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Classic Wiley: A Lifetime of Punchers, Players, Punks and Prophets
A definitive compilation of writings by the pioneering late journalist brings together some of Wiley's finest feature stories from Sports Illustrated, columns from ESPN.com, excerpts from his books and screenplays, and "Parting Shots" from the ESPN TV show The Sports Reporters.
257 pages, Hardcover
First published June 22, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 17, 2019
Martin Scorsese once said words to the effect that the artist's job is to make the viewer/reader care about their obsessions. This is easy if the viewer/reader has the same obsessions as you. Trickier, and a greater accomplishment when members of your audience don't share your obsessions.
"Serenity" by Ralph Wiley is one of my favorite books ever written by a sports journalist. But it's about boxing, and boxing is the only sport I care about.
"Classic Wiley" is about several sports, including football, baseball, and basketball, and even though I don't give a fig for any of these (I'll throw a tennis ball for my dog, but that's as far as it goes) I read most or all of these short essays and articles with the same kind of rapt attention I did the pieces in "Serenity" (some of which are reprinted here, but I have no complaints on that front).
Mr. Wiley's style could best be described as a mix between the syncopated and the staccato, at times having an improvisational joy to it (like Jazz, or, like bee-bop influenced boxers); other times it's frenzied, like a ringside report that needed to be scribbled quickly and wired forthwith. At his best, when Wiley reaches cruising altitude (as he does in several pieces here) his writing segues from the musical into the spiritual, hitting a stride that stops just short of self-righteous cant, sounding, in his way, like a preacher as much as a pundit, finding some sort of rhetorical refrain and sticking to it, until, you, the reader, feel like you're in a dialogue (or an argument) with him. It's the best kind of sports writing, up there with the Golden Age writers of Fistiana like Liebling and Izenberg.
Sadly, Wiley is dead, which is a shame. Thankfully, though, his works live on, and get better with age. Highest recommendation, for both sports fans and people who detest sports but enjoy great writing.
"Serenity" by Ralph Wiley is one of my favorite books ever written by a sports journalist. But it's about boxing, and boxing is the only sport I care about.
"Classic Wiley" is about several sports, including football, baseball, and basketball, and even though I don't give a fig for any of these (I'll throw a tennis ball for my dog, but that's as far as it goes) I read most or all of these short essays and articles with the same kind of rapt attention I did the pieces in "Serenity" (some of which are reprinted here, but I have no complaints on that front).
Mr. Wiley's style could best be described as a mix between the syncopated and the staccato, at times having an improvisational joy to it (like Jazz, or, like bee-bop influenced boxers); other times it's frenzied, like a ringside report that needed to be scribbled quickly and wired forthwith. At his best, when Wiley reaches cruising altitude (as he does in several pieces here) his writing segues from the musical into the spiritual, hitting a stride that stops just short of self-righteous cant, sounding, in his way, like a preacher as much as a pundit, finding some sort of rhetorical refrain and sticking to it, until, you, the reader, feel like you're in a dialogue (or an argument) with him. It's the best kind of sports writing, up there with the Golden Age writers of Fistiana like Liebling and Izenberg.
Sadly, Wiley is dead, which is a shame. Thankfully, though, his works live on, and get better with age. Highest recommendation, for both sports fans and people who detest sports but enjoy great writing.
October 29, 2008
Very few sports writers wrote with the understanding of greater society like Ralph Wiley did. And very few wrote with the grace of language and the deep understanding of the complexities of the sports he covered. I don't pay much attention to boxing, but I love his pieces written about boxing. I think that is a testament to his writing.
October 7, 2014
Great short sport stories from the master, Ralph Wiley; always with a unique perspective. Thanks for the gift Herman!
July 29, 2021
If I recall correctly I read some of Wiley’s books in the late 90’s/early 2000’s. They were provocative and interesting. When he died I gave those books to a woman who happened to be grieving him. She was standing in the main office of Herndon High School where I taught. I had my Wiley books because I was making excerpts for a race and politics unit. I could see she was hurting so I gave her my books. I had all the excerpts I needed so I was happy to give them to her.
Upon moving last year I was unpacking books and Wiley flashed in my head. I ordered the books I once had and also discovered this book. So happy to read him again.
Upon moving last year I was unpacking books and Wiley flashed in my head. I ordered the books I once had and also discovered this book. So happy to read him again.
April 7, 2021
I have always enjoyed great sports writing, & recently I have enjoyed the discovery of Black American writers. This book is a great combination of both. I have learned that there are many perspectives on American Life, so it's important to learn a perspective from Black American sports writers b/c so many Black Americans have found success based on meritocracy in sports, more so than perhaps any other industry, even entertainment. Bottom line, enjoy the great sports writing from, perhaps a new perspective.
April 1, 2024
Full of wit and relevant commentary.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews