of the Soviet invasion. Apart from its information, the guide is simply a joy - and incredibly interesting - to read. Anyone serious about Afghanistan - aid worker, journalist, diplomat, academic, traveller, human rights advocate...should have a copy if not in their pocket then certainly on their bookshelves. Political science and journalism students should also study this as a must. It beats most other books on Afghanistan. Girardet and Walter and the Crosslines publishers should definitely do other books on humanitarian and conflict zones elsewhere. If they can do the same for Africa or the Middle East as they have with Afghanistan, they are doing an incredible service to all concerned.

CROSSLINES ESSENTIAL FIELD GUIDE TO AFGHANISTAN

Published by CROSSLINES Global Report and Media Action International (formerly the International Centre for Humanitarian Reporting-ICHR)

The Crosslines Essential Field Guide to AFGHANISTAN Is the only detailed guidebook dealing with the current situation of the country available in English. Although certain elements in the book have been overtaken by recent events, the field guide is still essential reading for all journalists, aid workers, diplomats and military personnel operating in the region or otherwise interested in Afghanistan. Journalists and relief workers from the BBC, TIME, UNHCR, UNICEF and other media or aid groups have already informed us that the Essential Guide to AFGHANISTAN is the best thing going for quick and informed background information.

The book features over 500 pages of political, humanitarian and military analysis, biographies of key Taliban and opposition players, essential information briefs on agriculture, medical relief, environment, culture etc. as well as all regions of the country, street maps, advice on health and security, phrasebooks in Persian and Pashto, contact details for diplomats, aid agencies and journalists. Specially commissioned essays written leading experts analyse the country's political, military, humanitarian, and cultural situation. All country data was collated through first hand field research the editors.

The editors are Edward Girardet (a journalist and former correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor; also author of Afghanistan - the Soviet War) and Jonathan Walter (a former officer with the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas, and editor of the World Disasters Report)

The new (2005)edition of this guide brings the story up to 2004 and contains ample documentation regarding the struggling new democracy of Afghanistan. The writing is rich in colorful, touching, scary, revealing details that tend to get filtered out of official and semi-official reports. I found the discussions of deforestation, landmines, and security particularly helpful. Written from a European perspective, the book provides many useful suggestions for travel in Afghanistan that usefully complement advice from American sources.

This book was made for the use of relief workers working in Afghanistan. Aid for Aid participated in helping provide the maps for this book .

Crosslines Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan tells the full story about Afghanistan in a way I can't find in any other book. Whether it's politics, culture or humanitarian information you're after - it's all in there. I never realised how big those Buddhas were that the Taliban blew up until I saw a picture in this book! If you want to understand more about the country at the centre of world news, this is the book to buy!

Excelent recount of great african hunters and adventurers, very well written and documented.

Capstick has an ability to write as few others have ever mastered and those that did are also revered. His stories are addictive and captivating! A must read for those who love to hunt.

I've loved all the Capstick books and own and have loaned the ones I own many times, mostly to husbands of friends. But I must admit that I can only read one or two and then I have to stop for a while. Times were different then and there were lots of animals. No talk of endangered species. Today when I read about macho men slaughtering beautiful animals for sport it can get to be sickening. But, again, he is an excellent author and the books keep you on the edge of your chair. When you see the movie based on the Lions of Tsavo and have read the book - the book is soooo much more exciting. And - no love interest.

I know Peter personaly and have hunted with him. I am in his book Sands of Silence. I highly recommend all of his books. They draw from real experiences and actively bring the reader into the wild. He loved the outdoors and his work helps preserve memories and times of people and activity that is passing away. Each book is a treasure of adventure. BL Melrose, MD

