Sports & Recreation

"Outstandingly good … It may be the single most insightful book about climbing ever written."  Paul Sagar, Climber, writer, thinker

What do Zen masters, sixteenth-century Samurai, and the world’s elite climbers have in common?

They have perfected the of awareness, of being in the moment, of trusting the process.

Climbing is a sport of perception, and our successes and failures are matters of mind as much as body.

Written by philosopher, essayist, and lifelong climber Francis Sanzaro, The Zen of Climbing explores the fundamentals of successful climbing, delving into sports psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and Taoism. Awareness, he argues, is the alchemy of climbing, allowing us to merge mental and physical attributes in one embodied whole.

This compact volume puts the climber’s mind at the forefront of practice.

2024 TAFWA Book Award Winner

The first comprehensive biography of the preeminent voice of New York sports

For close to half a century after World War II, Marty Glickman was the voice of New York sports. His distinctive style of broadcasting, on television and especially on the radio, garnered for him legions of fans who would not miss his play-by-play accounts. From the 1940s through the 1990s, he was as iconic a sports figure in town as the Yankees’ Mickey Mantle, the Knicks’ Walt Frazier, or the Jets’ Joe Namath. His vocabulary and method of broadcasting left an indelible mark on the industry, and many of today’s most famous sportscasters were Glickman disciples. To this very day, many fans who grew up listening to his coverage of Knicks basketball and Giants football games, among the myriad of events that Glickman covered, recall fondly, and can still recite, his descriptions of actions in arenas and stadiums. In Marty Glickman, Jeffrey S. Gurock showcases the life of this important contributor to American popular culture.

In addition to the stories of how he became a master of American sports airwaves, Marty Glickman has also been remembered as a Jewish athlete who, a decade before he sat in front of a microphone, was cynically barred from running in a signature track event in the 1936 Olympics by anti-Semitic American Olympic officials. This lively biography details this traumatic event and explores not only how he coped for decades with that painful rejection but also examines how he dealt with other anti-Semitic and cultural obstacles that threatened to stymie his career. Glickman’s story underscores the complexities that faced his generation of American Jews as these children of immigrants emerged from their ethnic cocoons and strove to succeed in America amid challenges to their professional and social advancement. Marty Glickman is a story of adversity and triumph, of sports and minority group struggles, told within the context of the prejudicial barriers that were common to thousands, if not millions, of fellow Jews of his generation as they aimed to make it in America.

Second Sunrise brings to life the 50-year history of one of the world’s oldest running trails with stunning photography, historical details, and the stories of the people who made the Western States Endurance Run a reality.

Since its founding in 1974, Western States has been predicated on the notion that in the beginning, at the first sunrise, there must always be hope that 100 miles was within a runner's grasp. And then, with the start of a second sunrise, there had to be continued determination to search out where the finish still might lie even if the clock ran out.

Bringing the story of the race to life, 11-time Western States finisher and ultra-running writer John Trent along with runner and veteran book designer Vicky Vaughn Shea set out to craft a book that showcases the rich history of the Western States trail and the runners who keep its traditions alive.

This coffee table book consists of more than 175 photographs depicting the history of the race with end sheets that include the names of every Western States Endurance Run finisher through the 2022 race.

Second Sunrise is perfect for:

• Gift givers shopping for runners and hiking trail lovers
• Fans of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami and Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home by Heather “Anish” Anderson
• People who enjoy beautiful and historic coffee table books

Anyone who has ever experienced a sporting event in a large stadium knows the energy that emanates from stands full of fans cheering on their teams. Although "the masses" have long held a thoroughly bad reputation in politics and culture, literary critic and avid sports fan Hans Ulrich Gumbrecht finds powerful, as yet unexplored reasons to sing the praises of crowds. Drawing on his experiences as a spectator in the stadiums of South America, Germany, and the US, Gumbrecht presents the stadium as "a ritual of intensity," thereby offering a different lens through which we might capture and even appreciate the dynamic of the masses.

In presenting this alternate view, Gumbrecht enters into conversation with thinkers who were more critical of the potential of the masses, such as Gustave Le Bon, Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, José Ortega y Gasset, Elias Canetti, Siegfried Kracauer, T. W. Adorno, or Max Horkheimer. A preface explores college crowds as a uniquely specific phenomenon of American culture.

Pairing philosophical rigor with the enthusiasm of a true fan, Gumbrecht writes from the inside and suggests that being part of a crowd opens us up to an experience beyond ourselves.

The Thrilling and Emotional Memoir from Endurance Horse Racing Legend Sanoma Blakeley

Chasing Dreams: The True Story of the Youngest Female Tevis Cup Champion is the incredible, action-packed memoir of Sanoma Blakeley’s 2019 Tevis Cup championship, won while riding her beloved horse Goober, and the tale of how she became the youngest woman to ever become a Tevis Cup champion. Beginning her endurance riding career at the age of seven, Blakeley writes about the years of training and teamwork required to win the most challenging and famous 100-mile horse race in the world aboard a horse she had originally acquired for free off of Craigslist.

Blakeley places readers on the ride with her so that they can experience the thrill of the most exciting horse endurance race in existence. Blakeley and Goober survive narrow mountain trails winding through the Sierra-Nevadas, containing over 19,000 feet of elevation gain; three steep, grueling canyons; crossing the shoulder-high American River; riding at night with only the light of the moon to guide them; temperatures that soared over 115 degrees; and, most excitingly, the final neck-and-neck sprint to the finish against a four-time Tevis Cup champion and world class competitor after 100 miles of some of the most rugged mountain trails in the world.

When Blakeley and Goober cross the finish line just a few feet ahead of their competition and Blakeley becomes the youngest woman in history to win the Tevis Cup, a lifetime of hard work that began when the author started training as a small child and who had long dreamed of winning the Tevis Cup was finally rewarded. Chasing Dreams contains action, heartwarming twists, and an epic ending that will leave readers in tears.

LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLER

Updated and Expanded Second Edition Features Six New Walking Adventures!

10,000 Steps a Day in L.A. is for urban adventurers with a passion for healthy living who are also eager to explore Los Angeles—from its most legendary locations to its more hidden, unsung, and quirky sites.

In this first-ever book to explore the 10,000-steps lifestyle in Los Angeles, author Paul Haddad takes readers on a journey through the city’s streets, beaches, mountains, rivers, reservoirs, and parks. He includes 10,000-step walks from throughout the Southland, from Simi Valley to the South Bay, and Pasadena to Pacific Palisades.

Tread the grounds of a defunct Disney attraction called Dwarfland. Trace the extinct canals of Venice Beach. Stroll the shortest Main Street in America. Discover hidden streams, secret murals, lost cities, Hollywood haunts, houses made of stone, and parks that time forgot!

The second edition of 10,000 Steps a Day in L.A. features:

• 57 walks containing 10,000 steps

• Detailed maps and directions

• Descriptions of the terrain, walking surface, and dog-friendliness of each walk

• Ideal picnic spots

• Parking suggestions

• Sidebars with colorful trivia and anecdotes

Most importantly, 10,000 Steps a Day in L.A. offers a sense of fun and discovery about Los Angeles that makes the goal of 10,000 steps easy to attain. Readers need only bring their feet—pedometers are optional!

South Asian American men are not usually depicted as ideal American men. They struggle against popular representations as either threatening terrorists or geeky, effeminate computer geniuses. To combat such stereotypes, some use sports as a means of performing a distinctly American masculinity. Desi Hoop Dreams focuses on South Asian-only basketball leagues common in most major U.S. and Canadian cities, to show that basketball, for these South Asian American players is not simply a whimsical hobby, but a means to navigate and express their identities in 21st century America.

The participation of young men in basketball is one platform among many for performing South Asian American identity. South Asian-only leagues and tournaments become spaces in which to negotiate the relationships between masculinity, race, and nation. When faced with stereotypes that portray them as effeminate, players perform sporting feats on the court to represent themselves as athletic. And though they draw on black cultural styles, they carefully set themselves off from African American players, who are deemed “too aggressive.” Accordingly, the same categories of their own marginalization—masculinity, race, class, and sexuality—are those through which South Asian American men exclude women, queer masculinities, and working-class masculinities, along with other racialized masculinities, in their effort to lay claim to cultural citizenship.

One of the first works on masculinity formation and sport participation in South Asian American communities, Desi Hoop Dreams focuses on an American popular sport to analyze the dilemma of belonging within South Asian America in particular and in the U.S. in general.

In spring 2014 Peggy Kokernot Kaplan, a former Trinity University athlete and cofounder of the women’s track team, emailed her alma mater’s athletic department asking the school to post statistics from the team’s 1975 season. It’s no surprise that they couldn’t fulfill her request, for Trinity had sparse records from the 1970s—not just for track and field but for most performances by female athletes before 1991, when the school joined a NCAA Division III conference.

What started as a humble email request nearly a decade ago has culminated in From the Sidelines to the Headlines: The Legacy of Women's Sports at Trinity University, an expansive book aimed at filling in the gaps in coverage of half a century of women’s intercollegiate sports. Former Trinity athlete Betsy Gerhardt Pasley and historian Doug Brackenridge, along with other members of the Trinity community, have collected hundreds of long-forgotten documents and conducted dozens of interviews with former students, coaches, and administrators to tell the fascinating, multifaceted story of women’s sports at this liberal arts school in San Antonio, Texas.

While the book focuses primarily on the post–Title IX years between 1972 and 1999, its scope extends to Trinity’s founding in 1869, illuminating the century-long evolution of women in competitive sports, at Trinity and elsewhere, before Title IX. The story, told alongside the cultural shifts that formed the social and athletic context for female athletes of the day, also documents the decision Trinity and other institutions of higher learning faced after Title IX: Should they adhere to a commercial model, in which a focus on athletics often overshadowed academics, or strive for a more balanced student-athlete, nonscholarship model? Trinity chose the latter and has decades of national championships and academic accolades to show for it.

Being a Phillies fan has never been easy. The team has amassed the most losses of any professional sports franchise in history, as well as the longest losing streak and the most last-place finishes in the major leagues.

The year 1980 was redemption for a miserable, century-old legacy of losing. It was also the beginning of the end for a team that could have been among the very best in baseball throughout the decade. Between 1980 and 1983 the Philadelphia Phillies captured two pennants and a world championship. Legends like Tug McGraw, Steve Carlton, Mike Schmidt, and Pete Rose led the collection of homegrown products, veteran castoffs, and fair-haired rookies. If they had won another World Series, the team not only would have distanced themselves from a history of losing but would have established a championship dynasty. It never happened.

The 1981 season was a watershed for both the Phillies and baseball. A players' strike led to a sixty-day work stoppage. The Phils, who had been in first place before the strike, were unable to regain their winning ways after play resumed. Labor relations between an increasingly powerful Players Association and inflexible owners became more acrimonious than ever before. Player salaries skyrocketed. Old loyalties were forgotten, and the notion of a homegrown team, like the 1980 Phillies, was a thing of the past.

Almost a Dynasty details the rise and fall of the 1980 World Champion Phillies. Based on personal interviews, newspaper accounts, and the keen insight of a veteran baseball writer, the book convincingly explains why a team that had regularly made the post-season in the mid- to late 1970s, only to lose in the playoffs, was finally able to win its first world championship.

De Arte Venandi cum Avibus was written shortly before the year 1250 by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Sicily and Jerusalem, in whose court, with its remarkably cosmopolitan and highly intellectual life, may be found the real beginning of the Italian Renaissance. In spite of its title, it is far more than a dissertation on hunting. There is a lengthy introduction dealing with the anatomy of birds, an intensely interesting description of avian habits, and the excursions of migratory birds.

Indeed, this ancient book has long been recognized as the first zoological treatise written in the critical spirit of modern science. The sumptuous volume now in hand is, however, the first translation into English of the complete text, originally divided into a prologue and size books. Together, the translators and editors, have at last made available this classic work and have adorned it with notes, comments, bibliographies, and glossary. They have produced a work of great value to zoologists—especially the ornithologist—and also to everyone interested in the history of science and in medieval art and letters.

The surprising roots of the self-defense movement and the history of women’s empowerment.

At the turn of the twentieth century, women famously organized to demand greater social and political freedoms like gaining the right to vote. However, few realize that the Progressive Era also witnessed the birth of the women’s self-defense movement.

It is nearly impossible in today’s day and age to imagine a world without the concept of women’s self defense. Some women were inspired to take up boxing and jiu-jitsu for very personal reasons that ranged from protecting themselves from attacks by strangers on the street to rejecting gendered notions about feminine weakness and empowering themselves as their own protectors. Women’s training in self defense was both a reflection of and a response to the broader cultural issues of the time, including the women’s rights movement and the campaign for the vote.

Perhaps more importantly, the discussion surrounding women’s self-defense revealed powerful myths about the source of violence against women and opened up conversations about the less visible violence that many women faced in their own homes. Through self-defense training, women debunked patriarchal myths about inherent feminine weakness, creating a new image of women as powerful and self-reliant. Whether or not women consciously pursued self-defense for these reasons, their actions embodied feminist politics. Although their individual motivations may have varied, their collective action echoed through the twentieth century, demanding emancipation from the constrictions that prevented women from exercising their full rights as citizens and human beings. This book is a fascinating and comprehensive introduction to one of the most important women’s issues of all time.

This book will provoke good debate and offer distinct responses and solutions.

Chin Na (Qin Na) is one of the four major fighting categories in all Chinese martial styles. The four categories are:

• Kicking (Ti)
• Striking (Da)
• Wrestling (Shuai)
• Seize-Controlling (Na)

Seize-Controlling Chin Na techniques can be effectively used against an opponents grabbing attacks as well as against wrestling. Pressing and striking Chin Na can be used to seal the opponents breathing, vein/artery, or Qi circulation, which can cause severe pain, numbness, and unconsciousness. Some techniques can even be fatal.

Most of Chin Na can be learned easily and be adopted into any martial style. Chin Na has been known as the root of the Japanese arts of Jujitsu and Aikido, and practitioners can use the study of Chin Na to increase their understanding of the theory and principles of their own arts.

This book is designed to make learning easier.

If you study a barehand art, likely there are Chin Na techniques you can adapt!

You will learn over 150 Chin Na techniques

• Fundamental principles that make Chin Na work.
• Speed, power, grabbing, escaping, and countering techniques.
• Finger Chin Na.
• Wrist Chin Na.
• Elbow Chin Na.
• Shoulder, neck, and waist Chin Na.
• Leg Chin Na.
• Muscle Grabbing Chin Na.
• Cavity press Chin Na.
• Using Chin Na in a fight.
• Dealing with injuries.

The ability to control an opponent through Chin Na is one of the highest measures of martial skill. You will improve your martial skills with the many training methods, attacks, and counterattack techniques detailed in this book. Your are going to increase your fighting options!

Remember, Chin Na can be integrated with any open hand martial style.

A simple guidebook for navigating the new world of sports marketing and brand management

The modern consumer, today’s fan, is no longer passive. Over three quarters of millennials say they prefer experiences over traditional advertising. Old approaches won’t work. Yard barkers handing out free towels. A stadium plastered with billboards. Maybe a new Jumbotron. Today’s fan is looking for something more engaging, more interactive, and more immersive.

Industry pioneer, James Giglio, the founder of MVP Interactive, takes us through his fascinating decade-long journey, starting out with a vision for immersive experiences, well before anyone had ever heard of virtual reality. Over that time, he has had the opportunity to work with many leading sports teams, professional leagues, advertising agencies, and consumer brands, to completely redefine the fan experience and now he shares those lessons with us.

James also takes us through his own personal story of building a startup, from growing up as a daydreaming kid in Ocean County, New Jersey, to working with an advertising agency in New York and recognizing that three themes were emerging: the iPhone app explosion, the increased use of digital signage or so-called “street furniture,” and the emergence of “pop up events” by leading brands. He began to wonder how these three trends could be brought together. What if the immersive technology on our iPhone could be brought to the streetscape? What if those digital displays could become interactive? And what if brands could attract consumers to them rather them just hawking them promotions and free stuff? The result was MVP Interactive. But like any startup, there were bumps along the way and James’ story is a heartfelt, honest tale of making many... let’s just say, learning a lot of lessons along the way.

The timing could not be better. Post Covid, events are back and back big. During the pandemic, we all went fully remote and realized it was just way too much screentime. But we are also not going back to the way it was. Beyond the Jumbotron lies a new, hybrid world where human interaction and technology combine. James takes us through not only the why — the dramatic changes in consumer attitudes and behavior that are driving the adoption of immersive technology, but more importantly the how — how to bring these projects to life and lead to real, measurable result after case study and shows the possibilities of new technology are not only endless, but also just the beginning. lts for sports properties and brands. James and his team at MVP Interactive have completed over 200 immersive technology projects and the book is filled with case study after case study and shows the possibilities of new technology are not only endless, but also just the beginning.

Cincinnati Soul resurrects the inspiring legacies of the Cincinnati Tigers, the Cincinnati Cuban Stars, and other Black baseball teams in Cincinnati.

It sheds light on the players’ remarkable skills, what life was like as a Negro Leaguer, and the barriers they overcame, ensuring their stories are remembered and celebrated. By exploring the socioeconomic and cultural backdrop of Cincinnati during the era of the Negro Leagues, Cincinnati Soul provides a comprehensive understanding of the environment in which these teams thrived and how they were integral to the community and the broader civil rights movement.

Cincinnati Soul weaves together the personal stories of the players, coaches, and fans, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives and experiences of those involved in Cincinnati’s Black baseball teams. It highlights the contributions these teams made to modern baseball within the city and nationally, the enduring legacy of these teams, and their role in shaping the sport as we know it today.

From the legendary Ebbets Field in the heart of Brooklyn to the amenity-packed Houston Astrodome to the "retro" Oriole Park at Camden Yards, stadiums have taken many shapes and served different purposes throughout the history of American sports culture. In the early twentieth century, a new generation of stadiums arrived, located in the city center, easily accessible to the public, and offering affordable tickets that drew mixed crowds of men and women from different backgrounds. But in the successive decades, planners and architects turned sharply away from this approach.

In Modern Coliseum, Benjamin D. Lisle tracks changes in stadium design and culture since World War II. These engineered marvels channeled postwar national ambitions while replacing aging ballparks typically embedded in dense urban settings. They were stadiums designed for the "affluent society"—brightly colored, technologically expressive, and geared to the car-driving, consumerist suburbanite. The modern stadium thus redefined one of the city's more rambunctious and diverse public spaces.

Modern Coliseum offers a cultural history of this iconic but overlooked architectural form. Lisle grounds his analysis in extensive research among the archives of teams, owners, architects, and cities, examining how design, construction, and operational choices were made. Through this approach, we see modernism on the ground, as it was imagined, designed, built, and experienced as both an architectural and a social phenomenon. With Lisle's compelling analysis supplemented by over seventy-five images documenting the transformation of the American stadium over time, Modern Coliseum will be of interest to a variety of readers, from urban and architectural historians to sports fans.

