Between the 1950s and 1970s Australia was the world's tennis superpower, producing players who dominated the grand slam events and the tour in both the amateur and professional eras. Of all of our players, none were more successful, famous or influential than Rod Laver whose two singles Grand Slams have never been equalled in men's tennis.

The Golden Era is Rod's account of those great years. As a participant and eye witness, he captures the excitement and drama of the great wins, and gives us genuine insight into the Australian champions who gave us so many victories. Written with all of Rod's incredible tennis knowledge, and with key interviews from Frank Sedgman, Ken Rosewall, the late Lew Hoad, Mal Anderson, Ashley Cooper, Roy Emerson, Fred Stolle, John Newcombe and Margaret Court The Golden Era is the definitive story of a quarter century of Australian tennis domination that will almost certainly never be repeated.

About the Author

Rod Laver AC, MBE was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1938. He ranks as one of the greatest tennis players of all time - if not the greatest. A key member of the golden era of Australian tennis in the 1950s, '60s and early '70s, he won 11 Australian singles titles, two French, four Wimbledon and two United States singles championships. He was a member of six doubles- and three mixed doubles-winning teams at those events. All this, despite being banned from amateur tennis while playing on the professional circuit from 1963-68. He is the only player to achieve two Grand Slams, winning the singles crown at all four Major tournaments - Australian, French, Wimbledon and United States - in the 1962 and 1969 calendar years. In 2000, the main arena at Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open, was named Rod Laver Arena in his honour. As a player, Rod exemplified all that is good about the sport of tennis, and continues to do so as a revered elder statesman of the game and inspiration to new generations of champions. He lives in Carlsbad, California.

Larry Writer is the author of the Ned Kelly Award-winning Razor: Tillie Devine, Kate Leigh and the Razor Gangs; the William Hill Prize shortlisted Dangerous Games: Australia at the 1936 Nazi Olympics; Pitched Battle: In the Frontline of the 1971 Springbok Tour of Australia; Bumper: The Life and Times of Frank 'Bumper' Farrell; and Never Before, Never Again: The Story of St George's 11 Straight Rugby League Premierships, 1956-66. He has also collaborated with tennis legends Rod Laver, John Newcombe and Margaret Court, and rock star Chrissie Amphlett, on their memoirs.

Book Information
ISBN 9781760529109
Author Rod Laver
Format Hardback
Page Count 576
Imprint Allen & Unwin
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Weight(grams) 980g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 158mm * 48mm