I could not put this book down. What a sad world we live in today when there is no dark continent to explore the way that the professional hunters and wardens described in this book had to experience around the year 1900. What a sad world and what a bunch of counterfeits the Croc Hunter and Croc Dundee are. Author Capstick puts you there a hundred years ago, where prides of lions manage to devour 450 villagers before being shot, or where 30,000 elephants are shot in one country alone just to limit crop damage! These examples give you an idea of the world the hunters profiled by Capstick in this anthology of sorts walked into circa 1900 to 1940. Lions walking into huts populated with 100 sleeping people, only to leave without molesting a soul, only leaving their footprints around the myriads of sleeping African tribesman. Big cats jumping through windows to snatch infants in bassonets, toddlers grabbed off porches, the head being found a day later in the grass, Cheetahs killing humans just for the fun of it. Guns jamming and cartridges failing in the face of wounded lions. Deadly snakes, Puff adders, Black Mambas, no antidote, one example of these snakes even dropping out of trees to bite a human victim.

Make no mistake about it, Africa was all the danger you ever dreamed about and more at the turn of the last century. ANy game animal in North America is tame in comparison to the African beasts described so vividly by Capstick. Get this book and dream of an Africa unspoiled, full of game more cunning and ferocious than you, and dream about the original tribes, and the Englishmen that first made contact with them.

I will work my way through all of Capstick's books. I am hooked. This book is fanstastic.

I can't wait to read this book. Amazon makes ordering new and used items so easy. I am a customer for life.

Former Yankee Jerry Coleman recalls his playing days: second baseman played his entire nine-year career in New York and appeared in six World Series.(Turn ... An article from: Baseball Digest


Great Read! Jerry is true example of what real heros are made of. How many players would unselfishly leave the game not once, but two times to serve their country in combat? This is the stuff Pat Tillman was made of. Jerry is a great guy! You never hear him speak of any of this unless asked. He is a San Diego treasure.

I bought this book for my father as he has been an avid Padre fan since 1969. He just loves it. Jerry Coleman is the San Diego Padres.

Scott
El CAJON, CA

I don't know how many "with." books I have read not 100 but more than fifty. Even wrote two of them. YOGI IT AIN'T OVER WITH YOGI and THE OCTOBER TWELVE with PHIL RIZZUTO.Jerry Coleman's "WITH" RICHARD GOLDSTEIN did an outstanding job. I envy him but not for writing the book. Writing is hard work. Spending time in the company of Jerry Coleman is a joy. A tonic for the soul.

Jerry Coleman has honorably served America both as a military man, as a baseball player during the 1950's for the New York Yankees, and as an announcer for the Yankees, CBS, and as an announcer/manager for the San Diego Padres. He considers his greatest achievement in life to be the five years he spent as a marine during both World War II and the Korean War. He grew up in a home with a physically abusive father, and a very devoted mother. His best friends with the Yankees were Allie Reynolds, Vic Raschi, Ed Lopat, Bobby Brown, and Charlie Silvera. Coleman believes Mickey Mantle's alcohol problems became full blown after he retired from the game and the cheering stopped. Coleman vividly recalls the incident in May of 1957 when Yankees' infielder Gil McDougald lined Cleveland Indians' pitcher Herb Score in the eye. This had a great emotional effect on McDougald who considered quitting the game. Coleman's one year at the helm of the Padres did not go well. His players viewed him as the team's announcer, and a relic from the past. Coleman gives his views on various things regarding the game such as the size of players compared to when he played, and the effect large contracts can have on some players. He blames the players' union for fighting against a strong drug program which has ultimately harmed players who play by the rules. Coleman considers Aaron to be the all-time home run leader with Maris to be the home run leader for a single season. This book is light easy reading, and I enjoyed reading about one of the bubble gum cards of my youth.

This book reads like a fairy tale. If you love horses, this is a must read. William Nack did an excellent job writing about this great racehorse. Unless you read this book, you can't really appreciate the accomplishments of this wonder horse. I read the chapter 3 times about the Belmont Stakes - and cried all 3 times when I read it! This book is moving, emotional, powerful, unforgettable, and it made me fall in love with Secretariat.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the legend of Secretariat or to those who love thoroughbred racing. This is a truly marvelous account of Big Red - I could not put it down! Mr. Nack's passion for the subject is obvious throughout and the story is narrated in beautiful prose. The account of the Belmont is breathtaking and very emotional. I cannot say enough good things about this book.

in the original edition the pictures are wonderful. it is a very moving book and anyone who loved secretariat-this book will bring you hours of enjoyment. the book starts before secretariat was born and finishes when he arrived at claiborne to go into stud. all of his races are discussed in detail with loads of pictures from his triple crown. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!

A brief and probably pointless quiz: Who is the horse described in the following paragraph?

He was a physically awesome Thoroughbred and a superb broodmare sire. When he was born at ten minutes after midnight, March 30, 1970, his owner took one look at him and said, "There is a whopper." His own firstborn was an Appaloosa colt named 'First Secretary'. Another son - a draft horse cross - is still alive and well and recently retired from the Southwest dressage circuit. Yet a third son won the Belmont by a margin of 21 lengths, in what was the second fastest running and third largest margin in history.

Of course, his Daddy still holds the record for both margin and time.

And who is Risen Star's Daddy?

Secretariat, of course. No one who admires this special breed of horse could possibly have flunked this quiz.

When we watched Big Red hit the wire 31 lengths ahead of Twice a Prince in 1973, crushing the Belmont stakes record by two seconds and change, many of us knew that we would not see his like again. According to his jockey, Ron Turcotte, Secretariat was retired before he had reached his full potential at the longer distances. We would have loved to watch that big red horse run all day and smash every record there was, but it was not to be.

At any rate, reading William Nack's book is the next best thing to watching him run (unless you are lucky enough and rich enough to own one of his 'blue hen' daughters). At least his fans can relive the races Big Red did run, and Nack has the knack (sorry) of bringing them vividly back to memory. This book and "Wild Ride: The Rise and Tragic Fall of Calumet Farm, Inc., America's Premier Racing Dynasty" by Ann Hagedorn Auerbach are my two favorite reads on all aspects of the Thoroughbred racing industry in the United States. "Secretariat" reflects the brilliance of the Thoroughbred and its human interface. "Wild Ride" reflects the dark side of that same relationship.

My only complaint regarding Nack's treatment of Secretariat is that although it starts in the right place (the birth of Somethingroyal's whopping, chestnut foal), it didn't extend much beyond Big Red's last race. I would have liked to follow him through at least part of his career at stud.

However, that might be asking too much of a book that was published only two years after this great Thoroughbred retired from the track.

At the beginning of the new millennium, Man O'War was voted 'Thoroughbred of the Century' by a panel that was assembled by 'Blood Horse' Magazine. But those of us who saw Secretariat win the Belmont will remember him as first, and (as they said about one of his most famous ancestors) the rest nowhere.

As the Belmont Stakes approaches and another 3 y.o. has the chance to win the race and with it capture the Triple Crown, I thought it would be interesting to refresh my memory and read about Secretariat, the winner of the Belmont and the Triple Crown of 1973.

William Nack, who wrote BIG RED OF MEADOW STABLE in 1975, provides the reader with some of the most descriptive and awe-inspiring writing about horse racing and what it felt like to ride what many consider the best race horse who ever lived.

He tells the story of breeding Bold Ruler to Somethingroyal and a perchance coin-flip that gave ownership rights to Penny Tweedy who later syndicated Secretariat for over $6 million while he was still an actively racing 3 y.o. Nack tells the history of this super horse, describing the training methods of Lucien Lauren and his relationship with jockey Ron Turcotte, as well as the race-time strategy, anxiety, hopes and dreams as Secretariat grew from a green 2 y.o. colt to a strapping superstar.

As well written as this book is, what makes it special and distinguishes it from most others, is the descriptions of the races themselves. Nack takes the reader along for the ride in all of Secretariat's races leading up to and including the three races of the Triple Crown. His ability to put the reader in the irons, especially at the Belmont when Turcotte glances back during the stretch run to see the field an eventual 31 lengths behind and realizes he's aboard a horse running as the track announcer described "like a tremendous machine", is very powerful.

If you are interested in horse racing or just enjoy reading about the evolution of greatness, I think you will be satisfied with this highly recommended classic.