The Book of British Sporting Heroes Book

Debate is always at the centre of any discussion on sporting heroes, and one thing you will be promised in The Book of British Sporting Heroes is a little bit of disagreement--not because Huntingdon-Whiteley has got it wrong, but because it is one subject on which fans can never agree. Starting with the 18th-century aristocrats who excelled in pugilism and horse riding, the book (which accompanied a National Portrait Gallery exhibition of the same name) goes through all eras of sporting prowess from then to the present day. Football obviously gets many entries--from George Best, Bobby Robson and Bobby Moore through to Gascoigne, Giggs and Shearer--but as notable as those that are listed are those that aren't. Michael Owen probably shot to fame too late for publication, but David Beckham is conspicuous by his absence. Other sports also have strong representation. Heroes of cricket, rugby, tennis, boxing, even ice skating (whose status as a sport is a debate in itself!) grace the pages of this wonderfully illustrated and impeccably produced book. Rather light on heroines, the inclusion of Sally Gunnell, Tessa Sanderson and Kitty Godfree (and the few other women) only reinforces their prowess in an area in which it is traditionally difficult for females to find recognition. An ambitious project, this wonderful reference book (each entry is accompanied by a short precis of the person's career and many have photographs or pictures too) pulls off the difficult balance between past and present; information and interest; skill and stardom. A must for true British sport fans, this book will inspire arguments for years to come. --Lucie NaylorRead More