Description
Sport has always delivered thrilling victories and gut-wrenching defeats, but moments of good sportsmanship are increasingly rare. It's Not the Winning that Counts celebrates, among others, the football team who kicked their penalties wide because they refused to believe their opponents would foul them, the round-the-world yachtsman who turned back to rescue a rival; the tennis player (Jimmy Connors!) who deliberately double faulted in a Grand Slam final to cancel out line calls that had gone against his opponent.
In the era of the dive, the head butt and the professional foul, Max Davidson takes a roll call of the white knights of sport, from David Beckham to Freddie Flintoff, Jesse Owens to Mohammed Ali.
About the Author
Max Davidson is a novelist, critic and journalist. He is also a life-long armchair sports fan, with the passion and argumentativeness of the breed.
Reviews
** 'Almost impossible to read this book without wiping away a manly tear. A joy - a simple but brilliant idea executed with great skill and judgement * DAILY MAIL *
** 'A splendid narrative. Take along Max Davidson's charming book next time you go to a sporting event. I guarantee it will warm you on the wettest day and in the chilliest stadium * MAIL ON SUNDAY *
** 'Sports fans will be delighted . . . elegant and erudite, strikes a blow for the idea that sport can elevate human character * Ed Smith,SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, Book of the Week *
Book Information
ISBN 9780349122076
Author Max Davidson
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Abacus
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 234g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 142mm * 20mm