Sports and Recreation Books

This I believe was Frost's 1st golf history book and previously all his other work had been fiction. Which explains the fictional feel of this book. Frost cites conversation and internal thoughts from the characters to an exent that he can't possibly know if that's what happened. In addition to compromising accuracy, it also makes for a book that's about 2x as long as it needs to be. I found myself often scanning large sections rather than reading every word.

Even with that flaw he still produced a must-read golf history book, that many non-golfers will also enjoy. He excels at putting things in historical and social context, and building fiction-like edge of your seat tension. He's also a master at researching the lives of the main characters, from their beginnings to their endings in the must-read "Afterward" section.

In this case the main characters are British legendary professional golfers Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, US amateur golfer Francis Quimet and his young caddie Eddie Lowery. Although Mr. Quimet's story is reasonably well known in golf circles, Eddie's isn't. And in some ways Eddie is actually the most interesting character, if not the most important. The story goes that young Eddie escaped the grade school truant officer every day so he could caddie for Quimet. And it was Eddie's inspiration, tenacity and timely advice that pushed the young unaccomplished amateur Quimet to an historic conquest over then golfing titans Vardon and Ray.

In Frost's 3rd golf book "The Match" released last year, Eddie would again enter the picture. Now a middle aged successful businessman, he sets up a historic match between the 2 best amateurs of the day (Ken Venturi and Harvey Ward) and the 2 best Pros (Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson). At stake is a presumed $10,000 personal bet (if not more) but even more importantly a seminal event in the future direction of American golf: would the essence of the game remain in the hands of high-minded amateurs who played for pride and honor, or pros who at the time carried the stigma that playing for money compromised their golfing integrity?

In this 2nd effort, Frost clearly refines his style by eliminating much of the characters' internal and external "filler" dialogue, and the result is a book with better momentum and few if any question marks on accuracy. Not coincidentally, "The Match" is about 1/2 the page count of "Greastest Game."

In any case, both of these books are clearly "can't miss" and go together like Godfather's I & II.

I found this incredible interview regarding how the game of Golf has changed over the years. You wouldn't believe the evolution! If you have any interest in the history of Golf, this is a must read. If you want to become even more knowledgeable on the subject, scroll to the bottom of the interview and get in touch with the author. After reading, I guarantee you will be able to lead the most interesting discussions and impress your friends!

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/interviewroden.html

I loved the movie so I thought I'd try the book. I was not disappointed. In fact, I believe a second movie based on this book, focussing on the early career and post "Greatest Game" highlights of Harry Vardon, would produce an excellent movie, as well.

My older brother recently retired. My gifts to him were a Caribbean Cruise and a copy of this book to read as he suns on the deck of the cruise ship. When presented with both (gifts), he noted that he too had seen the movie and seemed just as excited to have received a copy of the book, as he was the cruise.

This is a terrific book and I'm not even a golfer. I didn't care much for the movie; a buddy of mine recommended reading the book and WOW, it's so much better. I'm not sure who wrote the movie but Frost does a great job of telling the story and holding on to your interest. I loved the biographical background and personality insights he offers. He's a terrific writer.

Great detail is setting the stage of how society viewed golf and its champions and how this tournament took that to the next level in popularity. Gives great detail intothe lives of Vardon, Ray, Francis and even Walter Hagen at the beginning of his career. Great for anyone who loves the history of golf and a good old fashion underdog story.

As much as I like the "revealed" series, this book had more detail (on snorkeling particularly), so it was money well spent.

I'm a big fan of this series and have their Maui and Big Island guides on my shelf. I love Hawaii because it's a place where I can totally relax without having to think about my passport getting lost or communicating in another language. This guide for Kauai is so straighforward and not only contains descriptions of all the beaches and trails but talks about the island's history and that's what was so interesting.

When I arrive I always head for the beach first and starting in the Poipu area was my first choice. Shipwreck Beach was the perfect day one place to recuperate from jetlag.

For plenty of reliable advice and outsanding presentation and pictures, these trailblazers are right on.

We used this book every single day we were in Kaua'i. It has the best info of any guide book for Kaua'i if you are there to do any adventuring. A+.

Guess where my wife wants to take me on her summer vacation? Hint: she likes lush resorts with hiking opportunities.

I've been to the other islands of Hawaii several times, but never to Kauai. I don't need the usual 50 pages of cajoling to enjoy myself that most guidebooks feature, and in this era of goooogle, I certainly don't need out-of-date hotel listings. This is a book crammed with info that I may find useful when I get there, concerning the rugged activities that make flying all those hours worthwhile, written in a plain and honest prose. I'd venture to say that this is the most convincing guidebook I've ever encountered.

