Sport
Braille - Grade 2. Compiled: 2009.
The titles in this booklist are just a selection of the titles available
for loan from the RNIB National Library Service braille collection.
Books are lent for up to 3 months, but you can renew your books
by telephone, letter or email, unless another reader requires them.
If you would like to read any of these titles then please contact the
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read, please visit our website at www.rnib.org.uk/reading or
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Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 2SG, United Kingdom.
Angling
Bark, Conrad Voss.
History of flyfishing. 1992. 3v.
Man has been fishing for trout and salmon with the fly since the
time of the Ancient Greeks. As he devised increasingly more
ingenious methods of doing so, his rods, reels, lines and flies
evolved in fascinating ways. This book tells the story of flyfishing,
from the Macedonian "plumes" to hairwig streamers.
Walton, Izaak.
Compleat angler. 1906. 4v. UK Loan only.
Provides a blend of practical advice on fishing; anecdote, natural
history, poetry and song. Taking the form of a dialogue between an
angler, a falconer and a hunter, this book contains a wealth of
advice to fishermen. In modern times, however, it is largely read
for the attitude of life it embodies rather than the sport it commends
- a celebration of a contented life in tranquil surroundings.
Bodybuilding
Lear, John.
Weight training. 1987. 2nd ed. 1v.
No review available.
Reynolds, Bill.
Bodybuilding for beginners. 1983. American Braille. 1v. UK
Loan only.
Men and women of all ages can enjoy the challenge and benefits
of bodybuilding. Exercises, techniques, nutrition and equipment
are discussed.
Boxing
Barrow, John Louis.
Joe Louis: fifty years an American hero. 1988. American
Braille. 2v. UK Loan only.
This biography of heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis, written
by his son, is filled with the recollections of those who knew the
fighter best - family members, childhood friends, ex-wives, trainers,
opponents and sportswriters. Louis won the adulation of fellow
blacks and earned the respect of many whites during an era when
racism was a part of American life.
Lloyd, Alan.
The great prize fight. 1977. 3v. UK Loan only.
In its day "the Great Fight" was the sensation of Britain and
America, its contestants Tom Sayers (Britain) and John C Heenan
(America), were national heroes. An epic reconstruction of an
amazing fist-fight in ring history, and a vivid insight into Victorian
sporting life, this portrait of bare-knuckle bruisers, their trainers,
backers, families, and opponents in Law and Church is for those
with an interest in boxing or the social history of Dickensian
England.
Cricket
Bird, Dickie.
White cap and bails: adventures of a much travelled umpire.
1999. 9v. UK Loan only.
In this anecdotal book, Dickie Bird takes one County Cricket Club
at a time and revisits each with the aid of memorabilia, statistics,
books and videos. A mass of stories flow from Dickie as he flexes
his memory: he describes the cricketers, the matches and the
character of these clubs. Dickie also relives his journeys as an
umpire to clubs and Test match arenas overseas and recalls the
humorous times that have filled his unique career. Contains swear
words.
Blofeld, Henry.
Cricket and all that. 2002. 3v. UK Loan only.
An irreverent account of the history of cricket. Henry Blofeld
unravels and re-interprets the story of the game which originated in
16th-century England. He looks at old scandals and the lives of
some of the great heroes of the past and present game.
Brearley, Mike.
The art of captaincy. 1985. 8v.
What is a captain? What specific gifts and skills are needed to
ensure success in captaining a cricket team? What can we learn
from the great cricket captains of history - and the worst? Every
precept is related to actual situations, but for all its thoroughness,
the book is never dry. Full of anecdotes and recollections, this is a
marvellous account of how cricket has been played over the last
twenty years.
Brearley, Mike
Phoenix from the ashes: the England - Australia series 1981.
1982. 4v.
Single Tests are often dubbed after players, but the 1981 series
has gone down in history as "Botham's Ashes".
Brownlee, Nick.
The one hundred greatest cricketers. 1999. 2v.
The text looks at the careers of one hundred cricketers from
Bradman to Botham and from Trueman to Tendulkar. Facts,
figures, profiles and dream teams.
Fletcher, Duncan.
Behind the shades: the autobiography. 2007. Coming soon.
Before his resignation in April 2007, Duncan Fletcher had been the
most successful England cricket coach of the modern era. One of
the most experienced and senior figures in the game, Fletcher now
looks back over his life and career as he ponders his next step.
