- Table View
- List View
The Authors XI: A Season of English Cricket from Hackney to Hambledon
by Bloomsbury PublishingCricket has perhaps held more writers in its thrall than any other sport: many excellent books have been written about it, and many great authors have played it. The Authors Cricket Club used to play regularly against teams made up of Publishers and Actors. They last played in 1912, and include among their alumni such greats as PG Wodehouse, Arthur Conan Doyle and JM Barrie. A hundred years on from their last match, a team of modern-day authors has been assembled to continue this fine literary and sporting tradition in a nationwide tour in search of the perfect day's cricket. The Authors XI is the story of their season.Over the course of a summer they played over a dozen matches, each one carefully chosen for capturing an aspect of cricket, in some of England's most spectacular and historic grounds, against a wide range of opponents. Each player contributes a chapter about one of their fixtures, using a match report as a starting point for an essay on cricket and its appeal, both historically and today.From Matthew Parker on cricket and empire, and Kamila Shamsie on the women's game, to Tom Holland on cricket and ageing, and Thomas Penn on cricket and history, this is an engaging look at cricket's enduring appeal. Further chapters from other team members examine issues such as class, empire, and sport and the stage.
The Autobiography: The Sunday Times Bestseller
by Sir Alastair CookCelebrate this fantastic year of cricket with the definitive memoir from cricketing legend, Sir Alastair Cook.AS SEEN IN THE TIMES________Sir Alastair Cook is England's greatest batsman. In 12 years he achieved 12,472 runs, 161 Test matches, 33 hundreds, and 4 Ashes series wins.But such records only tell half the story. Why, at the relatively early age of 33, did he suddenly quit?Cricket, the sport of gleaming whites and gentility, is polite, friendly, and reserved. But beneath the surface anxiety looms, tensions run high and emotions can be explosive.Alastair began and ended his England cricketing career on soaring highs, yet at times he feared for his career. He embodies the resilience, endurance and mental determination required at the highest level of international sport, fighting against the constant pressure and the ever-present fear of failure. He recounts the fiery fall-out with Kevin Pietersen and the ruthless decisions a captain must make. He expands on the highs of leading England to their first series win in India in 28 years, the glory of four Ashes wins and what, finally, convinced him to leave international cricket. To know Alastair Cook is to know what it takes to be successful, in any field. In this candid autobiography he captures not only what it takes to be one of England's greatest sportsmen but also the price paid by a professional athlete at the top of his game.
The Autobiography: The Autobiography
by Richard HillThe long-awaited autobiography of Richard Hill, World Cup winner and the rugby fan's most admired player.Nicknamed 'the Silent Assassin', Richard Hill is often most noticed when he isn't playing, as somehow his teams never perform as well without him as they do when he's around. This was shown both in the Lions tour of Australia in 2001 and in England's 2003 World Cup campaign. In his autobiography, he looks back across his hugely successful career as one of the last players in the game who has known both the amateur and professional eras. He provides revealing portraits of his team-mates and opponents, as well as explaining the keys to England's triumphs. He also discusses his frustration at the injuries that have blighted his career over the last two years. Hugely admired by rugby fans for his no-nonsense attitude to the game, only Martin Johnson in the recent era has earned such respect from fans and opponents alike.
The Autobiography: The Autobiography
by Mary KingA no-holds-barred story of what it takes to reach the top, and stay there, in the world's most dangerous sport - three day eventing.At the age of forty-seven Mary King won a Team Bronze at the Beijing Olympics. In the two 'Cavaliers' - 'Call Again Cavalier' and 'Imperial Cavalier' - she has two of the very best event horses in the world. Mary King's success in the world of eventing (now officially classed as the most dangerous sport in the world) has been hard won. She does not come from a privileged background - her father a verger and a long-term invalid so money was very tight. Her first pony was the ancient 'cast off' from the local vicar's children - and success with this pony gave her an iron will to succeed. And succeeded she has. To support herself in the early days she had a variety of unglamorous jobs (this included butcher delivery rounds and cleaning out toilets in the local campsite). Her talent was apparent from very early on and she first competed at Badminton in 1985, had her first win there on King William in 1992 and her second on Star Appeal in 2000. Just when everything seemed to be going well she suffered a terrible fall in 2001 and broke her neck but she was back competing at the very top level the following year.Fully updated for the paperback with the 2010 season, including Team GB's gold medal-winning performance at the World Equestrian Games, this is a fascinating account from inside the world's most dangerous sport.