Another reviewer complains about the absence of maps. I'd agree that lack fo maps would be a problem, except that the maps one finds in other guidebooks are almost always next to useless. My advice: get a real full-sized map and correlate!

We returned this year with their new third edition for 2008 and found remarkable changes. Hiking the Kalalau Trail again.....was even better the second time around. When it comes to organization and finding ez access to all the cool trails, this one is the winner. The strategies for getting around this beautiful island were incredibly useful.

This is an incredible mounaineering text, and it is well put together.
The item was in perfect condition, as described, and arived promptly. Thank you!

The best book I've about getting ready to face mountains.
Incredible amount of great info.
A wonderful learning tool.

I was gifted this book at age 16; nearly eight years later I look through it constantly, and realize I always have...it was used as a high-school outdoor-ed text, it is considered the bible by most I know, and it has been around for along time..Three Cheers for the Mountaineers!

Never before have I found such a complete reference manual for how to plan and execute trips in the outdoors. The book is timeless in its core message of preparedness and finding freedom in the outdoors. It collects information from a wide range of topics such as how to choose equipment for your needs to cooking in the outdoors and proper mountaineering skills. There is some discussion of ethics and philosophy, but no more than is necessary.

This book pretty much covers everything you need to know about mountaineering. It does so in an easy to read, concise style. It really stresses the philosophy of being an educated and environmentally aware mountaineer. The illustrations are also great...very clear and informative.
You won't be disappointed with this book.
Here's the Table of Contents:

Part I (Outdoor Fundamentals)
(1) First Steps
(2) Clothing and Equipment
(3) Camping and Food
(4) Physical Conditioning
(5) Navigation
(6) Wilderness Travel
(7) Leave No Trace
(8) Stewardship and Access

Part II (Climbing Fundamentals)
(9) Basic Safety System
(10)Belaying
(11)Rapelling

Part III (Rock Climbing)
(12) Alpine Rock-Climbing Technique
(13) Rock Protection
(14) Leading on Rock
(15) Aid Climing

Part IV (Snow, Ice and Alpine Climbing)
(16) Snow Travel and Climbing
(17) Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue
(18) Alpine Ice Climbing
(19) Waterfall Ice and Mixed Climbing
(20) Expedition Climbing

Part V (Emergency Prevention and Response)
(21) Leadership
(22) Safey
(23) First Aid
(24) Alpine Rescue

Part VI (The Mountain Environment)
(25) Mountain Geology
(26) The Cycle of Snow
(27) Mountain Weather

Ruffian was perhaps the greatest filly that ever raced. Her unbeaten record and record-setting speed earned her a place alongside the finest of her sport. But she tragically broke down in a match race that never should have taken place and had to be euthanized, leaving many fans heartbroken and disillusioned about the sport of horse racing. Who knows how many other titles she would have won and what further magnificence she would have shown had her owners and trainer not been pushed into participated in the big-money media event and allowed her to continue to develop and mature? She was a mere teenager in horse years when she was taken from us.

Schwartz's book gives some sense of closure in her detailed account of Ruffian's life and, ultimately, her death. While knowing so much more about her life deepened my understanding of and love for Ruffian and the dedication and hard work it requires to train a racehorse, it was still very painful to read the last chapters. Schwartz captured the agony and devastation so many went through as Ruffian lived out her last hours. It was like having a wound opened again.

Thankfully, there is much more to this book than the tragic ending. When you have a good supporting cast, the star shines even more brilliantly in this case. There was obviously a great deal of love, bright hope and dedication among those who cared for her and groomed her into the phenomenal racehorse she became. The interplay of her personality with that of her trainer, riders and grooms brought out more about Ruffian than most would have ever known. There was something almost human in the way she is described, and this makes her all the more endearing, and her loss more enduring.

The only thing I would have wished for would have been more detail of the match race itself. Schwartz gave a virtual play by play in her previous races, chronicling each furlong and the thoughts and perceptions of her jockeys. Perhaps the details were not available as with the other races, but I had hoped to know more of what Jacinto Vasquez's recollections of those last tragic moments before she broke down. All I know is that it remains a mystery to this day why it happened.

