Sports documentaries have been gaining popularity in recent years, but nothing quite captures the intricacies of a great athlete’s mind like a well-written book.
From the heroes to the villains, the triumphs to the disappointments, the drama off the pitch can be just as captivating as the action on it. In this article, we recommend some of the best sports books of this century and the last that will keep readers gripped until the very end.
A Good Walk Spoiled: Days and Nights on the PGA Tour by John Feinstein (1995)
A Good Walk Spoiled is a captivating book that provides an in-depth look at the 1993/4 season on the American pro circuit. It offers readers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes glimpse of the golfing world, including the highs and lows of the sport and the personal struggles of the players.
The book features interviews with some of the most prominent names in golf, such as Greg Norman, Nick Price, John Daly, and Nick Faldo, as well as up-and-coming rookies. It delves into the unique challenges that golf presents, where the difference between success and failure can be razor-thin. A Good Walk Spoiled is an engrossing and entertaining read that is sure to captivate golf fans and non-golf fans alike.
Harpercollins Pub Ltd Addicted
Tony Adams’ autobiography, published in the 1998-99 season, revealed his struggle with alcoholism. Despite his personal struggles, Adams remained a regular player for Arsenal and England. He even resorted to wearing bin bags under his training kit to sweat out the alcohol.
The book includes stories of fights, prostitutes, and broken lives, as well as tales of redemption. Adams’ candid account of his addiction sheds light on the dark side of professional football and the personal toll it can take on players.
A Life Too Short: the Tragedy of Robert Enke by Ronald Reng (2011)
Robert Enke, a former German football goalkeeper, tragically took his own life in November 2009. Prior to his death, Enke and Ronald Reng had planned to write a book together. After Enke’s passing, Reng wrote the book alone, using Enke’s diaries, interviews with his wife and family, and material they had generated together.
The book provides a powerful account of depression and its devastating consequences, particularly in the context of the intense pressures of top-level football. Enke’s struggles were compounded by the loss of his two-year-old daughter to lifelong heart problems three years prior.
Fast Company by Jon Bradshaw (1975)
Fast Company is a collection of captivating profiles of successful gamblers, including Bobby Riggs, Minnesota Fats, and Tim Holland. The author, a former writer for Esquire, New York Magazine, and Vogue, had a deep understanding of these gamblers because he admired and shared their qualities.
In the introduction to a later edition, Nik Cohn, a writer, recalls Bradshaw’s “conscious roguery” and his stylish appearance, which included Turnbull & Asser silk shirts and Gucci loafers. Fast Company offers readers a glimpse into the world of gambling and the personalities that dominate it.
Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan (2015)
William Finnegan’s memoir, “Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life,” is a captivating account of his lifelong passion for surfing. The book takes readers on a journey from his early days surfing in California as a child to Hawaii as a teenager, and finally to New York, where he continues to surf to this day.
Finnegan’s writing captures the essence of the sport, conveying the sense of freedom and exhilaration that comes with riding the waves. The book also delves into Finnegan’s personal life, chronicling his transformation from a carefree surfer into a respected political journalist for the New Yorker, known for his coverage of Apartheid-era South Africa.
The Game of Our Lives: The Meaning and Making of English Football by David Goldblatt (2014)
In the wake of the Thatcher years, English football underwent a transformation from a traditional sport to a modern entertainment product. The Game of Our Lives by David Goldblatt, published in 2014, explores this transformation and how it has affected English football in the 21st century.
Goldblatt argues that the ways in which England itself has changed are reflected in the changes in football. The book provides insight into the liquidation and reform of English football, and how it has become a product that is unmatched in entertainment value.
At the time of writing, Manchester United was in the process of being bought out by former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Jassim, while the season had been extended to late June due to the mid-winter World Cup.
The ownership of Chelsea, once the subject of controversy, now appears quaint next to the likes of Manchester City and Newcastle United. To understand how English football arrived at this point, The Game of Our Lives is an essential read.
Pocket Money by Gordon Burn (1986)
Gordon Burn’s “Pocket Money” is a classic of British sportswriting that chronicles the rise of snooker during its mid-Eighties’ boom. Burn’s writing style is straightforward and factual, and he documents every aspect of the sport with great skill. From the endorsement deals to the dingy hotel rooms, every detail is recorded in the book.
