Squash : A History of the Game

Rating:
Summary: A Great Read
Review:
"Squash: A History of the Game" was a very interesting read, and I especially recommend it for all players of Squash. Although dense at points, this book really gives a great history of how squash came to be. James Zug takes us through the transformation from a game named fives, first played against a kitchen chimeny wall, to raquets made from bamboo sticks, to the regulation size courts and oversized hyper titanium raquets we know today. It even explained why "Squash" is called squash, the mysterious question that nobody on my team seems to know the answer to. Im not going to tell you however, you'll have to read it on your own. Like I said before, I belive this book is more enjoyable for squash players. This is just my opinion however, so if you don't play squash I still suggest you try reading this book.

Well anyway thats my 2 cents. Altogether I think this book is definitly a great read, and definitly very useful as a reference if you are writing an essay on the history of squash. Four star material.

-Jalper


Rating:
Summary: Like golf on TV...
Review: ...if you've never played golf, it's darn near unwatchable. If you've never played squash, I'm not sure this book is all that readable, save in small chunks. However, for a player such as me it's a great book. Most interesting are Zug's efforts at unravelling the origins of the game from the morass of legends, myths and speculations surrounding that whole English prison/public school debate; and his thoughts on the fairly recent conversion of the North American countries to the international softball game. He mourns, as I do somewhat, the loss of the quirky games and personalities that the American hardball game produced.
If I had one quibble it would be the author's dwelling on the stories and athletes with ties to the Ivy League's perennial squash powers. I could have used a little less history of Harvard's stars of the 1920's and a little more on some less well-known squash luminaries. For example, Heather McKay, the Australian, won the British Open 16 consecutive years, didn't lose a single game in a tournament for nine straight years, etc., etc., but merits two paragraphs?
Overall an impressive accomplishment for Mr. Zug. Well written, thoroughly researched, and heartfelt. Thanks!

Rating:
Summary: Sports Brought to Life! Amazing Characters...Great History
Review: Take your pick: Whether you're a sports nuts or a fan of history, you'll love this book. Zug catches you right away and pulls you into this fun, quirky, elite, competitve world. Even if you've never seen a squash game, this is a great read. You'll be delighted by the memorable characters and refreshing writing. A GREAT read!!

Rating:
Summary: North Am Squash
Review: The title of the book is misleading - it is purely about North American squash history.

I was expecting write ups on recognized international greats and found nothing.

Rating:
Summary: Instant Classic of a Mine Unworked
Review: This book, as the forward by the late George Plimpton indicates, is the first comprehensive history of American squash, and it is a hard act to follow. As such it is pretty much assured "instant classic" status.

Problems with the book: 1) The title does not indicate that it is a history of squash in America. Except for the very early history of squash in England, do not expect to find much outside the U.S. and Canada. 2) It is written for the squash player, and will be difficult to read for outsiders--except perhaps as a reference.

Good things about the book: Everything else.