Harlem Globetrotters

by George Vecsey

Vintage biography

Genres: Sports, History, Biography

160 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published June 1, 1970

Reviews

[Hollister · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was really weird to read a book for children in the 1970s.

[Anthony Palacios · Rating 4 out of 5]

''The Harlem Globetrotters'' by George Vecsey was overall a good book. This book was about the Harlem Globetrotters' rise to fame and how they have impacted basketball today. This book describes the team when they first started off playing in any "arena" they could find, including a drained out swimming pool. This was a time of segregation, and the Globetrotters found it hard to get around. They were forced to sleep in in private homes because black people were rarely allowed to stay in hotels. A lot of times they found it difficult to get a good hot meal because of the segregated restaurants. They were forced to have takeout or receive food from the backdoor. The book goes over their stuggles to make it big, but most importantly it discusses their yearn to please the fans. The color of their skin did not matter when it came to playing basketball. They played their game, but even more, they excited the crowd. The Harlem Globetrotters became known as the "clown princes" of the court. I liked this book because it incorporated humor while also telling the story of the Harlem Globetrotters. I would recommend this book to any basketball fans out there because it teaches you a lot about the game and it motivates those who want to make it big to keep pushing because it's possible. The Globetrotters did it during the Civil Rights Movement, and you can do it no matter what struggles you may go through.

[Benn Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third time I've read this book. The first time was back when I was in fourth or fifth grade. Then about 4 years later, while I was in Junior High, I read it again. Now forty years later, having gotten another copy of it, I read it one more time.

I could complain the book is superficial and lacking any real depth to it, but that'd be pointless. This is a bio aimed at a much younger reading audience. Despite that, it does provide a very good overview and acts as excellent primer and introduction into the history of the Harlem Globetrotters. Even if the book glosses over things like Goose Tatum's death being related to his alcoholism.

Possibly the biggest drawback, for modern sensibilities, is how often the book refers to African-Americans as "Negroes". I'm not sure, but my recollection is that even the early seventies, when this book was originally written, the use of the word, "Negro" to refer to black people was frowned upon. (My copy is a later edition, probably published in 1975, with updates added to the text. Which makes author's George Vecsey's use of the word, "Negro" even more questionable.)

But still, as a simple, happy look at the early part of the Globetrotters' career, "Harlem Globetrotters" by George Vecsey is definitely worthwhile.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember this as one of my favorite books of the early 1970s. Only in recent years did I connect author Vecsey to his reporting on sports for the New York Times. Loving the Globetrotters, I learned from their life stories.
Recommended.

[Nicholagibson221]

the book i read was soooooooooooooo amazing because it makes you want to read it over and over and over again.this book is called YOUR TIME IS UP and if anyone reads this you will be amazed.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

My brother had this one.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good and is a funny read

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like easy to read books. Every one love the Harlem Globetrotters and this is their story.