Burn also sheds light on the grueling practice sessions and the behind-the-scenes machinations of promoter Barry Hearn. “Pocket Money” is a must-read for anyone interested in the sport of snooker and its history.
The Death of Ayrton Senna by Richard Williams (1995)
Richard Williams, former editor of Melody Maker and chief sportswriter of The Guardian, wrote a book titled “The Death of Ayrton Senna” in 1995. Williams’ writing style has the ability to captivate readers and make them care about the subject matter, even if they had no prior interest.
In the book, Williams dispels the myths surrounding Senna’s life, tragic death, and the afterlife of his legend in a concise and insightful manner. Despite this, Williams maintains Senna’s heroic aura through his analysis. The book provides a comprehensive account of Senna’s life and death, making it a must-read for any Formula One fan.
Football Around the World
Simon Kuper’s book, “Football Against The Enemy,” is a travelogue that explores how football has influenced national politics and culture in 22 countries. Kuper meets with players, politicians, and local fans to gain insights into the sport’s impact on society.
The book’s success has spawned a new wave of “literary” football books, but Kuper’s work remains a standout. The stories he shares are both fascinating and at times tragic, highlighting football’s global reach and its ability to connect people from all walks of life. From the bizarre to the heart-wrenching, Kuper’s book offers a unique perspective on the beautiful game and its place in the world.
Greatest of All Time: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali
Taschen GmbH has released a stunning tribute to Muhammad Ali, entitled Greatest of all Time. This coffee table book is a giant, glossy masterpiece that covers every aspect of Ali’s life and career. It is a must-have for any Ali fan, and is sure to be a centerpiece in any sporting library.
In addition to Greatest of all Time, there are three other books that stand out as must-reads for Ali enthusiasts. Jonathan Eig’s Ali: a Life provides a comprehensive cradle-to-grave account of Ali’s life, including his flaws as well as his triumphs. David Remnick’s King of the World: Muhammad Ali and the Rise of an American Hero focuses on the Clay-becomes-Ali era of the early Sixties, while Norman Mailer’s The Fight is an amazing retelling of the Rumble in the Jungle.
Together, these four books provide a complete picture of one of the greatest athletes and cultural icons of all time. And with Taschen’s Greatest of all Time as the centerpiece, Ali’s legacy is sure to live on for generations to come.
My Father and Other Working-Class Football Heroes by Gary Imlach (2005)
Gary Imlach’s book, “My Father and Other Working-Class Football Heroes,” is a tribute to his father, Stewart Imlach, who played for Scotland in the 1958 World Cup and won the FA Cup with Nottingham Forest a year later.
The book is a poignant reflection on the life of a working-class footballer, tracing the history of the game through the eyes of those who played it. Through interviews with former players and their families, Imlach paints a vivid picture of the realities of life as a footballer in the mid-twentieth century. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of football and the lives of those who played the game.
The Damned Utd
“The Damned Utd” is a novel by David Peace that explores the 44-day period in 1974 when Brian Clough managed Leeds United. The book is a fictionalized account of Clough’s inner monologue during his time at Leeds, and it vividly brings the legendary football manager to life.
The book is a fascinating study of football partisanship, one of the most important emotions in the game. While the Clough family and Leeds’ Johnny Giles disputed the accuracy of the book, it remains a must-read for any football fan. Gordon Burn described it as a kick up the pants for the English novel.
A Lot of Hard Yakka
Hughes’ book is a candid account of the life of a jobbing cricketer. The book does not shy away from the challenges and disappointments of the sport. Hughes is honest about his own shortcomings, both on and off the pitch.
He shares humorous anecdotes, such as receiving “a couple of short-sleeved casual shirts” as a reward for improved performance. Despite not experiencing moments of glory or despair, Hughes’ dedication to the sport is evident. His account is a celebration of the hard work and perseverance required to excel in cricket.
Chinaman by Shehan Karunatilaka (2011)
Chinaman by Shehan Karunatilaka is a novel about a washed-up journalist’s search for a slow left-arm wrist-spinner who has faded from the spotlight. The book’s title refers to the term used to describe such a bowler, a term that cricket bible Wisden has recently stopped using due to its racist connotations.
Karunatilaka’s novel is a celebration of cricket as well as an exploration of myth, mystery, obsession, drinking, and noble pursuits undertaken by the ignoble. The author’s extensive knowledge of cricket shines through in the book, making it a must-read for fans of the sport.