As a musician, I am inspired by almost anything with grace and beauty. I also own a movie made about Ruffian, with video footage of her races. Watching Ruffian open up and take flight in that amazing, effortless ground-eating stride, I hear music. Schwartz has provided the beautiful text underneath that soaring melody.

read this book and couldn't put it down-Ruffian was born to run and unfortunately she died doin' the only thing she did best-I will always have a place in my heart for this great champion and filly...marjorie

Simply put, this is one of the finest books about horse racing and especially the gigantic black filly who broke the heart of a nation. Jane Schwartz has written a classic about one of the most famous thoroughbreds of all time. She has researched this story so that one feels a part of what actually happened in the life of Ruffian.

This is an amazing book! I loved every second of it from start to finish... I wish there were more to follow. One of the greatest throroughbreds of all times finally gets a great book. I learned so much about her life that just added to her brilliance. Everyone should know about this horse- most don't or say once she saw real speed she couldn't handle it and broke down. This is not the case and whether or not you are a horse lover, know a lot about racing or not, this story will get you hooked. I definately recommend this book, it will not disappoint you! You may shed a tear or two at the end, but it is WELL worth it.

A beautifully told story of a true champion whose heart and will remained strong even when her body failed her. Ruffian was a special horse who mananged to capture the hearts of racing fans and average citizens alike. Her tragic end was truly heartbreaking (get out the Kleenex for the last few chapters). Unfortunately I am not old enough or lucky enough to have seen Ruffian race, but now that I have read about her, I will certainly never forget her!

The book scales the island down in a very nice way and is easy to follow. Heed their water safety and driving with "aloha" tips. Squirts out all the best things to do and made our daily itinerary decisions slamdunks.

Take it with you on the road. I strongly recommend seeing the Hana Highway in a convertible. Our twisty ride out there in the early morning was awesome.

The places we did get to check out were awesome. I know we wouldn't have found the "aquarium" without this book and that was our favorite snorkel spot. I wish we had more time in maui to explore.

Where this one shines: compact and to the point, definitely our style. It covers all of the island and the hikes they list inside Haleakala Crater and near Hana were terrific. Bring your binoculars for the whale and windsurfer action. We had several guides with us, but the most consistent useful information came from this one.

Friends asked us how we saw and experienced so much in just a week and we attribute it to doing our homework first - mapping it all out with the Trailblazer.

Beaches are the reason we went to Maui and this was the guide we used to find them. There were several dozen to higrade. When we arrived we noticed many of the street signs were missing or twisted the wrong way so we navigated using the maps and mile markers in the Trailblazer guide. Even our rental car map didn't have the detailed streets this book had.

We have three kids and they spent hours and hours boogieboarding and their UV protected rashguards that we also bought on Amazon paid off plenty. The bike tours were closed so we hiked in Haleakala State Park. Trail distances we needed and trail distances we got. We felt like we were on another planet. They suggested we bring warm clothes and water, thank goodness we did.

Organized, detailed, dangerous places to avoid, the advice was priceless. This was our first time on Maui and this book really did blaze the trail.

We decided to visit two islands because we had heard how different they were: Maui and the Big Island. We chose the trailblazer books to guide us since they were both crammed with incredibly helpful information. For hikers and snorkelers and sightseers they are a gold mine. They are written in clear language and the outings are well arranged with accompanying maps.

The tips for getting out to Hana were treasure trove status and put us out in front of the chain of cars we saw heading out at 2pm. Leaving at 7:30 am before the tour buses made all the difference. We could have used another few days on Maui and regret taking only one hike down into the crater. We plan another visit in 2009 and our first order of business will be watching the sunrise on Haleakala and taking a helicopter tour.

Thanks Trailblazers for sharing and demystifying wowie Maui.

This has to be one of the finest books published on Judo and is definitely a must in both the beginner's and advanced student library.

This is one of the best judo books you are gonna find if you eant to know thw technicalities of judo, written with thw aprroval of the kodokan judo.

...it should be this one. All the basics are here, copiously illustrated (some of the images featuring judo's founder, Jigoro Kano) and explained in a fair amount of detail. Although other books may offer more variations and flashier presentations, herein can be found all the rudiments of Kodokan judo. If the subject interests you at all, you simply must own this book. With judo's popularity on the rise (even professional mixed martial artists, typically reliant on either wrestling or Brazilian jiu-itsu, have begun to reevaluate judo and its usefulness in the combative context), no serious student of the martial arts can afford to ignore Kano's work, and this book is the gateway to understanding that work.

Complete text of traditional art by authoratative author. Excellent reference of techniques. Chinese author has slight problem with english in this translation. Does not delineate when or where to use techniques. Must learn Chin-na with instructor to learn this.

