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The Vikings Reader
The Minnesota Vikings are one of pro football's most successful franchises, with seventeen divisional championships, twenty-five postseason berths, and four Super Bowl appearances to their name. Yet as any Minnesotan can attest to, life as a Vikings fan can be a maddening affair-while the Vikings were the first team to appear in four Super Bowls, they were also the first to lose four Super Bowls.
Armand Peterson's "The Vikings Reader" is the fascinating, yard-by-yard chronicle of fifty years of Vikings football from the perspective of the sportswriters and other commentators who were there as the stories unfolded. Through a wide range of regional articles, national columns, and book excerpts-all framed by Peterson's own insightful narrative-this impressionistic history invites readers to relive such defining moments
-Fran Tarkenton's four touchdowns as the Vikings beat the Chicago Bears in their first game on September 17, 1961
- the inspirational "40 for 60" team of 1969 and the Vikings' first Super Bowl appearance
- the dominance of the 1970s, the vaunted "Purple People Eaters" defense, and three more crushing Super Bowl defeats
- the 1998 Vikings' NFL scoring record, led by Cunningham, Carter, Moss, and Smith
- roller-skating cheerleaders, the "Last Great Tailgate Party" at Met Stadium, ownership controversies, and Adrian Peterson's single-game rushing record
- classic reportage from Jim Klobuchar, Sid Hartman, Frank Deford, Patrick Reusse, Peter King, Jim Murray, and many others
From the early days of Fran Tarkenton to the rushing records of Adrian Peterson, from the bleachers of Met Stadium to the locker rooms of the Metrodome, "The Vikings Reader" revels in the plays that have brought generations of purple and gold fans to their feet-or left them groaning in their seats-and brings Vikings football to life for fans everywhere.
Armand Peterson's "The Vikings Reader" is the fascinating, yard-by-yard chronicle of fifty years of Vikings football from the perspective of the sportswriters and other commentators who were there as the stories unfolded. Through a wide range of regional articles, national columns, and book excerpts-all framed by Peterson's own insightful narrative-this impressionistic history invites readers to relive such defining moments
-Fran Tarkenton's four touchdowns as the Vikings beat the Chicago Bears in their first game on September 17, 1961
- the inspirational "40 for 60" team of 1969 and the Vikings' first Super Bowl appearance
- the dominance of the 1970s, the vaunted "Purple People Eaters" defense, and three more crushing Super Bowl defeats
- the 1998 Vikings' NFL scoring record, led by Cunningham, Carter, Moss, and Smith
- roller-skating cheerleaders, the "Last Great Tailgate Party" at Met Stadium, ownership controversies, and Adrian Peterson's single-game rushing record
- classic reportage from Jim Klobuchar, Sid Hartman, Frank Deford, Patrick Reusse, Peter King, Jim Murray, and many others
From the early days of Fran Tarkenton to the rushing records of Adrian Peterson, from the bleachers of Met Stadium to the locker rooms of the Metrodome, "The Vikings Reader" revels in the plays that have brought generations of purple and gold fans to their feet-or left them groaning in their seats-and brings Vikings football to life for fans everywhere.
370 pages, Hardcover
First published August 17, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 5, 2017
From Van Brocklin to the Purple People Eaters, to a new "new sheriff in town" and an "All Day" running back, "The Vikings Reader" covers it all from the people (sportswriters) who saw it first hand.
Up until "now" (circa 2008), the history of the Minnesota Vikings was told primarily by Jim Klobuchar in a series of books. While his accounts were interesting and filled with personal stories and halcyon memories, this book gets right to the source by re-printing the original news articles about the events transpiring. Thus, instead of the personal recollections of one man, "The Reader" takes the pulse of the people at the time of the action, not looking at the past through rose-colored or cynical glasses.
I have "studied" Vikings history for a number of years now (being a relatively young 24-year old fan), and so far this is my favorite book on the subject for its intriguing format and comprehensive history of my beloved football franchise. I would love to see this volume updated in the years to come to include the recent "Brett Favre" years and all the hoopla surrounding it.
Up until "now" (circa 2008), the history of the Minnesota Vikings was told primarily by Jim Klobuchar in a series of books. While his accounts were interesting and filled with personal stories and halcyon memories, this book gets right to the source by re-printing the original news articles about the events transpiring. Thus, instead of the personal recollections of one man, "The Reader" takes the pulse of the people at the time of the action, not looking at the past through rose-colored or cynical glasses.
I have "studied" Vikings history for a number of years now (being a relatively young 24-year old fan), and so far this is my favorite book on the subject for its intriguing format and comprehensive history of my beloved football franchise. I would love to see this volume updated in the years to come to include the recent "Brett Favre" years and all the hoopla surrounding it.
September 16, 2011
Much more fascinating than it really has any right to be, the Vikings Reader is a chronicle of the history of the Vikings, as told by contemporary news stories, particularly from the local newspapers. Because the story is told from these contemporary sources, it focuses a lot on the emotion and perception of the local populace, rather than analytical 20/20 hindsight.
Almost by accident, the Reader ends up being a history of Minnesota sportswriting. The shifts in tone from the beginning to the end of the book are astounding. It really does show just how much even our sportswriting has changed from the 50s to today.
What really sets this book apart, however, is the focus on the off-field history. The on-field results of the Vikings are documented, sure, but in a long-view book like this, the most interesting stories happen off-the-field. The ephemera of sports shines through, like the constant stadium struggle, the coaching changes and the tailgating culture. The on-field results of all but the most exceptional teams and players fade from memory, but the swirling culture surrounding a franchise is enduring, and this book capitalizes well on that fact.
Almost by accident, the Reader ends up being a history of Minnesota sportswriting. The shifts in tone from the beginning to the end of the book are astounding. It really does show just how much even our sportswriting has changed from the 50s to today.
What really sets this book apart, however, is the focus on the off-field history. The on-field results of the Vikings are documented, sure, but in a long-view book like this, the most interesting stories happen off-the-field. The ephemera of sports shines through, like the constant stadium struggle, the coaching changes and the tailgating culture. The on-field results of all but the most exceptional teams and players fade from memory, but the swirling culture surrounding a franchise is enduring, and this book capitalizes well on that fact.
February 3, 2016
a good history of the Vikings as told via articles and interviews, culled from various newspapers and autobiographies up through the 2008 season. Wow, I had forgotten (intentionally?) the behind-the-scenes turmoil of the late 80s and the 90s. The Gang of 10, Roger Headrick, Mike Lynn, the Walker trade, Denny Green's book, Red McCombs' penny-pinching...
I'm so happy with the team and Mike Zimmer now. Bring on 2016!
I'm so happy with the team and Mike Zimmer now. Bring on 2016!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews