Sports and Recreation Books

By way of explaining the "inexplicable", The Breach is a roman à clef.

Rob came to speak at my school about 20 years ago, and his talk still resonates!

This book can be read on so many levels--it has adventure, spirituality, and humanity. I've read it at least 10 times and have treasured it over the years.

Rob Taylor and Henry Barber's epic on the Breach wall of Kilimanjaro is one of the great stories of mountaineering history. Part of that is because Rob Taylor is a good writer.

Rob Taylor owes his life to Henry Barber and has made himself famous by complaining about Henry's lack of sensitivity, after Henry SAVED him. I suffered a part of Rob's fate when I had both legs shattered in a plane crash on the grounds of an airport, hardly above sea level. It took all the efforts of the local fire department and the EMS to get me out and to hospital, inside 3 hours. I couldn't care less if I ever saw any of those guys again, of if they visited me in the hospital as long as they got me there in the first place. Rob Taylor would have done better to have said "thank you" and shut up about it.

Nobody would have heard of Rob Taylor had he not played second fiddle to Henry over a brief period of Henry's prolific career.

But that is what makes this a good book. Like the Screwtape Letters, you can read differing versions of the same event. Get Henry's bio, and see the other side of the story. Rob's account is more compelling, but this story is all he's got.

I'm buying this book. The story of Rob Taylor and his parter Harley was compelling. You're probably thinking 'she hasn't even read the book.' Rob Taylor came to my school today. He spent and hour and a half telling us his fascinating story all about his climb up Kilamanjaro and it's tragic ending. Though all that Rob went through with Harley, he still blames himself for the horrific accident. His poor judge of character came back to haunt him later in the climb up this monstrous mountain. He made some decisions that could've been a lot better, but all of us are human. I haven't read the book yet, but I think it'll be interesting to know if Rob wrote about how Harley ended up. I am only in middle school, so yes the majority of my grade laughed, but I think all of the greed and selfishness that he showed Rob up on the mountain is still kicking to this day. When you get someone's story verbally, it tends to be more exciting, especially with someone like Rob Taylor. His expressions and tone of voice as he went through the story that started at the base of the mountain in 120 degree weather to negative 30 at the summit were entertaining. His expressions changed, and even if you were deaf, you would've been able to read the story through his eyes. I'm hoping the book will be as fascinating as the real person...especially when I've seen the scars.

Taylor is not only a gifted alpinist, but a gifted writer. The book eloquently draws the reader into the harrowing physical and mental journey to Africa and up and down The Breach Wall.

The previous reviewer has such a twisted perspective that it leads one to wonder whether he's suffering from altitude sickness after having read The Breach. He obviously missed the whole point of the book and grossly misunderstood the person. Rob Taylor is what I would characterize as a "soul alpinist." He obviously doesn't climb for self-aggrandizement, he climbs to feed his soul. It was immediately apparent to me that Taylor wrote this book, not to "become famous" or for anyone but himself. The book is an introspectual journey as a critical step in the author's healing process. Rob is a renowned, but not famous climber, and one gets the impression he'd have it no other way.

Harley Warner, Taylor's climbing partner, was a daring, fantastic climber, but he wouldn't have achieved the same degree of fame if he hadn't made it his first priority to have the press alerted and cameras rolling when he planned his ascents. The previous reviewers suggestion that Taylor played 2nd fiddle to Warner (whom the previous reviewer inexplicably refers to as "Henry Barber"???) reveals a complete ignorance of the very different characters, skill-sets and goals of these two climbers.

In "The Breach," Taylor laments, but NEVER complains at all about the fact that Warner abandons him, critically wounded and desperately in need of support, so as not to miss a promotional event back in the U.S. He was obviously hurt by that. Who wouldn't be??? On the contrary, Taylor thanks Harley profusely for getting him safely off the Breach wall even though Harley doesn't return with the rescue party to see Taylor safely out of the jungle. It's worthy of note that Taylor minimizes description of his own suffering in describing that horrific descent in the book.

The book is a real gift, not only as an insight into the inner strength that we can all draw upon in our most critical hours, but also in the artful way it combines adventure and psychology with anthropological and cultural musings to create a thoroughly deep and satisfying meal of a read.

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...

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!

This is one of those books designed for the fidgety story-time goer.