I Think Therefore I Play
Andrea Pirlo, also known as the thinking man’s Greatest Player of his Generation, is widely recognized for his insightful approach to football. Pirlo’s memoir, I Think Therefore I Play, provides readers with a unique perspective on his career and personal life.
In the book, Pirlo shares a moment of realization during the 2006 World Cup Final shoot-out, where he understood the privilege of being Italian. Pirlo also reveals his love for video-game football and his preference for playing as Barça. His memoir offers a glimpse into the mind of a football genius and his passion for the sport.
Laughing in the Hills by Bill Barich (1980)
At the age of 35, Bill Barich was facing a mid-life crisis. He had five rejected novels, his mother and mother-in-law had passed away from cancer, and he was broke with no job. To add to his troubles, his wife had a suspected brain tumor.
Seeking structure in his life, he turned to studying the Daily Racing Form and placing small bets on horses. He became convinced that there was something special about horse racing and decided to move to a motel next to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Fields racetrack. Barich’s experiences there were so profound that he wrote a spectacular write-up of that time in his book “Laughing in the Hills.”
Levels of the Game by John McPhee (1969)
In his book, Levels of the Game, John McPhee writes about the 1968 US Open semi-final match between Arthur Ashe and Clark Graebner. The book is a profile of both men and their respective places in US society at the time.
Ashe, a black, Democrat, and bookish player, is contrasted with Graebner, who is white and physically opposite. McPhee’s book goes beyond the sport and delves into the players’ personal lives and societal issues. Levels of the Game is a concise and compelling read that explores the intersection of sports and life.
All Played Out by Pete Davies (1990)
Pete Davies’ book, All Played Out, is considered the finest book on English football’s second-finest hour, Italia ’90. Davies earned the trust of the England players and manager Bobby Robson in the year leading up to the World Cup, allowing him access to the team’s camp during the tournament. He also closely observed the press, fans, and hooligans. The book is a superbly told epic journey of the team and their chronicler, with sharp reportage, dry humor, and real feeling. In 2010, the book was retitled One Night in Turin to coincide with the documentary of the same name.
Mystery Spinner: The Story of Jack Iverson by Gideon Haigh (2002)
Jack Iverson was a cricket player who mastered the art of bowling a cricket ball held between his thumb and middle finger. He was so good at it that he bamboozled batsmen in a way that left them clueless.
His captain, who was also his club captain, would move players from other clubs around in the field so they couldn’t watch Iverson up close. Gideon Haigh’s biography on Iverson, who is widely considered as one of the best cricket writers, reveals, at times movingly, why Iverson didn’t become an all-timer.
Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby (1992)
Nick Hornby’s book, Fever Pitch, was published in 1992 and remains relevant to football fans today, 26 years later. Despite being centered around his support for Arsenal, Hornby captures the essence of football fandom and its irresistible allure.
One of his best pieces of advice, to be seen reading the back pages of newspapers on the first days of a new job, may be harder to follow in today’s digital age. Nevertheless, the book remains a must-read for any football fan, and its continued popularity is a testament to Hornby’s writing.
Beware of the Dog by Brian Moore (2010)
In his autobiography, Beware of the Dog, Brian Moore, England’s 64-cap hooker, opens up about the sexual abuse he endured as a child and how he dealt with it as an adult. The prologue of the book is a stunning account of his experiences, which sets the tone for the rest of the book.
Moore’s honesty and insights are evident throughout the book, which covers his personal and professional highs and lows, including his rugby career and personal struggles. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Moore’s life and the challenges he faced.
The Illustrated History of Football by David Squires (2016)
David Squires, a cartoonist for The Guardian, has written two volumes of The Illustrated History of Football. His first book is a humorous take on the history of the game, with all-new work that is sure to make readers laugh. The second volume, Hall of Fame, continues the excellence of the first book. Both volumes are a must-read for football fans who appreciate wit and humor.
Summary
The world of sports has been the subject of some of the most captivating books ever written. From biographies of legendary athletes to accounts of historic games and rivalries, these books offer a unique glimpse into the world of sports and the people who make it great.
Some of the best sports books ever written include “Friday Night Lights” by H.G. Bissinger, “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown, and “Open” by Andre Agassi. These books are a must-read for any sports fan looking to gain a deeper understanding of the games they love.