A provocative, must-read investigation that both appreciates the importance of—and punctures the hype around—big-time contemporary American athletics

In an increasingly secular, fragmented, and distracted culture, nothing brings Americans together quite like sports. On Sundays in September, more families worship at the altar of the NFL than at any church. This appeal, which cuts across all demographic and ideological lines, makes sports perhaps the last unifying mass ritual of our era, with huge numbers of people all focused on the same thing at the same moment. That timeless, live quality—impervious to DVR, evoking ancient religious rites—makes sports very powerful, and very lucrative. And the media spectacle around them is only getting bigger, brighter, and noisier—from hot take journalism formats to the creeping infestation of advertising to social media celebrity schemes.

More importantly, sports are sold as an oasis of community to a nation deeply divided: They are escapist, apolitical, the only tie that binds. In fact, precisely because they appear allegedly “above politics,” sports are able to smuggle potent messages about inequality, patriotism, labor, and race to massive audiences. And as the wider culture works through shifting gender roles and masculine power, those anxieties are also found in the experiences of female sports journalists, athletes, and fans, and through the coverage of violence by and against male bodies. Sports, rather than being the one thing everyone can agree on, perfectly encapsulate the roiling tensions of modern American life.

Michael Serazio maps and critiques the cultural production of today’s lucrative, ubiquitous sports landscape. Through dozens of in-depth interviews with leaders in sports media and journalism, as well as in the business and marketing of sports, The Power of Sports goes behind the scenes and tells a story of technological disruption, commercial greed, economic disparity, military hawkishness, and ideals of manhood. In the end, despite what our myths of escapism suggest, Serazio holds up a mirror to sports and reveals the lived realities of the nation staring back at us.

“Sweeney's forensic research shines through an entertaining book that is a thoroughly delicious slice of Irish-Americana.”

—Irish Times 

"What makes the story of Murphy’s professional wrestling career so fascinating is the way Sweeney sets the scene for many of his matches...From the booming voice of “Whitey” Kaunfer welcoming cold patrons to the Old Mechanics Building to the sweaty, bloody, and crowded confines of the Boston Arena dressing room, Sweeney does an exceptional job... If you are considering this book for its wrestling content, you will certainly enjoy what you find."

—Slam Wrestling

Newspapers called him the “the man with the cast-iron toes,” “the best drop-kicker in wrestling,” and “one of the mat game's biggest box office attractions.” But Dr. John “Dropkick” Murphy's legacy extends far beyond the wrestling ring. Decades before the Betty Ford Center became a household name — and long before the band the Dropkick Murphys named themselves in his honor — the phrase going to Dropkick’s meant a person struggling with addiction needed help and would soon get some.

This book chronicles for the first time the unbelievable life of Dropkick Murphy, a professional wrestler who put himself through medical school during the Great Depression and then opened Bellows Farm, a one-of-a-kind institution that served as both a facility where elite athletes could train as well as a secluded place where down-on-their-luck alcoholics could go to sober up discreetly.

The celebrities who frequented Dropkick Murphy’s farm were many, and numerous professional athletes would go there to focus on their training and work out in his state-of-the-art gymnasium. As a result, Bellows Farm featured an unrivaled and revolving cast of colorful characters who brought it to life. Drawing on years of research and interviews, author Emily Sweeney goes behind the scenes to reveal the untold story of Murphy’s life, his farm, and the legendary events that unfolded there.

When professional baseball returned to Brooklyn in 2001, fans were jubilant and the media swarmed. After losing the Brooklyn Dodgers to California 44 years ago, Brooklyn baseball fans could once again claim a team of their own: the Cyclones, a Class A affiliate of the New York Mets.
The Brooklyn Cyclones: Hardball Dreams and the New Coney Island recounts that first season of the Cyclones. From the construction of the incredible Keyspan Park at Coney Island to their improbable successes on the field, Ben Osborne tells the story of the Cyclones' delicate first year of operation. We see the story up close and personal through the eyes of two very different young men. The first is Anthony Otero, who was raised in a Coney Island housing project and loves baseball, but has never seen a game in person until the Cyclones land in his neighborhood. The second is Brett Kay, a young man from California who has never been to New York, until he becomes the catcher for the Brooklyn Cyclones.
From the plans of politicians like Rudy Giuliani and Howard Golden, to the poverty of Coney Island's citizens, The Brooklyn Cyclones reveals the stories behind the headlines to show that the reality of creating a new sports team often involves broken promises and shattered dreams. Osborne includes chapters on the Cyclones' rivalry with the Staten Island Yankees, the Cyclones' chances of capturing the New York-Penn League title, and an epilogue updating Kay's, Otero's, and the Cyclones' progress through the 2003 season.
Ultimately, Ben Osborne shows how, for these two young men, the Brooklyn Cyclones created dreams the same way the Brooklyn Dodgers allowed the boys of Flatbush to dream about one day playing in the Big Leagues.

MARTIAL ARTS TRANSPORT US TO THE REALMS OF LEGENDS

Every day in dojos and training halls, fantastic stories of history’s martial arts heroes are told. Tales of men and women who overpower wild beasts, walk unharmed through a barrage of swords, or single-handedly defeat scores of attackers—they all captivate our imagination and our sense of marvel.

Whether presented orally, on screen, or by written word, these legends remain a key element of our collective martial arts culture and naturally inspire wonder about where the facts end and the fiction begins.

No stories are more gripping than those surrounding the founders and great masters of modern-day martial arts.

This book looks at twelve of the greatest martial arts legends of all time, retelling their common historical lore, examining the known facts, suggesting possible reasons for their longevity, and discussing the key functions that these legends have served martial artists both historically and today.

Bodhidharma: A Zen Monk’s Journey to the East

Zhang Sanfeng: The Founding of Internal Martial Arts

Morihei Ueshiba: The Quest for Ultimate Peace

Ng Mui & Yan Yongchun: The Dual Founders of Wing Chun

Nai Khanom Tom: The Hero of Ayutthaya Fights for Freedom

Choi Hong-Hi: Leading Korea from the Ashes of War

Miyamoto Musashi: A Swordsman Meets His Greatest Foe

Helio Gracie: Grapplers from the East and West Meet

Bruce Lee: Fighting for the Freedom to Teach Kung Fu

Bui Thi Xuan: The Swordswoman and the Tiger

Gogen Yamaguchi: Returning from the Gulag

Masutatsu Oyama: Taking on the Wild

“Vivid . . . profound . . . plausible . . . be inspired.”

—Shotokan Karate Portal

Over time, horses (like people) acquire postural habits, compensate for soreness and injury, and develop poor movement patterns. This limits performance ability, causes unsoundness and health issues, and ultimately undermines the horse's overall well–being.

Jec Aristotle Ballou has made a name for herself advocating for the horse and providing sensible instruction in his schooling, conditioning, and care. Her bestselling books and popular clinics are designed to enable any horse person to correctly apply proven principles that bring measurable progress while avoiding boredom and confusion.

In her latest collection of mounted and unmounted corrective exercises, Ballou demonstrates how we can actively work to improve the horse's posture and movement, whether he is:

• An active performance or pleasure mount.
• An aging or older horse that benefits from gentle exercise.
• A horse being rehabilitated following injury, illness, or lack of conditioning.

Ballou's positive cross–training techniques are free of shortcuts, and her guidelines for analyzing the horse's posture and way of going help readers gain a new awareness of the equine body. Applicable for all disciplines and full of quality color photographs to explain the exercises, this is an integral collection that optimizes how the horse uses his body and helps ensure he stays sounder and healthier for more years of his life.

“The story of Ike Ibeabuchi is one of the strangest in modern boxing history and Luke G. Williams has told it with great clarity, sensitivity, and skill. President of Pandemonium is crammed with raw and revealing details as Williams draws us into the unsettling world of a man as vulnerable as he was destructive. It is a gripping read.”—Donald McRae, The Guardian

Ike “The President” Ibeabuchi had the boxing world at his feet in 1997 after vanquishing David Tua in a battle for the ages in Sacramento. The Nigerian heavyweight’s subsequent descent into a vortex of mental illness and crime and punishment was as shocking as it was tragic.

Was Ibeabuchi a vulnerable man exploited by a ruthless sport and a dysfunctional criminal justice system, or was he guilty-as-charged for his deeds and rightly punished?

Somewhere amid a colorful cast of characters including Republican politicians, crooked promoters, and demons hiding in air-conditioning units, lies the uncomfortable truth.

In President of Pandemonium, Luke G. Williams vividly recreates Ibeabuchi’s life in and out of the ring. Combining exclusive interviews with those who guided his career and observed him closely, as well as firsthand testimony from “The President” himself, this is a story of brilliance destroyed by dark forces, both real and imagined.

In Mont Blanc Lines, photographer and alpinist Alex Buisse has travelled the Mont Blanc massif to capture images of all the major mountain faces and to trace the classic climbing and skiing lines. As well as Mont Blanc itself, also featured are other Alpine icons, including the north faces of the Grandes Jorasses and the Droites, the Aiguille du Midi, and the Grand Capucin.

Whether on the ground in crampons or on skis, or in the air by ultralight or paraglider, he has captured the majesty of the range so that he can tell the story of these classic lines and present them to us in the most stunning way possible.

Mont Blanc Lines features images taken during over a decade of mountaineering while Alex worked as a professional photographer based in Chamonix. Alex Buisse’s story of these iconic mountain faces is mixed with the stories of climbers who have experienced great moments there. As a bonus feature, also included are the legendary faces of the Matterhorn and the Eiger North Face in Switzerland.

Mont Blanc – The Finest Routes is a collection of the 100 must-do climbing routes in the Mont Blanc Massif.

Modern alpinism is a multi-faceted activity for which the Mont Blanc Massif is the perfect playground. Classic routes to which every mountaineer can aspire are surrounded by the towering rock faces, huge mixed walls, precipitous ice shields, serrated ridges and narrow gullies that define the massif’s harder climbs.

In order to attain these prestigious summits via the most interesting itineraries, this book presents a modern selection of 100 must-do routes, ranging from historic classics to more recent lines, described in order of increasing difficulty.

Author and mountain guide Philippe Batoux provides a comprehensive account of each route, outlining its history and atmosphere and giving all the technical information needed to climb it. These written descriptions are complemented by photo diagrams and detailed topos. In addition, every route is illustrated with superbly evocative photos that make best use of the book’s large format.

The routes were chosen for the quality of the rock, the reliability of the in-situ gear, the beauty of the surroundings, the prestige of the summit and the enthusiasm the route inspires.

Preference has been given to routes in the modern idiom, whether they are gullies that only form in winter, difficult free climbs on high-altitude cliffs, long ridge scrambles or traverses of major summits. There are routes here for all tastes, from famous classics such as the Cosmiques Ridge on the Aiguille du Midi, the American Direct on the Petit Dru, the Whymper Couloir on the Aiguille Verte, the Walker Spur on the Grandes Jorasses and the Kuffner Ridge on Mont Maudit to more recent gems such as Je t’ai conquis, Je t’adore on Pointe Lépiney, No Siesta on the Grandes Jorasses and Le Vent du Dragon on the Aiguille du Midi.

‘When it comes to training for climbing, you are your own experiment.’

Beastmaking by Ned Feehally is a book about training for climbing.

It is designed to provide normal people – like you and me – with the tools we need to get the most out of our climbing.

It is written by one of the world’s top climbers and a co-founder of Beastmaker.

It features sections on finger strength, fingerboarding, board training, mobility and core, and includes suggested exercises and workouts.

There are insights from some of the world’s top climbers, including Alex Honnold, Shauna Coxsey, Adam Ondra, Alex Puccio and Tomoa Narasaki.

Free from jargon, it is intended to provide enough information for us to work out what we need to train, and to help us to train it.

The Cycling Bible by renowned cycling author and journalist Chris Sidwells is a comprehensive guide to help you get the most out of cycling, whether you go road cycling, gravel riding, mountain biking or enjoy any other kind of two-wheeled fun.

Based on the author’s extensive experience and research, this book collates the knowledge you will need to specifically train for the technical, physical and mental aspects of cycling training. It includes riding positions, strength and conditioning, endurance training, the psychological side of training, tailoring nutrition to your goals and bringing it all together to create your own training plan. It also deals with choosing the right bike for you, making essential safety checks and carrying out maintenance.

Extensively illustrated, packed full of action photos, The Cycling Bible will help and motivate you to improve and develop as a cyclist and find even more joy in this fantastic sport.

Buddha Can Improve Your Sports Performance and Life

“No other person has had more influence on my thirty-six years of coaching than Jerry Lynch.”—Missy Foote, Head women's lacrosse coach, Middlebury College

#1 New Release in Coaching Hockey, Tennis, and Eastern Philosophy

The Competitive Buddha is about mastery, leadership, spirituality, and the Kobe Bryant Mamba Mentality. Discover how people from all parts of the world have brought together the Buddha and athletics for greater fun, enjoyment, and pleasure during their performances.

Connect spirituality to sports.  Learn what you need to keep, what you need to discard, and what you need to add to your mental, emotional, and spiritual skill set as an athlete, coach, leader, parent, CEO, or any other performer in life. Understand how Buddhism can help you to be better prepared for sports and life, and how sports and life can teach you about Buddhism.

On the court, field, and beyond. Dr. Lynch is an avid runner and biker and he has coached athletes at the high school and AAU level. He earned his doctorate in psychology at Penn State University and has done extensive post-doctoral work in the area of philosophy, Taoist and Buddhist thought, comparative religions, leadership development, and performance enhancement. Dr. Jerry Lynch demonstrates how certain timeless core Buddha values inspire you to embrace and navigate unchartered waters and understand the Buddha-mind and the Kobe Bryant Mamba Mentality.

Become a master coach of your own life. When it comes to leadership and coaching, The Competitive Buddha teaches how the best coaches today use the ancient methods for our modern times. Learn specific strategies and techniques for implementing this special way to guide and lead.

The Competitive Buddha teaches:

• Leadership Skills
• How to use Buddhism as an approach to competition
• How to master athletics and life

Readers who enjoyed Win the Day, Mamba Mentality, or Relentless Optimism will love The Competitive Buddha.

Master Richard Chun takes us on a first hand account of his life story and his dedication to the art of Taekwondo. We begin in Korea just before the Korean war and learn why Taekwondo is a noble and positive recreation for children, offering them challenges and lessons that they will reflect upon for their entire lives.

We follow as he takes Taekwondo to America not knowing how he and his art will be received. We see how Taekwondo plays a major role in this Grand Master's pursuit of a life in America and we cheer him on as he overcomes the difficulties a non-english speaking immigrant discovers in the USA. From celebrity students and their families (Donald Trump, Mayor Guliani, Gregory Hines) to everyday citizens, Master Richard Chun offers us the key to living a life of contribution to humanity through Taekwondo.

• Deepen Your Understanding of Taekwondo Traditions.
• Inspiration and Advice for a Lifetime of Practice.
• For All Styles and All Levels of Experience.

A Classical Vision of the Martial Arts

Through the millennia, man has been subject to aggression and violence from other men, and has pondered ways to meet such hostility. The source of man's ceaseless conflict lies in our nature. We are just not content with the simple life. We want what we do not have and lust for what others possess.

Empires wax and wane; states cleave asunder and coalesce. Thus it has ever been. – Three Kingdoms (Chinese Novel 1400 A.D.

Ironically enough, the modern civilized world promotes many alternatives for conflict resolution in place of overt violence. As a result, physical strength, mental determination and emotional endurance have lost their urgency in today's popular society. Are we a generation self-absorbed in the absence of routine discipline and sacrifice?

While the martial arts revolve around the way of personal combat, it also demands that its adherents live in accordance with a certain warrior code of conduct and honor. The Martial Way promises a long and arduous journey. It is an invitation to the subordination of self, the endurance of sustained practice, and the cultivation of the body and mind, with no tolerance for self-indulgences of any kind.

Martial arts without compassion and honor promises only violence. Stripped of its spirituality, it threatens injury and suffering to both its victims and its practitioners. In the end, this higher ideal is what separates the warrior from the predator.

In the martial arts, kata are the prearranged and choreographed dance-like forms used to convey the intricacies of a particular style to the practitioner. In a sense they are the physical form of an oral tradition, (a form of knowledge transference that many believe extends back several thousand years), training not only the body, but the mind and spirit. Kata are the basis for which modern day karate techniques have developed and hence kata are considered the 'textbooks' of the martial arts.

Kata is often called the mother of Karate. Bunkai is a kind of analysis (meaning, 'to disassemble') - a much neglected form of study within Karate.

These self-defense applications are what give the kata their true meaning and purpose. For the old masters, those of whom may have only practiced one or two kata their entire lives, the repetitions demanded of kata never became a burden because of the meaning, the bunkai. In thousands of schools around the world today, the various kata of Karate are taught and practiced. Unfortunately, not many know, or care to teach, the bunkai, referring to them a mysterious 'secrets.' In Shihan Te: The Bunkai of Kata, these "secrets" are revealed.

• Useful for all styles of Karate.
• The key to understanding Karate...and yourself!
• Discover the rich history and deeper meaning of the Martial Arts.

In the rich history of Major League Baseball (MLB), a transformative journey is unfolding…

Women are rising to prominent positions in team management, coaching, and leadership.

An increasing number of female coaches and front office leaders are making their mark in the league, signaling a positive change in the traditionally male-dominated field. Breaking through barriers, challenging stereotypes, and reshaping the landscape of a historically male-dominated industry, these women are pioneers in a movement toward greater diversity and inclusion within the sport of baseball. 

Leveling the Playing Field captures the compelling stories, triumphs, and challenges of women ascending the ranks of MLB coaching and leadership, exploring how their contributions are not only reshaping the front offices of teams and who is on the field but also influencing the future of America’s pastime.

Authored by Al Lautenslager, Leveling the Playing Field serves as a powerful testament to the evolving role of women in a traditionally male-centric arena.  

Playful, thoughtful, and evergreen, The Game at the End of the World reaches toward the touchstones of civilization while staying rooted in a sport that has no borders or boundaries.

Soccer fans will rejoice at this all-new volume of crackling, timely essays from the author of God Is Round: Tackling the Giants, Villains, Triumphs, and Scandals of the World’s Favorite Game. Juan Villoro explores the ancient origins, god-like star players, exhilarating highlights, and diehard devotees of a sport whose significance extends well beyond scoring goals. More than a game, soccer is a form of connection. More than physicality, it values strategy, creativity, and mental fortitude. It is a sport without an ideal athlete, where the passion of crowds is crucial.

As a prolific writer and frequent attendee of World Cup games around the world, Juan Villoro draws on his own long memory and rich understanding of soccer's cultural history to inspire readers, players, and fans long after the final whistle blows. With a journalist's quick-hitting pen and a philosopher's expansive outlook, he has produced a collection for curious newcomers and lifelong football buffs alike.

Playful, thoughtful, and evergreen, The Game at the End of the World reaches toward the touchstones of civilization while staying rooted in a sport that has no borders or boundaries.

Soccer fans will rejoice at this all-new volume of crackling, timely essays from the author of God Is Round: Tackling the Giants, Villains, Triumphs, and Scandals of the World’s Favorite Game. Juan Villoro explores the ancient origins, god-like star players, exhilarating highlights, and diehard devotees of a sport whose significance extends well beyond scoring goals. More than a game, soccer is a form of connection. More than physicality, it values strategy, creativity, and mental fortitude. It is a sport without an ideal athlete, where the passion of crowds is crucial.

As a prolific writer and frequent attendee of World Cup games around the world, Juan Villoro draws on his own long memory and rich understanding of soccer's cultural history to inspire readers, players, and fans long after the final whistle blows. With a journalist's quick-hitting pen and a philosopher's expansive outlook, he has produced a collection for curious newcomers and lifelong football buffs alike.

Riveting and inspiring first-person stories of how “taking a knee” triggered a political awakening among athletes of all ages and levels, from the celebrated sportswriter

“With profiles of courage that leap of the page, Zirin uncovers a whole national movement of citizen-athletes fighting for racial justice.”
—Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award–winning author of Stamped from the Beginning

Hailed by Publishers Weekly in a starred review as “an enthralling look at the impact of peaceful protest by sports figures at the high school, college, and professional levels,” The Kaepernick Effect explores the story of how quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s simple act of “taking a knee” spread like wildfire throughout American society, becoming the preeminent public symbol of resistance to America’s persistent racial inequality.

In this powerful book, critically acclaimed sports journalist and author Dave Zirin chronicles “the Kaepernick effect” for the first time, through “a riveting collection of first-person stories” (The Nation) from high school athletes and coaches, college stars and high-powered athletic directors, and professional athletes across many different sports—from Megan Rapinoe to Michael Bennett. In each case, he uncovers the fascinating explanations and motivations behind what became a mass political movement in sports.

“Necessary reading for all, especially those who want to make a difference in promoting social justice, equity, and inclusion, and end police brutality” (Library Journal, starred review), The Kaepernick Effect is for anyone seeking to get involved in the new movement for racial justice in America: “Take a knee, everyone, and start a revolution” (Kirkus Reviews).

Football is at a crossroads, its future imperiled by the very physicality that drives its popularity. Its grass roots—high school and youth travel program—are withering. But players from the small South Pacific American territory of Samoa are bucking that trend, quietly becoming the most disproportionately overrepresented culture in the sport.

Jesse Sapolu, Junior Seau, Troy Polamalu, and Marcus Mariota are among the star players to emerge from the Samoan islands, and more of their brethren suit up every season. The very thing that makes them so good at football—their extraordinary internalization of discipline and warrior self-image—makes them especially vulnerable to its pitfalls, including concussions and brain injuries.

Award-winning sports historian Rob Ruck travels to the South Seas to unravel American Samoa's complex ties with the United States. He finds an island blighted by obesity, where boys train on fields blistered with volcanic pebbles wearing helmets that should have been discarded long ago, incurring far more neurological damage than their stateside counterparts and haunted by Junior Seau, who committed suicide after a vaunted twenty-year NFL career, unable to live with the demons that resulted from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Tropic of Football is a gripping, bittersweet history of what may be football's last frontier.

Riveting and inspiring first-person stories of how “taking a knee” triggered a political awakening among athletes of all ages and levels, from the celebrated sportswriter

“With profiles of courage that leap of the page, Zirin uncovers a whole national movement of citizen-athletes fighting for racial justice.”
—Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award–winning author of Stamped from the Beginning

Hailed by Publishers Weekly in a starred review as “an enthralling look at the impact of peaceful protest by sports figures at the high school, college, and professional levels,” The Kaepernick Effect explores the story of how quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s simple act of “taking a knee” spread like wildfire throughout American society, becoming the preeminent public symbol of resistance to America’s persistent racial inequality.

In this powerful book, critically acclaimed sports journalist and author Dave Zirin chronicles “the Kaepernick effect” for the first time, through “a riveting collection of first-person stories” (The Nation) from high school athletes and coaches, college stars and high-powered athletic directors, and professional athletes across many different sports—from Megan Rapinoe to Michael Bennett. In each case, he uncovers the fascinating explanations and motivations behind what became a mass political movement in sports.

“Necessary reading for all, especially those who want to make a difference in promoting social justice, equity, and inclusion, and end police brutality” (Library Journal, starred review), The Kaepernick Effect is for anyone seeking to get involved in the new movement for racial justice in America: “Take a knee, everyone, and start a revolution” (Kirkus Reviews).

Riveting and inspiring first-person stories of how “taking a knee” triggered an awakening in sports, from the celebrated sportswriter

“The Kaepernick Effect reveals that Colin Kaepernick’s story is bigger than one athlete. With profiles of courage that leap off the page, Zirin uncovers a whole national movement of citizen-athletes fighting for racial justice.” —Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award–winning author of Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be an Antiracist

In 2016, amid an epidemic of police shootings of African Americans, the celebrated NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began a series of quiet protests on the field, refusing to stand during the U.S. national anthem. By “taking a knee,” Kaepernick bravely joined a long tradition of American athletes making powerful political statements. This time, however, Kaepernick’s simple act spread like wildfire throughout American society, becoming the preeminent symbol of resistance to America’s persistent racial inequality.

Critically acclaimed sports journalist and author of A People’s History of Sports in the United States, Dave Zirin chronicles “the Kaepernick effect” for the first time, through interviews with a broad cross-section of professional athletes across many different sports, college stars and high-powered athletic directors, and high school athletes and coaches. In each case, he uncovers the fascinating explanations and motivations behind a mass political movement in sports, through deeply personal and inspiring accounts of risk-taking, activism, and courage both on and off the field.

A book about the politics of sport, and the impact of sports on politics, The Kaepernick Effect is for anyone seeking to understand an essential dimension of the new movement for racial justice in America.

Football is at a crossroads, its future imperiled by the very physicality that drives its popularity. Its grass roots—high school and youth travel program—are withering. But players from the small South Pacific American territory of Samoa are bucking that trend, quietly becoming the most disproportionately overrepresented culture in the sport.

Jesse Sapolu, Junior Seau, Troy Polamalu, and Marcus Mariota are among the star players to emerge from the Samoan islands, and more of their brethren suit up every season. The very thing that makes them so good at football—their extraordinary internalization of discipline and warrior self-image—makes them especially vulnerable to its pitfalls, including concussions and brain injuries.

Award-winning sports historian Rob Ruck travels to the South Seas to unravel American Samoa's complex ties with the United States. He finds an island blighted by obesity, where boys train on fields blistered with volcanic pebbles wearing helmets that should have been discarded long ago, incurring far more neurological damage than their stateside counterparts and haunted by Junior Seau, who committed suicide after a vaunted twenty-year NFL career, unable to live with the demons that resulted from chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Tropic of Football is a gripping, bittersweet history of what may be football's last frontier.

Kicking ass and taking notes—what it’s like to be a woman in the ring.

Alison Dean teaches English literature. She also punches people. Hard. But despite several amateur fights under her belt, she knows she will never be taken as seriously as a male boxer. “You punch like a girl” still isn’t a compliment — women aren’t supposed to choose to participate in violence.

Her unique perspective as a 30-something university lecturer turned amateur fighter allows Dean to articulately and with great insight delve into the ways martial arts can change a person’s — and particularly a woman’s — relationship to their body and to the world around them, and at the same time considers the ways in which women might change martial arts.

Combining historical research, anecdotal experience, and interviews with coaches and fighters, Seconds Out explores our culture’s relationship with violence, and particularly with violence practiced by women.

"An important addition to women’s martial arts scholarship, Dean provides personal insight into the radical space women occupy in sport fighting. Seconds Out is a must-read for all fighters looking for mentors in the complicated world of martial arts." —L.A. Jennings, author of Mixed Martial Arts: A History from Ancient Fighting Sports to the UFC

"Dean brings a fresh new female voice to the topic of combat sports." —Trevor Wittman, renowned MMA trainer, UFC analyst, and founder of ONX Sports

"Trained in the discipline and art of both fighting and literature, Dean combines both with style. She honors the fighters, writers, and historians who have come before her and definitively ends the idea of women fighters as a novelty. Seconds Out is a must-read for anyone who feels the call of the bell and reverence for a good fight." —Sue Jaye Johnson

HERITAGE TORONTO 2022 BOOK AWARD NOMINEE

From basketball hoops to cricket bats, the role community sports play in our cities and how crucial they are to diversity and inclusion.

“The virus exposed how we live and work. It also revealed how we play, and what we lose when we have to stop.” For every kid who makes it to the NBA, thousands more seek out the pleasure and camaraderie of pick-up basketball in their local community centre or neighbourhood park. It’s a story that plays out in sport after sport – team and individual, youth and adult, men's and women's. While the dazzle of pro athletes may command our attention, grassroots sports build the bridges that link city-dwellers together in ways that go well beyond the physical benefits. The pandemic and heightened awareness of racial exclusion reminded us of the importance of these pastimes and the public spaces where we play. In this closely reported exploration of the role of community sports in diverse cities, Toronto journalist Perry King makes an impassioned case for re-imagining neighbourhoods whose residents can be active, healthy, and connected.

"I couldn’t stop reading Perry King’s Rebound. An evocative essay about the transformative and uniting power of local sports in a city with residents from every country in the world, the book is well researched, entertaining, and informative. It spoke to my own experiences as a young athlete fitting into a new city when I first came to Toronto – and to the importance our city government must place on local recreation and sports if our city is to help all residents reach their potential. A fantastic contribution to understanding Toronto – and to the power of local recreation in any major city." —David Miller, former mayor of Toronto

Kicking ass and taking notes—what it’s like to be a woman in the ring.

Alison Dean teaches English literature. She also punches people. Hard. But despite several amateur fights under her belt, she knows she will never be taken as seriously as a male boxer. “You punch like a girl” still isn’t a compliment — women aren’t supposed to choose to participate in violence.

Her unique perspective as a 30-something university lecturer turned amateur fighter allows Dean to articulately and with great insight delve into the ways martial arts can change a person’s — and particularly a woman’s — relationship to their body and to the world around them, and at the same time considers the ways in which women might change martial arts.

Combining historical research, anecdotal experience, and interviews with coaches and fighters, Seconds Out explores our culture’s relationship with violence, and particularly with violence practiced by women.

"An important addition to women’s martial arts scholarship, Dean provides personal insight into the radical space women occupy in sport fighting. Seconds Out is a must-read for all fighters looking for mentors in the complicated world of martial arts." —L.A. Jennings, author of Mixed Martial Arts: A History from Ancient Fighting Sports to the UFC

"Dean brings a fresh new female voice to the topic of combat sports." —Trevor Wittman, renowned MMA trainer, UFC analyst, and founder of ONX Sports

"Trained in the discipline and art of both fighting and literature, Dean combines both with style. She honors the fighters, writers, and historians who have come before her and definitively ends the idea of women fighters as a novelty. Seconds Out is a must-read for anyone who feels the call of the bell and reverence for a good fight." —Sue Jaye Johnson

HERITAGE TORONTO 2022 BOOK AWARD NOMINEE

From basketball hoops to cricket bats, the role community sports play in our cities and how crucial they are to diversity and inclusion.

“The virus exposed how we live and work. It also revealed how we play, and what we lose when we have to stop.” For every kid who makes it to the NBA, thousands more seek out the pleasure and camaraderie of pick-up basketball in their local community centre or neighbourhood park. It’s a story that plays out in sport after sport – team and individual, youth and adult, men's and women's. While the dazzle of pro athletes may command our attention, grassroots sports build the bridges that link city-dwellers together in ways that go well beyond the physical benefits. The pandemic and heightened awareness of racial exclusion reminded us of the importance of these pastimes and the public spaces where we play. In this closely reported exploration of the role of community sports in diverse cities, Toronto journalist Perry King makes an impassioned case for re-imagining neighbourhoods whose residents can be active, healthy, and connected.

"I couldn’t stop reading Perry King’s Rebound. An evocative essay about the transformative and uniting power of local sports in a city with residents from every country in the world, the book is well researched, entertaining, and informative. It spoke to my own experiences as a young athlete fitting into a new city when I first came to Toronto – and to the importance our city government must place on local recreation and sports if our city is to help all residents reach their potential. A fantastic contribution to understanding Toronto – and to the power of local recreation in any major city." —David Miller, former mayor of Toronto

Few clubs can boast a history as rich as Aston Villa Football Club. Founded in 1874, they have played in their home ground of Villa Park in Birmingham since 1897. Aston Villa is not only one of the oldest clubs in England but among some of the most successful. Having won the FA cup seven times and the League Cup five times, Aston Villa ranks 5th in the all-time English top flight table and is the seventh most successful club in English football by competitive honours. Villa is one of only three clubs that were founding members of both the Football League in 1888 and the Premier League in 1992.

Despite its overall prosperity, Villa has experienced ups and downs, including relegation from the Premier League in 2016. However, after three seasons in the EFL Championship and two ownership changes, the club returned to the Premier League in 2019, and in 2024, qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 1982. From Pongo Waring, 'Big Ron' Atkinson and 'Deadly Doug' Ellis to Peter Withe, Gary Shaw, Gareth Southgate, Dwight Yoke and Jack Grealish, hear from the bold voices that have shaped Aston Villa over the years and re-live the highs and lows of this historic club.

A lavish, illustrated companion to the Tour de France that makes for the perfect gift for any cycling fan.

The Official History of the Tour de France - fully revised and updated for 2025 - is a celebration of one of the greatest annual sporting events on the planet, and the premier competition in world cycling.

Through more than 300 photographs, rarely seen documents and items of memorabilia, this book covers more than a century of fascinating stories about the Tour and its many iconic features, from the gruelling challenges of its mountain climbs to its unmistakable yellow jersey.

This revised and updated edition includes an authoritative narrative account of each major era, from the origins of the event in the early 20th century, right up to and including the thrilling 2024 Tour. There are features on superstar cyclists and memorable moments from each period of the Tour's rich history, plus a foreword from legendary Tour de France champion Bernard Hinault. A must-read for cycling fans everywhere, this is the definitive illustrated book on the Tour.

Experience the greatest races in F1 history with this official, lavishly illustrated Formula 1 book

Spanning more than 70 years of incredible grand prix action, Formula 1: The Greatest Races delves into the adrenaline-fuelled narratives of 40 iconic races that have shaped the world's most popular motorsport.

From tense, personal duels that have decided championships to incredible comebacks against the odds and superhuman feats of driving in extreme conditions, each chapter showcases a legendary grand prix with insightful prose and captivating photography.

Relive the unforgettable battles between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill, and many more in this essential, officially licensed companion for F1 fans.

Oscar Piastri's star is on the rise - and at a meteoric rate. The 24-year-old is fighting to become the first Australian for 45 years to become Formula 1 world champion as he goes head-to-head with British McLaren teammate Lando Norris.

It could be a rivalry that lasts for many years, and one that is already capturing the imagination of race fans around the globe. Will Piastri and Norris replicate the fierce competition of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen or even reach the notorious dislike of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna?

With an entire nation watching and willing his every move behind the wheel, Piastri looks set to become a national hero and his F1 crowning seems more a matter of when rather than if. From his brilliance on the racetrack to his humble beginnings in Melbourne, The Little Guide to Oscar Piastri provides a fascinating snapshot of a thrilling driver who could dominate for years.

Packed with quotes, facts and trivia, it's the ultimate companion for any fan of Piastri or Formula 1 as his remarkable journey to pole position shifts through the gears.


SAMPLE CONTENT:

"It was in a service station car park in the UK. So, it wasn't the most glamorous place to be signing an F1 contract, but it was a very, very special feeling."
Oscar Piastri

"I knew, even when I was karting and racing the cars in Formula Four that the chances of reaching F1 are so slim, and I always tried to stay realistic. My main goal was to become a professional racing driver and be paid to drive race cars."
Oscar Piastri

For the early part of Oscar's career, his father Chris followed his son as his mechanic.

The Official History of the FIFA Women's World Cup is the definitive, authorised account of the world's biggest women's football tournament.

Fully updated to include Australia & New Zealand 2023 and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, this lavish visual history is packed with more than 800 stunning photographs, unique official documents and fascinating statistics. It's a celebration of women's football like no other.

In addition to game-by-game reviews of every Women's World Cup and Summer Olympic Games Women's Football tournaments, this volume contains an extensive history of women's football, exploring its development and spread around the world from its origins in the late 19th century to the present day.

Exhaustively researched by the experts at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, this is a beautifully packaged resource for anyone who loves women's football.

Containing the stories of four iconic car manufacturers, this collectable box holds a stunning set of books paying tribute to automotive excellence.

Exploring four world-renowned manufacturers who have made car production into an art form, each of these four little books follows the story of a brand from its creation, moving through its development history, the key models that define it, and its impact on the motoring landscape today.

Discover the truth behind the prancing horse with The Story of Ferrari, the engineering excellence that drives the 911 in The Story of Porsche, the effortless style that attracted James Bond in The Story of Aston Martin and the outrageous power behind the fantastic machines in The Story of Lamborghini.

Featuring hundreds of exquisite images and text by expert authors, these definitive guides to luxury cars are the perfect gift for any petrolhead.

The world's bestselling Grand Prix handbook is back for the new season.

This is the definitive guide to Formula 1 in 2025. A complete examination of all the teams racing this season, every driver and all the tracks featured in the packed Grand Prix calendar.

Also including a full review of the 2024 season and a breakdown of the new rules and regulations for 2025, this indispensable guidebook features a full breakdown of last season's drivers' and constructors' world championship results - as well as a fill-in chart for 2025, so each book becomes your own personalised guide to the year's action.

Written by bestselling F1 author Bruce Jones and containing dozens of breathtaking photographs and detailed circuit illustrations plus a statistics section highlighting the major records in F1 history, this is the only guide you'll need for the racing action ahead.

Speed, skill and a whole lot of personality - Lando Norris is more than just a Formula 1 driver; he's a rising legend. From his record-breaking junior career to becoming McLaren's fan-favorite star, Lando has captured the hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide with his raw talent, humour and fearless attitude on the track.

Norris has rapidly ascended the ranks of Formula 1, becoming a standout talent since his debut with McLaren in 2019. By 2024, he secured his first Grand Prix victory at the Miami Grand Prix, followed by wins in the Netherlands, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi totaling four career victories. Beyond his race wins, Norris has achieved 25 podium finishes and six pole positions, highlighting his consistent performance and skill.

This book is a celebration of everything Lando - from his most memorable quotes and on-track moments to fascinating facts about his journey to the top. Whether it's his iconic radio banter, wheel-to-wheel battles or his off-track charisma, this collection dives into what makes Lando one of the most exciting drivers in modern motorsport.

Perfect for die-hard F1 fans and newcomers alike, this is your ultimate guide to the life, speed, and legacy of Lando Norris.

This fantastic collection of F1 facts, stats and stories is back for a great new edition!

World Formula One Records 2026 offers lively, fun and fascinating facts, stats, stories and trivia from the high-octane world of F1. Featuring the best teams, star drivers and most famous circuits, the book also has all-time records, from 1950 onwards.

This new edition has the low-down on teams such as Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull; drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Ayrton Senna; and tracks like Silverstone, Monaco and Suzuka; plus all-time wins, points, titles, pole positions and much, much more.

This wonderful annual brings the most exciting sport on the planet to life!

The world's bestselling Grand Prix handbook is back for the new season.

This is the definitive guide to Formula 1 in 2026 - a complete examination of all the teams, drivers and tracks featured in the packed Grand Prix calendar. Also including a full review of the 2025 season and a breakdown of the new rules and regulations for 2026, this indispensable guidebook features a full breakdown of last season's drivers' and constructors' world championship results - as well as a fill-in chart for 2026, so each book becomes your own personalised guide to the year's action.

Written by bestselling F1 author Bruce Jones and containing dozens of breathtaking photographs and detailed circuit illustrations plus a statistics section highlighting the major records in F1 history, this is the only guide you'll need for the racing action ahead.

Do you know someone who plays golf?

Then you know someone who struggles with golf.

It's a hard sport! (Or, at least, that's what they say.)

In this, the ultimate survival guide to the game, Charles Rapshot shows you how to get back your love of the game (or make excuses as to why you hated it all along). Featuring:
- Alternative rules for bad golfers
- Ready-made excuses for when it's just not your day
- Slang for bad shots (that makes them a little funnier)
- A fool-proof guide to finding lost balls
- Inspirational quotes to help you pick yourself back up
- Stories of other people's failures (to make you feel less alone)
- Fun games to make being out there fun.
- And many, many more...

With this brilliant book packed full of excuses, tips, tricks and secrets to finally enjoy your game, you'll never have a bad moment out there.

And who knows, it might even help you improve.*

(*Not guaranteed.)

The best-selling collection of soccer facts, stats and stories is back for another fantastic new edition!

World Soccer Records 2026 offers lively, fun and fascinating facts and stats from the world of international soccer. Focusing on all the major world and continental tournaments, national team records, exceptional matches and the stars who made it all possible, this exhaustively researched annual tells the stories of these key moments and the players and teams behind them.

This new edition includes updated stats and facts for all recent major tournaments, awards and international teams. You'll also find the latest record-breaking achievements of more than 35 featured nations from around the world, including a sidebar with key stats, as well as updates and records for all the other FIFA members.

A wide-ranging look at football’s powerful but controversial governing body.

Football is the world’s most popular sport and truly a global phenomenon. As a result, it attracts huge sums of money from its advertisers, sponsors and broadcasters, including FIFA, the sport’s international governing body. So, given its decidedly chequered history, the question of what FIFA is for is crucial to the game’s future.

Examining the organisation’s successes such as the explosion of interest in the women’s game, alongside its failures and continuing crises over corruption and ethics, Alan Tomlinson asks: what will it take for FIFA to truly live up to its own mission of integrity, fair play and accessibility?

The story of Willie Mays's rookie year with the Negro American League's Birmingham Black Barons, the Last Negro World Series, and the making of a baseball legend

Baseball Hall of Famer Willie Mays is one of baseball's endearing greats, a tremendously talented and charismatic center fielder who hit 660 career homeruns, collected 3,283 hits, knocked in 1,903 runs, won 12 Gold Glove Awards and appeared in 24 All-Star games. But before Mays was the "Say Hey Kid", he was just a boy. Willie's Boys is the story of his remarkable 1948 rookie season with the Negro American League's Birmingham Black Barons, who took a risk on a raw but gifted 16-year-old and gave him the experience, confidence, and connections to escape Birmingham's segregation, navigate baseball's institutional racism, and sign with the New York Giants. Willie's Boys offers a character-rich narrative of the apprenticeship Mays had at the hands of a diverse group of savvy veterans who taught him the ways of the game and the world.

• Sheds new light on the virtually unknown beginnings of a baseball great, not available in other books
• Captures the first incredible steps of a baseball superstar in his first season with the Negro League's Birmingham Black Barons
• Introduces the veteran group of Negro League players, including Piper Davis, who gave Mays an incredible apprenticeship season
• Illuminates the Negro League's last days, drawing on in-depth research and interviews with remaining players
• Explores the heated rivalry between Mays's Black Barons and Buck O'Neil's Kansas City Monarchs , culminating in the last Negro League World Series
• Breaks new historical ground on what led the New York Giants to acquire Mays, and why he didn't sign with the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Yankees, or Boston Red Sox

Packed with stories and insights, Willie's Boys takes you inside an important part of baseball history and the development of one of the all-time greats ever to play the game.

Explores how fitness technology affects mental health, self-image, and social anxiety, revealing its paradoxical effects through insights from sports science, psychology, UX, and gender studies

Beyond the Metrics: The Psychological Impact of Fitness Technology on Self-Image and Social Anxiety offers a compelling, interdisciplinary analysis of digital fitness tools’ effects on mental well-being, identity formation, and physical self-perception. With technology’s pervasive influence on wellness, this book analyzes the meaning of existence and competition under conditions of continuous monitoring.
The authors, drawing upon their diverse expertise, offer valuable perspectives. Dr. Asegul Hulus, a specialist in user experience (UX) and human–computer interaction (HCI), provides insights into self-tracking, gendered interfaces, and platform anxieties. Professional bodybuilder and PhD candidate Esat Hulus offers insights into digital self-surveillance, the pressures of aesthetics, and the emotional toll of performance metrics; his perspective is further contextualized by Dr. Erman Doğan, a sport psychologist and academic, who analyzes motivation, body image, and psychosocial dynamics within competitive sport.
The joint analysis reveals how applications, wearable devices, and social media platforms may contribute to increased self-doubt, the development of body dysmorphia, and amplified social comparison, with a particular focus on young athletes and marginalized groups. This book also offers a vision of fitness technology that prioritizes well-being over ideals of perfection, promoting a more ethical and inclusive approach to design.
This monograph integrates empirical research and cultural critique, making it suitable for scholars, students, coaches, therapists, and designers working within the evolving fields of mental health, digital identity, and embodied performance. This book delves beyond the quantitative data to explore the qualitative aspects relevant to individuals concerned with self-tracking, the influence of social media aesthetics, or technology’s role in personal growth.

Identify your catch with the definitive field guide to nearly 1,200 freshwater fish of the United States and Canada.

Freshwater fishing is a perfect outdoor activity for all ages and skill levels. There’s a whole world to discover beneath the surface of North America’s lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you're casting for bass, spotting an unfamiliar species, or simply exploring aquatic life, the Freshwater Fish of North America Field Guide by Dave Bosanko and Dan Johnson is the ultimate guide to the fish you’ll find. When you’re not sure what you reeled in, pull this handy guide out of your tackle box and narrow your choices by family (based on visual characteristics). Then identify your prize with the intricately detailed fish illustrations. Further verify the type of fish using the “Similar Species” comparisons.

Book Features:

• Detailed information about nearly 1,200 species
• Professional illustrations—perfect for fish identification
• Helpful facts about habitat preferences, feeding behavior, and reproduction
• Expert fishing tips, including recommended baits and techniques for dozens of species
• Bonus content on fish anatomy, invasive species, and responsible angling practices

This authoritative guide blends scientific detail with practical advice, making it perfect for anglers, educators, and nature lovers. Learn how fish navigate their underwater environments and discover new techniques to improve your success on the water.

“I'm in My Early Forties. There are Days When I Don't Remember the Names of My Wife and Four Kids . . .”

“So powerful. This book might just change the way you think about sport forever” ─Sir Clive Woodward, English rugby union footballer and coach

Winner of the Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year Award 2023

England won the 2003 Rugby World Cup. At the heart of this triumph was Steve Thompson, a formidable presence in England's front row, navigating the intense battles of the scrum. However, the euphoria of victory came at a staggering cost and today, Steve Thompson has no recollection of that momentous final. To him, watching the tape of that match is like peering into the life of a ghost. Steve has been diagnosed with early onset dementia, and serious progressive brain damage.

A testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Unforgettable is the story of unwavering hope and unyielding courage, woven together with raw, powerful storytelling. This poignant sports memoir features contributions from his fellow world-cup winning teammates and his former manager, Sir Clive Woodward. As Steve grapples with the unrelenting challenges of dementia, he not only confronts his own past but also becomes a symbol of endurance, demonstrating that strength transcends the limits of the rugby field.

Inside, learn what it’s like:

• Dealing with a life change and learning to navigate life with dementia
• For rugby players to be pushing past the limit
  
• Reevaluating what’s important and navigating new family dynamics

If you have read other sports memoirs and biographies such as Open, Straight Shooter, or Choosing to Run, then Unforgettable is for you!

A True Story of Triumph Over Adversity and the Loss of a Child

In this gripping memoir, learn the true story of how mountaineering and extreme sports enthusiast Dianette Wells endures the devastating loss of her son and learns to balance motherhood with a life of extreme adventure.

Climbing over adversity. In her groundbreaking memoir, Another Step Up the Mountain, Dianette tells of her unique experiences climbing the Seven Summits, participating in adventure races (including four Eco-Challenges and ultra marathons around the world), as she raised three wonderful children. Trying to survive a tumultuous marriage, Dianette felt empty and unhappy. However, everything changed when she discovered adventure racing. Full of beautiful and uplifting moments, Dianette’s story will inspire you to discover the meaning of joy in your own healing journey.

Grief recovery and restoration with every step of the way. In 2015, Dianette lost her son Johnny to a wingsuiting accident, driving her to withdraw into severe depression. However, with the support of those around her, Dianette’s desire to compete in endurance sports and her love of mountain climbing helped her find an inner strength to begin healing. As she had in the past, she faced adversity and found her inner power by embracing her devotion to sports and family. Full of beautiful and uplifting moments, Dianette’s story will inspire you to rediscover what joy means to you and how we must cherish our intrinsic abilities.

Inside discover how Dianette:

• Discovers inner strength amidst adversity
• Balances motherhood while participating in extreme sports
• Finds resilience through mountaineering and ultra marathons
• Lives with tragic loss with unwavering determination

If you liked books such as No Summit Out of Sight; Climbing High; Into Thin Air; or Mother, Nature, you’ll love Another Step Up the Mountain.

The Ultimate Wilderness Survival Guide

“If you are serious about survival, this book is required reading.” ―Alan Kay, winner of Alone season 1 (History Channel) and coauthor of Decline and Decay: Strategies for Surviving the Coming Unpleasantness

#1 Bestseller in Caving & Spelunking and Hiking & Camping Instructional

Former Special Forces Operator and Instructor Joshua Enyart provides essential skills and a step-by-step wilderness survival strategy in his debut bushcraft book, Surviving the Wild.

A bushcraft survival and field guide. If you found yourself suddenly thrust into the wild without any modern conveniences like electricity, running water, wi-fi, or Google—would you know what to do? In a pandemic induced post-apocalypse, do you know what your first priority should be? If your caving, camping, or hiking adventure goes haywire, how would you ensure your survival? Written by a former Army Ranger and Green Beret, this survival book provides crucial information alongside a logical, systems-based approach to survival and preparedness.

Navigation, tools, first aid, and other survival strategies for the outdoors. Consider this your essential survival guidebook to making it in the wild. With it you’ll learn how to outmaneuver immediate threats, find shelter and nutrition, and navigate to where you want to go. Part first aid book, part survival handbook, Surviving the Wild contains chapters of information on making the most of minimal supplies, finding safe water, and above all—survival!

Look inside and you’ll find:

• Survival medicine and edible plant identification
• Instructions on how to build a fire, catch game, make a shelter, and more!

If you enjoyed survival books like Bushcraft 101, SAS Survival Handbook, How to Stay Alive in the Woods, or The Prepper's Medical Handbook, then you’ll love Surviving the Wild.

Master Wilderness Survival with Confidence

“Having this book in your backpack just may save your life one day.” ―Jesse Weiland, National Park Service ranger

#1 Bestseller in Safety & First Aid, Hiking & Camping, Natural Disasters, and Reference

This book equips you with essential bushcraft skills, tips for managing natural disasters, and techniques for dealing with wildlife encounters so you can survive anything Mother Nature delivers.

Survive the unexpected. Explore fascinating survival stories from author Rob Nelson and others who have braved random acts of nature. From shark or crocodile attacks to grizzly bear encounters to storms at sea, these stories aren't just thrilling—they're educational. Through these gripping tales, you'll gain wisdom and learn the secrets to survival.

The only survival guide you need in your backpack. Transform fear into skill with this practical bushcraft guide. An excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about living and surviving in the great outdoors, this survival guide is your year-long crash course for ultimate disaster management. Learn bushcraft skills including building shelters, starting fires, and wilderness navigation. Get tips on surviving wildlife encounters (bears, snakes, sharks, moose). And, learn how to deal with natural disasters including earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires.

Inside, you'll find:

• Practical guidance on surviving wildlife encounters
• Fundamental bushcraft skills
• Insights on navigating natural disasters
• Strategies to identify and handle challenges, transforming you into a seasoned survivalist

If you enjoyed books like Bushcraft 101, The Worst Case Scenario, The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs, The Ultimate Prepper’s Survival Bible, or SAS Survival Handbook, then you should own Mother Nature is Not Trying to Kill You.

Stars, Stripes & Speed: America’s Formula 1 Story is a bold and visually striking celebration of the United States’ evolving role in the world’s most glamorous motorsport. From early flashes of promise to today’s cultural and commercial prominence, Roger Smith charts America’s unique journey in Formula 1 — a story decades in the making and still gaining speed.

Across stunning visuals, sharp commentary, and exclusive infographics, author Roger Smith explores how the U.S. transitioned from an uncertain participant to a powerful player reshaping the sport’s modern identity. From Watkins Glen and Long Beach to Miami and Las Vegas, the book traces the circuits, personalities, and pivotal moments that defined America’s stop-start relationship with F1 — and its dramatic resurgence under Liberty Media’s stewardship.

Inside, you’ll find chapters dedicated to groundbreaking drivers like Phil Hill and Mario Andretti, influential teams and sponsors, media revolutions from ESPN to Netflix, and the growing spectacle of U.S.-based races. Timelines and data-led graphics bring key milestones to life, from rising attendance and viewership to the expanding fanbase drawn in by Drive to Survive.

Whether you’re a new recruit to the grid or a lifelong motorsport devotee, Stars, Stripes & Speed is a timely and essential retrospective — not just of America’s place in Formula 1, but of its accelerating influence on what the sport has become.

Includes material adapted and updated from Formula 1 All the Races 2016–2024: Liberty Media’s Makeover.

Great coaching isn’t just about strategy—it’s about understanding people. The best teams aren’t just built on talent; they thrive on trust, communication, and emotional intelligence.

A Coach’s Guide to the Enneagram provides a game-changing framework for coaches who want to lead with impact, connect deeply with their players, and build a championship culture. By using the Enneagram, a powerful tool for understanding motivation and behavior, coaches will learn how to bring out the best in each athlete, improve team dynamics, and navigate challenges with confidence.

With practical insights, real-world coaching examples, and a deep dive into the nine unique personality types, this informative guide equips coaches to adapt their leadership approach, foster resilience, and create lasting influence both on and off the field.

Winning is important, but building strong, motivated, and inspired athletes is what truly sets great coaches apart. A Coach’s Guide to the Enneagram will help coaches step up their leadership and transform the way they coach.

Go Fishing with Michigan’s Famous Identification Guide!

Fishing is a perfect outdoors activity for all ages and skill levels, and the Great Lake State is an angler’s paradise. Reel in fish, and make identifying your catches a snap. Now in its second edition, the Fish of Michigan Field Guide by Dave Bosanko features detailed information about 79 species of Michigan fish. When you’re not sure what you caught, grab the handy guide and narrow your choices by family. Then identify your prize with the intricately detailed fish illustrations. Further verify the type of fish using the “Similar Species” comparisons.

Book Features:

• Detailed information about 79 species
• Professional-quality illustrations—perfect for fish identification
• Fascinating facts on spawning behavior, feeding habits, and more
• Fishing tips and inside information for easily locating fishing hotspots
• Bonus resources such as state fishing records and answers to frequently asked questions

This new edition includes updated information about everything from range to state records, as well as the inclusion of six new species. A new section on fishing tips offers pointers to help you catch more fish, and more information on invasive species can help prevent their spread. The Fish of Michigan Field Guide is essential for every tackle box, beach bag, RV, and cabin. Plus, its convenient size makes it perfect for the dock or boat.

Get the everyperson’s guide to running from “America’s coach” Jeff Galloway, and experience the unforgettable lifetime accomplishment of running a marathon.

If you haven’t already begun training for a marathon, you’ve probably thought about doing so. Former Olympic athlete and record-setting distance runner Jeff Galloway is here to say, “You can do it!” Jeff has been coaching runners for more than 50 years. He is the official training consultant for the runDisney series of races. With the new edition of Marathon, he’ll guide you every step of the way. Jeff has updated his unique programs that show runners how to train for—and finish—a marathon.

Jeff’s revolutionary run walk run® method of training has enabled hundreds of thousands of people to complete marathons, and you can be among them. This innovative method opens marathon running to everyone, including those who may be out of shape, overweight, or past their athletic prime. Discover how to set up a personal training program, stay motivated, avoid injuries, burn fat, and more. You won’t have to compromise your career or family life to be successful. This new edition includes updated training schedules with recovery components, and most training weeks require only 3 x 30 minutes of running or walking. You’ll also appreciate the latest information on nutrition, mental training, eliminating injuries and exhaustion, and step-by-step instructions that give you control of your training regime.

Jeff’s motivation techniques have kept countless marathoners on the road to their goals. This book shows you how to keep the fun in your run and how to stay away from aches and pains. With such guidance, it’s possible for almost anyone to achieve the lifetime goal of finishing a marathon—while enhancing health, stamina, and life quality.

Benefit from coverage of topics like these:

• Training and inspiration
• Food and fat-burning
• Dealing with injuries and getting older

Go Fishing with Minnesota’s Famous Identification Guide!

Fishing is a perfect outdoors activity for all ages and skill levels, and the Land of 10,000 Lakes is an angler’s paradise. Reel in fish, and make identifying your catches a snap. Now in its second edition, the Fish of Minnesota Field Guide by Dave Bosanko features detailed information about 81 species of Minnesota fish. When you’re not sure what you caught, grab the handy guide and narrow your choices by family. Then identify your prize with the intricately detailed fish illustrations. Further verify the type of fish using the “Similar Species” comparisons.

Book Features:

• Detailed information about 81 species
• Professional-quality illustrations—perfect for fish identification
• Fascinating facts on spawning behavior, feeding habits, and more
• Fishing tips and inside information for easily locating fishing hotspots
• Bonus resources such as state fishing records and answers to frequently asked questions

This new edition includes updated information about everything from range to state records, as well as the inclusion of six new species. A new section on fishing tips offers pointers to help you catch more fish, and more information on invasive species can help prevent their spread. The Fish of Minnesota Field Guide is essential for every tackle box, beach bag, RV, and cabin. Plus, its convenient size makes it perfect for the dock or boat.