It's full of instructions - clap your hands, tell me your age, I'll tickle you if you tickle me, find something red, that sort of thing.

Great fun for kids to get to move around instead of sitting through a story, this might be a good way to end storytime!

But, because of those good points, board book format might not be the best way to go. The pictures are too small for moving around - you have to sit close to really see them - and some of the instructions are really too hard for the younger rip-up-books crowd anyway. You might be better off waiting a year or two and getting a normal edition instead.

Great book for kids of many ages. My two year old grandson LOVES it....but so do my first graders. It's a great book to read when the class needs to get up and move around...it has become a class favorite! I had never seen it until a colleague who joined our staff this year shared it with me. It will be a book I'll be giving to LOTS of people in the future!

I originally bought this for my 9 month old, but my 2 year old gets more out of it right now. It's a fun, active, educational book. Because my girls are so young I just wish there was a cd so that we could play it since it's hard to use my hands to hold the book and act out the activities at the same time.

I have read this book to various ages (preschool 3 yrs old through 1st grade). As my children have grown,I have always read this book to their class. A 1st grade teacher asked where I got it and I am getting her a copy as her end of school gift. It holds the kids attention with the simple words, fun actions and sing-song type way that it is written. You cannot go wrong adding this to your personal library - it comes in paperback too!

Our son (age 2 now, about 18 months when he first started really being able to play along) enjoyed this book so much at a friend's house that we had to buy one of our own, and we've given it as a gift to others, too. The pictures are fun and imaginative, and the simple rhyme is cute, but the real magic is in watching kids follow the book's instructions - turn around, find something red, growl like a lion, etc. They get to practice following directions, hone their motor skills, burn off some energy, and have a sense of accomplishment about doing all the actions - and, of course, the kids just think they're having fun! We love this book!

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.

The first shipment was wrong, I returned it with a picture of the cover showing the thumb hole stock. Second book arrived, the same as the first.
Not the thumb hole stock, but the none thumb hole stock which I had. I want the edition with a thumb hole stock on it, even if it is just a new cover on the one I have.
Why is it people do not think, read and pay attention to what or why things are returned? I'll go to Barns and Noble at the mall and try there.
The first book is very, very good if you shoot and own a Ruger 10/22! It has more information, how to, where to find, about the 10/22 than any book I have found to date.

This book is a 'must have' if you own a Ruger 10/22 rifle. Very informative!

This book was well written and organized. I found it very helpful in answering some questions I had about my Ruger 10-22. It was a good value.

Excellent presentation of both text and illustrations. Material very helpful to both inexperienced shooters as well as old pros.

I've read other 10/22 books but this one is the best so far. The book is broken down perfectly starting fairly general about the 10/22 then focusing on each component and fairly recognizing the many major suppliers of replacement or upgrade components. It really helped me with some decisions on upgrades to my "tack-driver". A must have for anyone building or modifying their 10/22.

This book is truly perfect for all ages! I bought it for my tween (10-14 yr old) niece and nephews but found myself reading the book all the time. I even had to buy another one for my coworker as a parting gift which was a big hit. Several other coworkers expressed interest in buying one for themselves! Absolutely love it :)

Great fun book for the younger set. Good to let them get a little crazy in this up-tight P C world!

Strange look on daughters face when she opened it-but everyone had a blast trying some of the tricks. Favorite was the leg swinging clockwise trick. This is a book they will go back to again and again for more indepth fun. The perfect book for boy or girl that likes practical jokes, magic, science etc. This book will be loved for a long time.

This was a
Christmas present for a grandson. All of the kids spent all day pouring over it.

My husband and I ran across this book when a friend bought it as a birthday gift for his brother (in his late 20s). We read through it and loved it! It has so many different ideas that are terribly immature, but why do we all need to grow up? Life needs to be fun.

We decided to buy it for our nephew who is turning 16. He'll get a kick out of it and have fun doing a bunch of the ideas in the book. I'm sure my husband will get him started and make sure he does a few things right away.

This is a great gift for anyone who is young and heart and has a great sense of humor! I'm also thinking about getting it for my brother on his next birthday (he'll be 34), but I'm not sure he needs it since he is immature enough.

I would have to say that this gift is best for the boys, but some girls might like it, too. I think it is funny, but not nearly as much as my husband. The girlfriend of our friend's brother hated the book, but she didn't have much of a sense of humor.

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!!