McGoorty: A Billiard Hustler's Life

Rating:
Summary: A great book from a better time in America
Review: McGoorty: A billiard hustler's life is one of the greatest books I have ever read. It is out of print, but a few years back I got it from the Cornhusker catalog. Anyway, this book is a narrative that is just funny as hell and poignant, from beginning to end. It's all about Danny McGoorty, and his rise from being a no-name drunk pool hustler, to a drunk box car bum, and then to a sober billiard champion playing among the likes of Willie Hoppe and Ray Ceulemans. A must read for anybody who likes a story that won't slow down, and a definite must for any pool player or fanatic. Find this used or whatever, but get it!!

Rating:
Summary: A fun tour of the golden age of billiards in the US
Review: Thank goodness for people like Robert Byrne who have the foresight and passion to document the lives of subculture luminaries. Dan McGoorty was one such personality, and I'm glad this book is back in print.

On one hand, McGoorty was a person whom many considered a waste of life; on the other hand, he was a master of a complex and subtle game. The contrast of these two aspects of McGoorty makes for a fascinating read. There's also a section in which McGoorty shares with us his experience with other notable pool and billiard champs. Highly recommended for anybody interested in the history of billiards.