As stated above, this book is considered the foundation of Judo, both modern day and early judo. Please be aware that this book is not to purchased and read as a novel: it is to supplement judo training in the dojo and assist with one's desire to achieve success in the sport of judo.

The best book on bodybuilding if you're a beginner! I bought the book and it's got more info jammed in fewer pages than anything you'll ever read. The different methods of training, technique, and the importance of rest and recovery. The specifics on nutrition alone is worth the price. The author shows examples of diet planning and how to manipulate your metabolism for maximum muscle. The author does not focus on worthless supplements, he simply pushes good nutrition and pumping iron. I am constantly referring to this book after three months of reading and re-reading. There are plenty of pictures and advice regarding how to avoid injury.
The only negative about this book is several errors in grammar.
But the stuff is so practical and easy to read who cares! A great compact easy to carry book that I still keep on my nightstand.
This author is showing what one bodybuilder did to build real muscle and compete to win the big prize. Whether you're just looking to tone or build muscle, this book will help you look good naked!

A very good book that delivers what it promises. The book is intelligently broken into topics that cover the exercises, the grouping of exercises into workouts, how often to exercise, how many reps to perform and nutrician. Each section is written to cover people who what only to tone up, people who want to loose weight and those who want to gain weight/bulk up.

His advise on all this really is 'realistic'. He stresses the basic exercises (bench presses, squats, pull ups, etc) to build a good foundation before progressing onto the more specialized exercises like cable crossovers. He points out that suppliments are not only expensive but aren't necessary if you simply eat the right foods at the right times.

Although the end of the book covers various aspects of competing, I think the book is best used by beginners to intermediates. It is the only bodybuilding book that I will need buy.

I think this is the book for working people who want to build muscle/tone them/loose weight etc. Most books seem to be considering that the reader is into professional body building. So, even if you start the program, you end it soon because it is just too much effort. This however is really a realistic approach and thus, you can continue it and getting results. I started with Arnold's book and the 5 set approach. That was just too much as I never had enough time for the same. Eventually after a month or two, I left the program. Then later on, after several years, I got this book and this was a no-nonsense approach, which I can adopt easily with my extremely busy work schedule and part-time graduate degree even!

This book is the best bodybuilding/weight training book I have read. It is a no bull approach that gives you the straight details without all the frill. This is not a catalog of grunts posing, it is a real book for real people who want to get into weight training.

Melfa is direct and honest on what you need to do. The nutritional information is the easy to understand and gives you a complete break down of how to eat for either muscle building or fat loss. I found the nutritional section to be much more consise then most other books. Considering that eating right is more the 50% of weight training, I don't know why so many other books have skimped on this section. The excersises are consise and clear. Melfa explians all aspects from beginner up to advanced competive training with clear photos and detailed examples for performing each excersise.

I've checked out just about every book in the library about body building and this is the one I wanted to buy. I am constantly referring to it, any and all questions are addressed. If you want glossy, full color printing in a large bound book so you can gawk and dream, then don't buy this book. If you want to be serious about getting into a training program and progressing, this is the book to buy.

I have lifted weights on and off for 25, sometimes pretty seriously, occasionally achieving quite a lot of bulk and definition, but this book finally gave me a real plan suited for guys like me - athletic nerds who want to be in shape.

It really is realistic; it is complete (diet, "dungeon" (basement) workouts, and - importantly - safety, are covered thoroughly), easy to follow, and the pictures are great. Many times, the author says "Look, I've done this excercise tens of thousands of times, and this is how you really have to do it. Watch out for X, Y, and Z, and don't fall into the various traps of bad form that can result in injuries, slow development, or uneven development).

The writing is friendly yet never verbose. The reader is encouraged at every step of the way, and the sample workouts and diets make things concrete.

great book! would buy if you never ran or walked or crawled a marathon

I finished this book the day after it arrived. So funny, so inspiring. This author freely admits that she was committed to laziness and yet finished a marathon. (albeit in pain!) This is truly more of a memoir than a training manual, but it should inspire you to get off your butt! Even if you have no intention of ever running a marathon, this book will convince you to set a goal and accomplish something that seems impossible. A truly enjoyable read.

Dawn Dais is hilarious! Get this book if you are even considering taking up running or starting a training routine for any length of race. It is more of a light read than a manual, but at the same time I find myself referring back to specific things in the book.