The Autobiography
by Seán Óg Ó hAilpínSean Og O hAilpin, the iconic hurler of his generation, tells his own story. Sean Og O hAilpin became synonymous with Cork hurling during a period when the Rebel County reached the highest of highs and was regularly gripped by controversy. Making his trademark barnstorming solo runs from left wing-back, Sean Og emerged as the lynchpin of the great group of Cork hurlers that won five Munster titles and three All-Irelands; in 1999 he contested All-Ireland finals in both codes. He was also central in standing up for players' rights against the Cork county board - a source of great controversy and two painful strikes. Now, Sean Og tells his own story in his own words - a story every GAA fan has been waiting to read. Full of frank insights, Sean Og's autobiography is not just an essential sporting story; it is an essential Irish story.'A captivating tale of family, identity and belonging' Sunday Business Post'Hugely enjoyable' Evening Echo'A compelling, honest read that draws blood along the way ... a tale so rich that the wonder never leaves' Irish Daily Mail'Riveting' Irish Daily Star 'Excellent ... a really enjoyable read' Christy O'Connor, Evening Echo'This is Sean Og as he really is. Essential reading' Irish Examiner 'Sean Og's autobiography is a fine read. What an extraordinary figure he is' Sonia O'Sullivan
The Autobiography: The Autobiography
by Henry ShefflinThe long-awaited autobiography of the legendary hurler Henry ShefflinIn an era when Kilkenny established itself as the dominant force in hurling, one man stood out from a remarkable group of players: Henry Shefflin. Now widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, Shefflin has more All-Stars, Hurler of the Year awards and All-Ireland medals than any other hurler. But beneath the surface image of calm efficiency and effortless genius, his hurling life has included its share of bitter disappointments, agonizing injuries and intense rivalries. Now, in what will be an essential read, Shefflin tells his own story.'The greatest player of this, or perhaps any, generation' Sean Moran, Irish Times'There is a compelling story in a young man's rise from the rural middle class of south Kilkenny to being one of our finest sportsmen. He became much more than a hurler ... This memoir is cast in its author's likeness, honest but tactful, direct without being brusque' Irish Examiner
Autopia: The Future of Cars
by Jon BentleyCars are one of the most significant human creations. They changed our cities. They changed our lives. They changed everything. But in the next thirty years, this technology will itself change enormously. If Google get their way, are we all going to be ferried around in tiny electric bubble-cars? Or will we watch robots race a bionic Lewis Hamilton? And what about the future of classic cars?In Autopia, presenter of The Gadget Show and former executive producer of Top Gear Jon Bentley celebrates motoring's rich heritage and meets the engineers (and coders) who are transforming cars forever. From mobile hotel rooms to electric battery technology; from hydrogen-powered cars to jetpacks, Autopia is the essential guide to the future of our greatest invention. Fully designed with illustrations and photographs, this will be the perfect Christmas gift for car and technology enthusiasts everywhere.
Autumn Glory the New Horse: Book 12 (Tilly's Pony Tails #12)
by Pippa FunnellMeet Tilly Redbrow, who doesn't just love horses - she lives, breathes and dreams them too! Follow Tilly's adventures as she learns to ride and care for the horses at Silver Shoe Farm, and develops her special gift, with a little help from her favourite horse, Magic Spirit.Mia's search for a new horse is proving to be quite a challenge. She's been to see so many different horses, that she's starting to think she won't ever find her perfect horse. But with Tilly and Angela's help, Mia might just have a chance to meet the horse of her dreams.For every girl who has ever longed for a pony of her own, these delightful,warm and engaging stories are packed with Pippa Funnell's expert advice on everything you ever wanted to know about horses.
Autumn Glory the New Horse (Pippa's Pony Tales #12)
by Pippa FunnellTilly dreams of having a pony of her own. One that only she can ride to stardom. Will her wishes come true when she joins Silver Shoe Farm Stables?How do you find the perfect horse? Mia longs for an unbreakable bond like Tilly has with Magic Spirit, but the search to find the horse that is just right for her is not an easy one.Collect all 18 titles in this series of irresistible, uplifting and heartwarming pony adventures. Printed in a dyslexia friendly font and packed with up to date tips from three times Olympic Medallist, Pippa Funnell, as well as a helpful glossary and black and white illustrations on every spread.
Ava's Big Move: Surf Riders Club Book 1 (Surf Riders Club #1)
by Mary Van ReykJoin the girls as they take on the world, one wave at a time!Meet five very different girls with one thing in common: they've caught the surfing bug!Ava has grown up in a big city. But everything changes when her parents decide on a sea change - they're moving to the small town of Beachcrest to open a cafe. Ava will be starting high school that year, and now she has to say goodbye to her life in the city. Her new school is very different and Ava misses her friends. When she hears that surfing is going to be offered as a sport for the first time, Ava uses her snowboard skills to give it a try. Not everyone thinks she can become a surfer but Ava is determined to prove them wrong, and she's making new friends along the way!Ava, Alex, Bronte, Janani and Molly form the Surf Riders Club to help each other practise, but it quickly becomes much more than that. Whether it's learning how to get barrelled, problem parents or annoying boys, the Surf Riders Club are there for each other, no matter what.Officially endorsed by Surfing Australia and includes a special message from Tyler Wright, 2016 WSL Women's World Surfing Champion.
An Average Joe's Search For The Meaning Of Life
by David ShawDavid Shaw sees himself as an Average Joe.
The Away Game: The Epic Search for Football’s Next Superstars
by Sebastian AbbotOver the past decade, an audacious programme called Football Dreams has held trials for millions of 13-year-old boys across Africa looking for football’s next superstars. Led by the Spanish scout who helped launch Lionel Messi’s career at Barcelona and funded by the desert kingdom of Qatar, the programme has chosen a handful of boys each year to train to become professionals – a process over a thousand times more selective than getting into Harvard. In The Away Game, reporter Sebastian Abbot follows a small group of the boys as they are discovered on dirt fields across Africa, join the glittering academy in Doha where they train, and compete for the chance to gain fame and fortune at Europe’s top clubs.Abbot masterfully weaves together the dramatic story of the boys’ journey with an exploration of the art and science of trying to spot talent at such a young age. Richly reported and deeply moving, The Away Game is set against the geopolitical backdrop of Qatar’s rise from an impoverished patch of desert to an immensely rich nation determined to buy a place on the international stage. It is an unforgettable story of the joy and pain these talented African boys experience as they chase their dreams in a dizzying world of rich Arab sheikhs, moneyhungry agents, and football-mad European fans.
Ayeisha McFerran: Great Irish Sports Stars (Great Irish Sports Stars #6)
by David CarenOLYMPIAN, HOCKEY WORLD CUP GOALKEEPER OF THE TOURNAMENT, WINNER OF FOUR ALL AMERICAN AWARDS 'It was down to Ayeisha now. If she saved the next penalty, Ireland, the tournament underdogs, would be in the final – for the first time ever.' Growing up in Larne in County Antrim, Ayeisha was fearless. If she wasn’t climbing trees, she was playing soccer, Irish dancing or throwing the javelin. When Ayeisha discovered hockey, she was hooked! The inspirational story of one of the best hockey goalkeepers in the world, who lost her mum at a young age, went into foster care, and found a home between the goal posts in the Senior Women’s Irish hockey team.
Babe Ruth: Legends in Sports (Matt Christopher)
by Matt ChristopherIn a career that spanned over thirty years, George Herman "Babe" Ruth changed the way the sport of baseball was played. He was the first true power hitter, a strong pitcher, and in the outfield made some amazing game-saving catches. His love of the sport shined through in the way he laughed while jogging around the bases, in how he kidded and horsed around with teammates, and in his overall determination to win. But there was a darker side to Babe, one that nearly ruined his career - and his life. In the end, however, Ruth managed to overcome his personal demons, recapture his health, and go on to lead his beloved Yankees to championship status. Simply put, there has never been another player like the Babe. This comprehensive biography of one of baseball's most memorable legends also comes with photos.
Babyface Goes to Hollywood: Fighters, Mobsters & Film Stars. The Jimmy McLarnin Story
by Andrew GallimoreHe was the Darling of the Depression. At a time when the Mob ruled the prize ring, Jimmy McLarnin and his manager Pop Foster stayed out of the clutches of the gunmen. This is the story of two Irishmen who found each other on foreign shores and formed one of the great partnerships in sports – the old fairground fighter and the scrawny kid he promised to make champion of the world someday. Theirs is an epic journey that begins in County Down and ends on the star-lined pavements of Sunset Boulevard. Along the way lie murders and organised crime; Nazis, filmstars and gangsters; glamour, gang wars and Gaelic football!
Babysitting George: 'funny And Moving... A Beautiful Portrait Of Genius In Tragic, Terminal Decline'
by Celia WaldenAugust, 2003. Celia Walden, a young reporter, receives an unusual phone call from her editor. She is to drop everything and fly to Malta in an attempt to track down a legendary footballer and keep him from the press. George Best, an alcoholic with his personal life in chaos, isn't, however, the easiest man to find. But the unlikely friendship that develops between George and Celia reveals an intelligent and complex human being. Babysitting George is a tender account of a unique relationship between a young woman and a dying star, which questions the exploitative nature of fame and tabloid journalism, the horrors of addiction and the humane, implausible friendships that can change one's life forever.
Babysitting George: The Last Days of a Soccer Icon
by Celia WaldenAs a young reporter, Celia Walden receives an unusual assignment: track down a global superstar and keep him away from all other journalists. That man is soccer player George Best, who made his debut for Manchester United at age seventeen and was the star of a star team throughout the 1960s. Enormously skilled and ruggedly handsome, idolized by men and women alike, he was referred to as "the fifth Beatle," and still holds a firm place among the world's all-time best players.But in 2004, George Best is nearing sixty and deteriorating like a much older man. A notorious alcoholic and philanderer, he has just received a liver transplant and has Antabuse tablets sewn into his stomach lining. His wife has left him again. When Celia finds him in a bar in Malta, he isn't exactly delighted to see her. He's been chased by journalists all his life. Yet as Celia's assignment to "babysit" George around the clock stretches out over months, an unlikely sort of friendship develops, and she gets to know George as a funny, volatile, and complex human being, an avid reader and member of MENSA, ravaged by alcohol and gradually withering under the constant glare of the spotlight.Babysitting George is a tender account of a unique relationship between a young journalist and a dying star. It questions the exploitative nature of tabloid journalism; the terrifying, all-consuming nature of addiction; and the implausible meetings that can change one's life.
The Back: Anatomy For Problem Solving In Sports Medicine
by Philip HarrisThe Authors of this book are an anatomist and a sports physiotherapist with wide experience who both teach sports injury related university courses. Because of its critical location in the body and its many components, diagnosing, managing and rehabilitating sport related back injury is extremely challenging and requires a detailed knowledge of the associated anatomy. In this book the general and specific structures of the back, including the cervical, thoracic and lumbo-sacral spine, are presented and illustrated as a basis for clinical practice. since clinical signs and symptoms require correct interpretation for an accurate diagnosis and effective management, a special feature of this book is to include detailed case histories showing how knowledge of back anatomy can be used to arrive at a correct diagnosis. This book will therefore be of benefit to a wide range of professionals concerned with sports disorders and injuries.
