The Best American Sports Writing Of The Century

David Halberstam is often overlooked as a writer despite the success of his books during his lifetime. As one of the editors of this anthology, his introduction should be read by anyone wishing to understand why sports have become inseparable from American culture and how the skills of writers on the subject have concurrently matured. Although Halberstam was better known for his work as a journalist and historian, sports writing was his first love and the pieces in this collection must have been chosen accordingly. From Lardner to Updike and Deford these pieces all shine like gems illuminating uniquely American literature.

This book is a compilation of game stories and articles written by the most accomplished names in the business. From human interest pieces to game coverage and analysis, this book covers them all. I've had a hard time putting it down because of the interesting angles and perspectives the collective authors write their stories from. This book is a must have for the avid sports reader.

As one of the best historians and sports writers of the 20th century, Halberstam is well qualified to be the editor. He knows great writing, and you'll thoroughly enjoy this volume.

I purchased this book both last year and last month. One son liked it so much, I gave it to another son as part of his birthday gift. Great stories by even greater writers. I would recommend this book as a gift or just for reading yourself. Even if you're not a rabid sports fan, these stories are just too good not to read.

Outstanding. This is an excellent compilation of sports writing from the 20th Century. Well worth the investment for any sports fan. It is a BIG volume with lots of stories and a nice variety too.

The book is full of great sports stories by writers you know well. There are three long stories (magazine continuing series type pieces), and many other shorter ones. Good read!

This is a book that I have purchased at least four times, and given to friends and relatives to read. Anyone who has lived through some of these times, as depicted in this book, will have a love for the stories that are told here.

per request of a friend who had asked if I had ever read this book, and I have not even heard of this title, I bought it. It exceeds expectation is pretty much a must read for all sports fans.

Just magnificent writing, it brings the sporting heroes, places, events, etc. to life. It gets behind the myths and the individuals as they are normally presented to us. This first chapter on Joe DiMaggio is insightful, rich in pathos, informative and always respectful. Chapter 3 on Ted Williams, someone I did not know much about as I reside in the UK, presented a legend to us warts and all. I now intend to buy the annual book one at a time spaced out each quarter until I have shelf [or maybe two] full of them. Just fantastic, a must for every sports fan.

This was purchased as a gift and the recipient was delighted with the content. This an excellent anthology and suitors for anyone with an interest in sports writing.

There was so much good stuff in here. I could read this many times over. It's exactly what I was hoping it would be.

Book for my dad.