What was it that drove him from a sporty and competitive
Rhodesian farming family to the heights of international cricket?
What lessons has he drawn from his successful business career in
forging a winning team?
Foot, David.
Sunshine, sixes and cider: the history of Somerset cricket.
1986. 10v. UK Loan only.
No review available.
Hick, Graeme.
My early life. 1991. 4v. UK Loan only.
The personal story of the young batsman, whose record stands
comparison with the legendary Sir Donald Bradman. In April 1991,
at the age of only 25, Graeme Hick will at last qualify to play for
England. In this book, Hick tells of his early years in Zimbabwe,
where he scored his first century at the age of six and played for
his country while still at school. He talks about why he chose to
qualify for England rather than to continue to play for Zimbabwe.
He charts the success he has enjoyed since joining
Worcestershire: the feat of becoming the second batsman since
World War II to score a thousand runs in May; of the day when he
scored 405 runs not out in a county game - the highest individual
score in England this century. With everyone expecting Graeme
Hick to take the Test scene by storm in 1991 and to dominate it for
the next decade, he discusses the pressures of expectation
Illingworth, Ray.
Ray Illingworth: the tempestuous years, 1979-83. 1987. 5v. UK
Loan only.
Ray Illingworth gives an honest account of the five years he spent
as manager of The Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
Johnston, Brian.
Letters home. 1998. 10v.
From the year he went to boarding school in 1920 until he was
demobbed in 1945, cricket commentator Brian Johnston wrote a
letter to his mother every week. The letters reveal his schoolboy
love of bad jokes, cricket and chocolate cake.
Johnston, Brian.
More views from the boundary: celebrity interviews from the
commentary box. 1994. 5v.
Brian Johnston - renowned cake-lover and joker-in-chief of the
cricket commentators' union - whose death in January 1994
robbed the nation of one of its best loved characters, brings his
impish humour and refreshingly amiable yet perceptive questioning
to this new collection of celebrity interviews. Originally broadcast
live on the BBC's Test match Special, the interviews bring together
a disparate and sometimes surprising team of well-known
personalities.
Johnston, Brian,
It's a funny game. 1978. 4v. UK Loan only.
Having reached the age of sixty-five, Brian Johnston finds that his
retirement brings as much work, pleasure and variety as ever
before. He continues his saga of family life in London, and the
book is packed with personalities-a gaggle of bona fide British
eccentrics from places visited in "Down Your Way", family and
showbiz friends and, of course, anyone and everyone in the world
of cricket.
Johnston, Barry.
Johnners: the life of Brian. 2003. 5v.
With his schoolboy humour and distinctive, cheerful voice,
"Johnners" was a friend to millions of radio listeners and when he
died in 1994 at the age of 81, the "Daily Telegraph" described him
as "the greatest natural broadcaster of them all". His remarkable
broadcasting career spanned 48 years and made him a household
name as a cricket commentator and on programmes such as In
Town Tonight and Down Your Way.
Lynch, Steven.
The Lord's test 1884-1989. 1990. 9v. UK Loan only.
The book gives detailed descriptions of all 84 matches (18841989), as well as full scorecards. There is also an extensive
records section, which reveals, among other things, the leading run
scorers, wicket-takers and fielders in Test matches at Lord's.
Martin-Jenkins, Christopher.
In defence of the Ashes: England's victory. 1979. 6v.
Sub-titled `England's victory, Packers progress', this book
describes the 1978-1979 contest for the Ashes.
Martin-Jenkins, Christopher.
Ball by ball. 1980. 5v.
A history of cricket broadcasting. It contains many hints on
technique from broadcasters such as John Arlott, E.W.Swanton,
Rex Alston, Brian Johnstone and Richie Benaud. This book also
includes anecdotes from Test Matches in Australia, the West
Indies, South Africa, India and Pakistan.
Vaughan, Michael.
Calling the shots: the captain's story. 2005. 3v.
The most successful England cricket captain for twenty years
delivers an enthralling behind-the-scenes account of his time at the
helm - set to follow Clive Woodward's "Winning!" as a bestselling
tale of sporting triumph. "Calling the shots" covers the two year
period from the time Michael Vaughan took over as England
captain. Michael describes his approach to captaincy, his aims and
thoughts about the various Test series, as well as his decisionmaking and man management strategies. A lively and entertaining
narrative.
Wilde, Simon.
Letting rip: the fast bowling threat from Lillee to Waqar. 1994.
5v.
A sharp, probing investigation of the way in which cricket's bowlers
have dominated the game since Lillee and Thomson first terrorized
batsman in the 1970s.
Wisden, John.
A century of Wisden: an extract from every edition 1900-1999.
2000. 5v. UK Loan only.
This chronicle of 20th century cricket celebrates the continuous
appearance of the almanac through the 20th century, and
illustrates Wisden's rich variety with one extract from each of the
last 100 editions. This chronicle of 20th century cricket celebrates
continuous appearance of the almanac through the 20th century,
and illustrates Wisden's rich variety with one extract from each of
the last 100 editions.
Cycling
Hoy, Chris.
Heroes, villains and velodromes: inside track cycling with
Chris Hoy. 2008. Coming soon.
By shadowing Hoy through a season, author Richard Moore has
gained an unembellished insight into the mind of a World and
Olympic champion. He has also attained unprecedented levels of
access to the key members of the all-conquering British team and
support staff, including top coaches, world-renowned psychiatrists,
doctors (where the subject of drug abuse is an ever-present
shadow) and the pivotal characters behind the scenes. Combining
his forensic knowledge of the cycling world with his acclaimed
skills as a tenacious investigative journalist, Moore captures the
mood of the British team and explores an area of professional
sport that has rarely been seen before.
Moore, Tim.
French revolutions: cycling the Tour de France. 2002. 6v.
Comic writer Tim Morre trades his ailing Rolls Royce for a bicycle,
a map and a water bottle in a quest to pedal the route of the Tour
de France, no mean feat for the fit, let alone a self-described
suburban slouch. The resulting 2,256-haphazard-mile journey
transforms Moore into an incredibly fit and passionately proud
cyclist.
St Pierre, Roger.
Cycle racing. 1995. 1v. UK Loan only.
This book is a comprehensive introduction to the sport. From
advice on clubs, equipment and competing, to information on road
races and track events, here are tips and tactics.
Equestrian
Anne, Princess Royal.
Riding through my life. 6v. UK Loan only.
Told in her now well known dry, self-deprecating style this is the
Princess Royal's own story of how horse riding gave her a
confidence she might not otherwise have had in dealing with new
challenges. It begins when she was two with her first tiny pony
"Fum". She became European Champion in the dangerous sport of
Three-Day Eventing, and went on to represent Britain in the
Montreal Olympic Games.
Cooper, Barbara.
The manual of horsemanship. 1997. 7v. UK Loan only.
A complete basic guide to horsemanship and horse care. This
worldwide bestseller has helped countless riders to enjoyment and
success in all areas of equitation. A complete basic guide to
horsemanship and horse care. This is the 11th edition of the
worldwide bestseller that has helped countless riders to enjoyment
and success in all areas of equestrian sport.
Football
Ball, Alan.
Playing extra time. 2004. 4v.
Alan is a fighter - whether overcoming his diminutive size to
become a professional player and youngest member of the 1966
England squad, to the rejection he repeatedly faced as a club
manager. Now Alan faces the toughest battle of life. Both his wife
and daughter have been diagnosed with cancer and he is being
challenged in ways that the public can only imagine.
Bellos, Alex.
Futebol: the Brazilian way of life. 2002. 6v.
The Brazilian football team is one of the modern wonders of the
world. At its best it exudes a skill, flamboyance and romantic pull
like nothing else on earth. Football is how the world sees Brazil
and how Brazilians see themselves. The game symbolises racial
harmony, flamboyance, youth, innovation and skill, and yet football
is also a microcosm of Latin America's largest country and
contains all of its contradictions.
Cheetham, Barry.
When Friday night was County night: Stockport footballing
memories. 2000. 3v. UK Loan only.
The text tells the story of seven friends who started watching
Stockport County Football Club in their early teens from 1952
to1998. The book shows all the frustration and occasional joy in
supporting your local club. The text tells the story of seven friends
who started watching Stockport County Football Club in their early
teens during 1952 and 1998. The book shows all the frustration
and occasional joy in supporting your local club.
Gascoigne, Paul.
Gazza: my story. 2004. 4v.
Almost as soon as the young Geordie burst onto the scene at
Newcastle United, Gazza was the centre of attention. And, with
England on the verge of reaching the World Cup final in 1990,
came Gazza's tears - the moment that brought a whole new
audience to the sport and helped set the 1990's football boom on
its way. But then came a career-threatening injury, mental health
problems, self-confessed alcoholism and family disputes. Now, at
the end of his career in football, Gazza is finally ready to tell his
story in his own words.
Gerrard, Steven.
Gerrard: my autobiography. 2006. 6v.
Steven Gerrard is a hero to millions, not only as the inspirational
captain of Liverpool FC, but as a key member of the England team.
Here, for the first time, he tells the story of his lifelong obsession
with football, in an honest and revealing book which captures the
extraordinary camaraderie, the soul-destroying tensions and the
high-octane thrills of the modern game as never before. Contains
swear words
Glanville, Brian.
The joy of football. 1986. 8v.
It is sometimes said that football, unlike cricket, has not produced
much writing that is worthy of being re-read and preserved. Brian
Glanville, who has also written many novels and stories with
soccer as their theme, shows what outstanding, and outstandingly
readable, material there is on the game.
Hancock, Nick.
What didn't happen next: Nick Hancock's alternative history of
football. 1999. 4v. UK Loan only.
This book is for every football fan who has wished they could nip
back in time and change that all-important (and, of course, vastly
unfair) referee's decision, missed penalty or impatient foul and rewrite the sporting history books. Nick Hancock double-takes on
momentous turning points in football in which he creates totally
alternative outcomes, seeing England winning the World Cup at
least three more times, how Arsenal might have spent seventyeight years wallowing in the lower division and how Barnsley could
have won the double.
Irwin, Colin
Sing when you're winning: football fans, terrace songs and a
search for the soul of soccer. 2006. Coming soon.
Battered by escalating admission prices, executive boxes,
corporate hospitality, swanky out of town stadiums and blanket
television coverage, the fans still turn out in their masses to sing
their hearts out for the lads. And the songs they sing are
something else. Tribal anthems, full of passion, wit and cultural
identity that can instantly inform, delight and provoke in equal
measures, as bizarre and apparently random as their chosen
songs often are. Following his voyages of discovery around Ireland
and England, Colin Irwin goes off on his travels again, this time
donning bobble hat and scarf in pursuit of the ultimate football
anthem.
McKinstry, Leo.
Jack and Bobby: a story of brothers in conflict. 2002. 7v.
Tracing the parallel lives of Jack and Bobby Charlton, this book
follows them from their schooldays through to the present day.
Bobby was at Manchester United during their glory days under Sir
Matt Busby. He survived the Munich air crash and went on to
become a fast, graceful attacker. Jack came to professional
football late, working in a coal mine before Leeds signed him. The
two retired from football in the same year, and since, the contrast
between them has been marked.
Paisley, Bob.
Bob Paisley: a lifetime in football. 1983. 4v. UK Loan only.
At the end of the war Paisley resumed his career as a player,
before joining the Anfield backroom staff and eventually emerging
from the giant shadow of Bill Shankly to become one of Britain's
most successful managers.
Paul, David.
Anfield voices. 1998. 6v.
Liverpool Football Club is one of the oldest in the Football League,
with a proud history dating back over more than one hundred
years. All the stories in this book are true accounts, collected in
tape-recorded interviews and transferred to the page. The stories
are of real events which have touched and, in some cases,
significantly changed people's lives.
Rippon, Anton.
Eng-land!: the story of the national soccer team. 1981. 4v. UK
Loan only.
In February 1970 The Sportsman newspaper published a letter
from the honorary secretary of the Football Association
announcing that a football match "between the leading
representatives of the scotch and English sections" was to be
played under the jurisdiction of the FA, and inviting players to
submit their names for selection. From that humble beginning,
when soccer was anything but the organised sport we know today,
international football was born.
Robinson, John.
The FIFA World Cup, 1930-1986. 1986. 3v.
The FIFA World Cup, occasionally called the Football World Cup,
but usually referred to simply as the World Cup, is an international
association football (also known as soccer) competition contested
by the men's national teams of the members of Fédération
Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global
governing body.
Formula One
Hill, Damon.
Grand prix year: the inside story of a formula one season.
1995. 14v. UK Loan only.
This guide covers the 1994-1995 Formula One season from the
perspective of British driver Damon Hill. It not only contains a
record of a year in the life of a top professional driver but also
offers a more personal perspective on the characters, issues and
technical aspects of the sport. A first hand insight into the life of a
Grand Prix driver, both on the track and off, this is more than an
account of the Damon Hill's extraordinary 1994 season. He recalls
the days when his father Graham made motor racing an integral
part of family life. Now that he is Britain's top driver, he has faced
pressure and the pleasure and has also had to face tragedy with
the deaths of the other two drivers.
Moss, Stirling.
In the track of speed. 1960. 3v. UK Loan only.
Stirling Moss in this autobiography gives the story of his racing
career and of his climb to the top in his chosen sport. He describes
from the inside, the stresses and strains, hopes and fears of the
drivers and thrillingly describes his great race.
Stewart, Jackie.
Winning is not enough: the autobiography. 2007. Coming
soon.
Sir Jackie Stewart is one of the most highly regarded names in
global sport - winner of three F1 World Championships, 27 Grand
Prix and ranked in the top five drivers of all time. On retiring from
the circuit, he went on to build an equally impressive international
business career. In the 1960s and into the 70s, with his black cap,
sideburns and aviator shades Jackie Stewart was an unmistakable
icon in a glorious era of style, glamour and speed. On the track, his
story is one of drama, excitement, tragedy, controversy, celebrity,
danger and massive success. Beyond the sport his life is a
compelling tale of battling against the odds and achieving worldwide recognition as an outstanding sportsman, a role model and a
highly accomplished and respected businessman. This is his story.
Golf
Longhurst, Henry.
My life and soft times. 1971. 8v. UK Loan only.
The golfer writes of his colourful and adventurous life.
MacVicar, Angus.
Golf in my gallowses: confessions of a fairway fanatic. 1983.
4v. UK Loan only.
All those who have enjoyed Angus MacVicar's wry and evocative
books of reminiscence about his particular part of Scotland, the
Mull of Kintyre, will warm to this delightful ramble around the links
which shows the author in an even more revealing light: that of the
fairway fanatic. There are stories aplenty about golfers unknown
and famous - and in telling them Angus has been ably partnered
by his son Jock of the "Scottish Daily Express".
Greyhound Racing
Thompson, Laura.
The dogs: a personal history of greyhound racing. 1994. 4v.
Greyhound racing is the second most popular spectator sport in
Britain (after football), but to outsiders it remains a mystery. This
book explains the history - its beginnings, heyday, and problematic
future - as well as unravelling the intricacies of the sport: how to tell
a good sprinting dog from a staying one, the pristine logic of the
race card, and the unpredictability which can throw any race into
disarray.
Horse Racing
Dettori, Frankie.
Frankie: the autobiography of Frankie Dettori. 2004. 5v.
In his own words, Frankie Dettori relives his nine Classic winners
in the UK and features his notable victories at the St Leger, The
Breeder's Cup Mile, the Arc de Triomphe, the Queen Elizabeth II
Stakes, and, memorably, his seven winners on the same card at
Ascot in 1996. This is also a human interest story. Frankie talks
openly about using drugs to keep his weight down, his celebrity
role as team captain on 'A Question of Sport', his rich and varied
lifestyle outside of racing, and of the moment when he almost lost
his life following a plane crash.
Magee, Sean
Ascot: the history. 2002. 5v.
The history of Ascot from its foundation by Queen Anne in 1711 to
the present day. The text takes the reader through the
development of one of the most famous racecourses in the world.
The authors have had access to the Royal archives and archives
of Wetherbys, The Jockey Club, the Public Record Office and the
British Museum. The book contains stories of the many people
who have contributed to Ascot over nearly 300 years and there are
equine stories aplenty. It also recounts races between many of the
best horses ever known to the sport.
O'Neill, Jonjo.
Jonjo: an autobiography. 1985. 6v.
Jonjo O'Neill won the 1977-78 National Hunt jockeys'
championship with a record total of 149 winners. Two years later
he was champion again. But the price has been high. In a book
which is essentially a celebration of his way of life, he is forced to
own up to a number of horrific injuries. In fascinating and often
moving detail, Jonjo describes his epic races and the camaraderie
that has developed between his closely knit group of National Hunt
jockeys.
Seth-Smith, Michael.
Knight of the turf. 1980. 5v. UK Loan Only.
The life and times of Sir Gordon Richards.
Smith, Vian.
The Grand National: a history of the world's greatest
steeplechase. 1969. 3v. UK Loan only.
Through more than 120 years the "Grand National" has become a
great spectacle in the world of sport; a household event watched
by millions who are not interested in any other race, who do not
bet, who can never hope to own or ride. Yet the "National" is their
event as William Lynn, the organiser from 1837-1839, wanted it to
be. This book combines a catalogue of the races with stories of the
horses and individuals who have added to the glamour of Aintree.
Motorbikes
McGregor, Ewan.
Long way round: chasing shadows across the world. 2004. 4v.
Fellow film actors and bike enthusiasts Ewan McGregor and
Charley Boorman travel 20,000 miles around the world by
motorbike. They encounter many troublesome situations on the
way, ranging from extreme and threatening weather to
impenetrable terrain, and face challenges such as caviar fishing in
the Caspian Sea, and riding with the Canadian Mounties. Whilst
throwing themselves enthusiastically into the culture of each new
country - the two friends also have to rely on each other's good
humour, as the journey tests their relationship and their stamina to
the limits. Contains swear words.
Pierson, Melissa Holbrook.
The perfect vehicle: what it is about motorcycles. 1997.
American Braille. 2v. UK Loan only.
Motorcycle enthusiast, Melissa Holbrook Pierson, delivers an
exposition on this two-wheel vehicle and its riders. She
communicates the thrill of the sport and distinguishing between
real and imaginary dangers. Her personal experiences are wittily
interspersed throughout the account.
Mountaineering
Andrew, Jamie.
Life and limb: a true story of tragedy and survival against the
odds. 2004. 5v.
Jamie Andrew's rescue after five nights trapped by a ferocious
storm on Mont Blanc has passed into Alpine legend; his survival
was miraculous - but his close friend died in his arms and Jamie
himself lost both his hands and legs to frostbite. His description of
that episode is both enthralling and harrowing. The book also
describes Jamie's life since he learnt to walk again on prosthetic
legs - and since then he has married his long-term girlfriend, Anna,
and, astonishingly, both climbed Mont Blanc again and ran in the
London Marathon.
Bonington, Chris,
The Everest years. 1986. 6v.
In 1985 Chris Bonington crowned an already distinguished
mountaineering career by reaching the summit of Everest at the
age of fifty. In this book, he chronicles his four expeditions to the
world's highest peak from early attempts on the huge South-West
Face, through to eventual success in 1975, moving in 1982 to the
tragic North-East Ridge trip, and culminating in the very successful
Norwegian expedition of 1985.
Simpson, Joe.
Touching the void. 1988. 5v.
Joe Simpson and his partner, Simon Yates, had reached the
summit of the previously unclimbed West Face of the remote
Siula Grande in Peru, before disaster struck. What happened,
and how they dealt with the psychological traumas that
resulted when Simon was forced into the appalling decision to
cut the rope, makes not only an epic of survival but a quite
extraordinary and moving book.
Rowing
Cracknell, James and Fogle, Ben.
The crossing: conquering the Atlantic in the world's toughest
rowing race. 2006. 4v.
When James Cracknell and Ben Fogle decided to compete in the
Atlantic Rowing Race, they thought they knew what awaited them:
nearly three thousand miles of empty ocean, stormy weather and
colossal physical stress. But as the security of dry land became a
distant memory, the full enormity of what they had committed
themselves to became apparent: they were surrounded by ocean
on all sides, hundreds of miles from home, trapped together in a
tiny space for every waking moment. Winning the race was clearly
going to be the least of their worries.
Dodd, Christopher.
The Oxford and Cambridge boat race. 1983. 11v. UK Loan
only.
The Boat Race, also known as the University Boat Race and The
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, is a rowing race in England
between the Oxford University Boat Club and the Cambridge
University Boat Club. It is rowed annually each spring on the
Thames in London. The event is a popular one, not only with the
alumni of the universities, but also with rowers in general and the
public. An estimated quarter of a million people watch the race live
from the banks of the river, around seven to nine million people on
TV in the UK, and an overseas audience estimated by the Boat
Race Company of around 120 million, however, other estimates
put the international audience below 20 million. The first race was
in 1829 and it has been held annually since 1856, with the
exception of the two world wars.
Rugby
Davies, Gerald.
Gerald Davies: an autobiography. 1979. 2v. UK Loan Only.
Thomas Gerald Reames Davies CBE is one of the acknowledged
greats of Welsh rugby, playing for the side between 1966 and
1978.
Hearn, Danny.
Crash tackle. 1972. 2v. UK Loan Only.
In the summer of 1967, the author was a 26 year old schoolmaster
at Haileybury, approaching the peak of his Rugby Union career
with six England caps to his credit. By the end of October that
year, he lay critically ill on the danger list at Stoke Mandeville
Hospital after breaking his neck during a tackle on one of the New
Zealand All-Blacks. Paralysed from the neck down, he survived.
This is the story of his remarkable recovery.
Johnson, Martin.
Martin Johnson: the autobiography. 2003. 5v.
Martin Johnson has achieved all there is to achieve in rugby since
making his England debut in 1992. He has captained his club,
Leicester, to all the major honours, winning four successive league
titles and two European cups; he's led England with huge success,
including the 2003 Grand Slam, winning 74 caps by May 2003 and
captaining the British Lions on two tours. In this autobiography he
looks at how the sport has changed since going professional in
1995 and the issues this has raised.
Team England Rugby.
World Cup 2003. 2003. 3v.
This book is the story of the momentous achievements of Clive
Woodward's squad: the first team from the Northern Hemisphere
to capture the World Cup. It picks from England's 2003 Grand
Slam triumph, covering the pre-tournament warm-up games and
the announcement of Woodward's squad for Australia. Thereon in
follows a match-by-match account of the opening pool games, the
punishing quarter-final against Wales and the supremely
accomplished victory over France in the semi-final, before the
exhausting climax of extra-time in Sydney against the Wallabies.
Snooker
Borrows, Bill.
The Hurricane: the turbulent life & times of Alex Higgins. 2002.
5v.
Alex Higgins was a showman, gambler, comedian, bully, charmer
and alcoholic. His antics - and ferocious temper - were legendary
yet he was loved by millions. Now, dying of cancer, he has spent
everything he has and divided his time between Manchester and
Belfast, where he survives by playing £10 snooker matches in
pubs. Bill Burrows has had unprecedented access to Higgins and
reconstructs vividly the terrifying roller-coaster ride of one of the
most charismatic and self-destructive figures ever to appear in
British sport.
O'Sullivan, Ronnie.
Ronnie: the autobiography of Ronnie O'Sullivan. 2003. 3v.
Ronnie O'Sullivan is snooker's most written and talked about
player, and its greatest showman. His supreme talent, breathtaking
flair and style have made him the people's champion and left
commentators struggling for superlatives to describe his genius. In
this book he tells for the first time the candid story of his
extraordinary life. Contains swear words.
Swimming
Brems, Marianne.
The fit swimmer: 120 workouts and training tips. 1984. 1v.
American Braille. UK Loan Only.
Marianne Brems offers a plan for workouts that will give swimmers
a change from their normal routine, make them faster swimmers
and challenge them to work harder. Each workout describes the
stroke to be used, the distance to be covered and the time in which
it should be accomplished.
Tennis
Fein, Paul.
Tennis confidential: today's greatest players, matches,
controversies. 2002. 7v. UK Loan only.
The author examines the world of the pro tennis tour with inside
scoops about the game's greatest stars, past and present. The text
includes interviews with John McEnroe, Arthur Ashe, and Jimmy
Connors, along with essays about the careers of other stars like
Andre Agassi, the Williams sisters, Jennifer Capriati, and Anna
Kournikova. Fein also reviews the careers of pioneering players
like Martina Navratilova, Bjorn Borg, and Rod Laver. The book
tackles issues that confront the sport today and reviews the ten
greatest matches in tennis history.
Shriver, Pam.
Passing shots: Pam Shriver on tour. 1987. 2v. American
Braille. UK Loan only.
In this light, readable book, one of the top ten women's tennis
players presents a diary of the year 1985, filled with candid
comments about the game, her fellow players, and a crisis in her
own career.
Track
Coe, Sebastian.
Running free. 1982. 4v. UK Loan only.
This is the first book written by Sebastian Coe shortly after his
silver medal win in the 800m and his first of many gold medals for
the 1500m in 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Grey-Thompson, Tanni.
Seize the day: my autobiography. 2002. 5v. UK Loan only.
Tanni Grey-Thompson has performed at world class level for over
13 years, in distances ranging from 100m to the marathon. Her 13
Paralympic medals, eight medal placings in the London Marathon
and her set of World Records make her achievements second to
none in the disability sport arena. Tanni talks candidly about her
early life and ambitions, and offers a colourful account of her
success in the four Paralympic Games in which she has been
involved. She talks incisively about disability sporting issues and
reveals how she set about becoming a world-class athlete.
Murakami, Haruki.
What I talk about when I talk about running: a memoir. 2008.
Coming soon.
In 1982, having sold his jazz bar to devote himself to writing,
Murakami began running to keep fit. A year later, he'd completed a
solo course from Athens to Marathon, and now, after dozens of
such races, not to mention triathlons and a slew of critically
acclaimed books, he reflects upon the influence the sport has had
on his life and on his writing. Equal parts travelogue, training log,
and reminiscence, this revealing memoir covers his four-month
preparation for the 2005 New York City Marathon and settings
ranging from Tokyo's Jingu Gaien gardens, where he once shared
the course with an Olympian, to the Charles River in Boston
among young women who outpace him.
Walking
Pilton, Barry.
One man and his bog. 1986. 2v.
The Pennine Way runs from the Peak District to the Cheviots, a
distance of some two hundred and fifty miles. Protected by
insurmountable stiles, surrounded by bogs of unknown depth,
and guarded by sex-starved bulls, it is often known as the hiker's
final resting place. This is Barry Pilton's hilarious account of how
he completed the mammoth trek.
Miscellaneous
Inverdale, John.
British sporting greats. 2002. 4v.
This book nominates 60 sporting greats - individual achievements,
events, institutions - from the colourful and often record-breaking
history of sporting life in the British Isles. A wealth of high-profile
celebrities and sports personalities have contributed essays on a
wide array of subjects - such as Damon Hill on the speed records
of Malcolm and Donald Campbell, Nick Hornby on the FA Cup
Final and Will Carling on the Five Nations.
Keating, Frank.
Gents and Players. 1986. 5v.
Frank Keating's lively account of the drama, the fun and the
enjoyment of major sporting occasions is based on his
celebrated "Punch" column. It also contains revealing penportraits of many of the gents and players he's known and
admired, whether, like Ian Botham and Geoff Duke, he knows
them well, or has only met them in print and others' memories.
Rowe, David,
Sport, culture and the media. 1999. 5v
This text is about the conjunction of two of the most powerful
cultural forces of our times - sport and media. It examines the ways
in which media sport has insinuated itself into contemporary
everyday life, and how sport and media have made themselves
mutually indispensable as well as, for whole societies of people,
unavoidable. The book is divided into two parts. The first looks at
the rise of the sports media and the ways in which broadcast and
print sports texts are produced. The second examines different
media forms - television, still photography, news reporting, film, live
commentary, creative sports writing and new media sports
technologies. This text is about the conjunction of two of the most
powerful cultural forces of our times - sport and media. It examines
the ways in which media sport has insinuated itself into
contemporary everyday life, and how sport and media have made
themselves mutually indispensable as well as, for whole societies
of people, unavoidable. The book is divided into two parts. The first
looks at the rise of the sports media and the ways in which
broadcast and print sports texts are produced. The second
examines different media forms - television, still photography,
news reporting, film, live commentary, creative sports writing and
new media sports technologies.
Vincent, Alan.
A guide to working in sport. 2000. 2v. UK Loan Only.
A guide to career opportunities in sport. A guide to career
opportunities in sport. Aimed at pupils making choices at GCSE, it
offers an insight into the world of work, with advice on which paths
to follow when looking for jobs in the area. It covers: an overview of
the field of work and the range of jobs available in that field; the
qualifications and experience needed to work in this area; case
studies following someone in their working day; contacts and
associations that can offer practical advice; and lists of up-to-date
sources of information, including useful Web sites.
Wilson, Bob.
Googlies, nutmegs and bogeys: the origins of peculiar
sporting lingo. 2006. Coming soon.
The world of sport has its own language, rich in strange words and
phrases, whose origins often stretch back centuries. Veteran BBC
presenter and football legend Bob Wilson has written this
illustrated guide to the true meanings, heritage and evolution of the
sporting terms we use today.
Wilson, Bob.
Behind the network: my autobiography. 2003. 6v.
Bob Wilson spent 39 years at Arsenal, as a player then as the first
goalkeeping coach in the first division. Following his retirement as
a footballer, a career in television made him a household name.
This autobiography reflects on his days as a sports commentator
and presenter at the BBC, and his subsequent switch to ITV, and
also includes his account of the Grobbelaar trial and his
relationships with some of the most popular names in sport and
television, including Des Lynam, Jimmy Hill and David Seaman.