Back from the Brink: The Autobiography
by Paul McGrathPaul McGrath is Ireland's best loved sportsman and also its least understood. An iconic football presence during a professional career stretching over 14 years, he played for his country in the European Championship finals of 1988 and the World Cup finals of 1990 and 1994. But, behind the implied glamour of life in the employ of great English clubs like Manchester United and Aston Villa, McGrath wrestled with a range of destructive emotions that made his success in the game little short of miraculous.That story has until now never been told. It is a story that runs from a hard, hidden childhood spent in Dublin's orphanages all the way to the pain of two marriage break-ups and the struggle to cope with life after football. Quite apart from his all too public struggle with alcoholism, the story runs through the surreal highs and calamitous lows of a life lived habitually on the edge of chaos.It is not just a football story. It is an extraordinary human story that is certain to surprise with its candour.Here, for the first time, read about the father he never met; the mother whose love never died; the routine loneliness and ritual bullying endured by a black kid growing up behind closed doors in 1960s Dublin; the emotional breakdown suffered on leaving that institution; the recovery that - remarkably - brought him all the way to Old Trafford; the rollercoaster ride that followed. Here, the guilt, fear, self-loathing are all laid bare in a story fired with hope and determination for the future.It may well be the most candid sports book ever written.
Back Home: England And The 1970 World Cup
by Jeff DawsonThe full story of England and the 1970 World Cup.Mexico, the summer of 1970: Pelé, Brazil 4 Italy 1 in the Final, Gordon Banks' save against Brazil, Bobby Moore and the Bogotá bracelet, Bobby Charlton's substitution, televised match action (in colour), the single 'Back Home', the Esso coin collection . . . all these and more, the familiar and the not-so-well-known, feature in Jeff Dawson's account of the 1970 World Cup, the sexiest World Cup of all time. Using interviews with players involved and personal childhood recollections, and having studied hours of videotape, Jeff Dawson pieces together the events of Mexico 70, inviting the reader to 'taste the Brooke Bond, smell the B & H and feel what it was like that English summer, switching on GOOD MORNING MEXICO with Frank Bough - and also to remember what it was like when England had a decent international side.
Back in the Frame: How to get back on your bike, whatever life throws at you
by Jools WalkerA memoir of bikes, blogs and riding through depression from award-winning blogger, Lady Vélo.Jools Walker re-discovered cycling aged twenty-eight after a ten-year absence from the saddle. When she started blogging about her cycle adventures under the alias Lady Vélo, a whole world was opened up to her. But it's hard to find space in an industry not traditionally open to women - especially women of colour.Shortly after getting back on two wheels, Jools was diagnosed with depression and then, in her early thirties, hit by a mini-stroke. Yet, through all of these punctures, one constant remained: Jools' love of cycling.In Back in the Frame Jools talks to the other female trailblazers who are disrupting the cycling narrative as well as telling the story of how she overcame her health problems, learned how to cycle her own path and even found a love of Lycra shorts along the way.
Back in the Game (Champion Valley #2)
by Erin KernWHEN YOU PLAY FOR LOVE, YOU PLAY FOR KEEPS Stella Davenport wasn't made for small-town life. Sure, teaching ballet in Blanco Valley, Colorado, is great, but she longs for the chance to perform in a big city. Stella swore she'd never let anything get in the way of her dream--until sexy, broad-shouldered Brandon West walks back into her life. Stella is determined to resist him, even if arguing with Brandon is sexier than any foreplay. For Brandon, it's always been just him and his son, Matt. Knowing that love only leads to heartbreak, he isn't looking to expand his family any time soon. Stella, with her long, gorgeous legs and infectious laugh, is a breath of fresh air he didn't even know he'd been missing. But when she's offered her dream job in Chicago, will he be willing to put his heart on the line?