Perfect for any woman considering (or having committed to) the daunting task of moving your rear off the couch and on to the track! So funny, so honest, so motivational and realistic everyone who reads this book will finish it just as I did, totally inspired and ready to start the journey! I've already purchased my Water-Holder Butt Thingy and modeled it to the laughter of my family... Thanks Dawn for showing me I can actually do this!

I read the 10th spandex joke. Geez, the jokes were funny at first but by the time I made it not even halfway through the book they were SO annoying. She kept repeating the same things and about how much she HATES running. Enough already. I do not get the point of writing a running book if you hate running so much. I have run marathons before so I guess it is my fault for reading a non-runner's marathon book.
I just wanted something motivating to read. I did not realize she hated running though. I want to read Chipper Jen's journal. Now that would help me!
Yes, this book is definitely for beginner marathoners BUT definitely join a running group for your marathon training. My training schedules were completely different than the one's in her book so I do not care for those either. Jumping from week 5 at 60 mins to week 6 at 90 minutes is almost a 3 mile jump. How can that be right? For a newbie no less?
If you join a marathon training group for the first time and read this book you will probably find many similarities and enjoy the book.
OR if you HATE running and are running a marathon (which is pure stupidity to me--why torture yourself if you do not like running????) this book would be perfect for you.
For seasoned marathoners you might find the jokes stupid and annoying after awhile..

The story, the pictures, the illustrations and the good information all made me a lot better goose hunter.

This book is full of things that you should know and things that I did not know. I am glad I purchased this book from Amazon.

I liked the chapter on concealment. There was a lot of good information in that chapter.

It was the best waterfowl book that I have ever read. I will recommend it.

This is the worst book on hunting I've ever read. The author has no love of geese, to which he constantly refers as "those damn geese." Nor does he seem to appreciate the hunt. His only interest is in "killing those damn geese." To the author, the only reason for hunting is killing. The only reason for geese is to kill them.

The author goes into some detail about techniques, including decoying and concealment, and this may be helpful to beginners. However, anyone with interest in learning how to hunt should read any number of books written by people who are hunters, not killers.

Jim Corbett was an excellent writer and storyteller. Although I've read other stories written by adventurers and hunters that were Corbett's contemporaries, none were as interesting or as well told. My 11-year-old son particularly enjoys them. I would highly recommend any of Jim Corbett stories for teens or pre-teens as well as adults.

This book, read first when I was 14 years old, and since added to my adult library, read and re-read again, has stayed with me like so very few other books in my life.

I wont over-egg the review - Corbett wouldn't have liked that kind of lionising (good pun!) and he doesn't need it. Suffice to say I respect Corbett deeply, and often think of him. Unabashed admiration for this man is easy. All his books are worth your money, but start with this one.

Probably the best big game hunting book ever written. Will keep you on the edge of your seat and I do not recommend reading it while camping in the woods (especially if the woods happen to be in India). Corbett describes stalking man-eating tigers and often they stalk him. These are not made-up stories nor are they self justifying. Corbett ONLY hunted tigers that the local population asked him to, after dozens or sometimes hundreds of people had been killed. His descriptions are beautiful and picture an era (India in 1900-1930) that has long since gone. I have read it many times, the first when I was about 11 years old.

This book was written by not only a very brave man but a man that possessed great character and class. His only reason for hunting these Man-Eaters was to rescue the villagers from this ever present terror. He took no money for his efforts. Very exciting reading without ever a hint of bragging about his extraordinary gift of successfully hunting the most dangerous animals on earth.

In the early twentieth century, British held South Asia was terroized by a number of infamous tigers and leopards. Entire villages were abandoned and literally hundreds of human beings found out they weren't at the top of the food chain. In the "Man Eaters of Kumaon", hunter jim Corbett describes in vivid and suspensful detail his hunt for tigers in Northwest India.
Corbett describes the perilous beauty of the jungle clad hills in the shadow of Nepal's majestic summits. He also masterfully paints an image of terror and suspense as he faces off against tigers, leopards, a bear, and a venomous snake. Even as he pursues his prey, he often comes close to having the tables turned on him. He also presents readers with a glimpse of the cultural spectacle and harsh life-or death realities in India under the Raj.
Corbett doesn't come across as very prideful. In fact, he even respects the animals he's hunting and often notes injuries or situations that likely caused them to hunt humans. I will warn potential readers that there are several rather gruesome scenes ranging from finding dead or injured humans to some of the hunting itself. However, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in adventure, hunting, or both. It is well written, a fast read, and ultimately a powerful tale of man against beast.