Back in the Game: Why Concussion Doesn't Have to End Your Athletic Career
by Jeffrey S. Kutcher Joanne C. GerstnerThe word concussion was unheard of in youth sports a decade ago. The injury was indeed occurring, but youth athletes were often told to "shake it off" after "getting their bell rung". Science and increased awareness about concussion and brain health have transformed the way youth parents, coaches, and players pursue athletics. Fear of incurring concussions, as well as incomplete or incorrect information, is leading some parents to keep their children out of contact sports, such as football and soccer, where concussion is more prevalent. Back in the Game: Why Concussion Doesn't Have to End Your Athletic Career does not dwell on perpetuating fears but, rather, provides the most up-to-date understanding of the condition. This is a real-world discussion of what science and medicine know, what parents and coaches need to understand about concussion, evaluation and treatment, and what possible post-concussive issues exist. The expertise and experiences of noted sports neurologist Jeffrey S. Kutcher, MD, along with reporting and interviews by award-winning sports journalist Joanne C. Gerstner, make this book a timely, relevant, and real discussion about concussions in youth sports. Athletes and professional coaches who have participated in the formation of this book include two-time Olympic gold medalist soccer player Kate Markgraf, former NHL/Team Canada head coach Andy Murray, champion X-Games snowboarder Ellery Hollingsworth, along with an array of youth parents, coaches, and athletes from across the country.
BACK IN THE GAME C: Why Concussion Doesn't Have to End Your Athletic Career
by Jeffrey S. Kutcher Joanne C. GerstnerThe word concussion was unheard of in youth sports a decade ago. The injury was indeed occurring, but youth athletes were often told to "shake it off" after "getting their bell rung". Science and increased awareness about concussion and brain health have transformed the way youth parents, coaches, and players pursue athletics. Fear of incurring concussions, as well as incomplete or incorrect information, is leading some parents to keep their children out of contact sports, such as football and soccer, where concussion is more prevalent. Back in the Game: Why Concussion Doesn't Have to End Your Athletic Career does not dwell on perpetuating fears but, rather, provides the most up-to-date understanding of the condition. This is a real-world discussion of what science and medicine know, what parents and coaches need to understand about concussion, evaluation and treatment, and what possible post-concussive issues exist. The expertise and experiences of noted sports neurologist Jeffrey S. Kutcher, MD, along with reporting and interviews by award-winning sports journalist Joanne C. Gerstner, make this book a timely, relevant, and real discussion about concussions in youth sports. Athletes and professional coaches who have participated in the formation of this book include two-time Olympic gold medalist soccer player Kate Markgraf, former NHL/Team Canada head coach Andy Murray, champion X-Games snowboarder Ellery Hollingsworth, along with an array of youth parents, coaches, and athletes from across the country.
Back o the Net!: Why We Love Scottish Fitba
by Donald C Stewart, Paul GoodwinThis book is a reminder for those who have stood and suffered, sat, and celebrated, argued, fought and struggled as well as kept coming back, that supporting is more than just a game. I can assure you – it is much more important than that! DONALD C STEWART, Ayr United It doesn't matter where you are in the world or what stage you're at in life – you never forget when you first set eyes on your football club. Back o the Net! is an ode to the unwavering love that every football fan has for their club, comprising voices from many different walks of life. The devoted, the long suffering, the hometown fans, the ones who didn't grow up living in the same town as their team, the winners and the losers. All with the same underlying tie – they are dedicated and devoted to the very end. Whether it's in the back o our net or theirs, we'll always love our team. I'm a firm believer that supporting your local team, the team you've been brought up with, is very important, and I always will. I'm a season ticket holder, have been a shareholder and, like thousands of Fifers, the Raith Rovers result is the first one I look for every week. GORDON BROWN, FORMER P.M. (2007-2010), Raith Rovers You may change friends, you may change wife, but you never change football team. Always a Warrior. DAVID McVEY, Stenhousemuir We support our team, but we always remember the first time, the first place, the palace of the arts where we first watched them perform. GEORG MATHISEN, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy