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Squash: A History of the Game
The first comprehensive history of squash in the United States, Squash incorporates every aspect of this increasingly popular men's and women's play, juniors and intercollegiates, singles and doubles, hardball and softball, amateurs and professionals.
Invented by English schoolboys in the 1850s, squash first came to the United States in 1884 when St. Paul's School in New Hampshire built four open-air courts. The game took hold in Philadelphia, where players founded the U.S. Squash Racquets Association in 1904, and became one of the primary pastimes of the nation's elite. Squash launched a U.S. Open in 1954, but its present boom started in the 1970s when commercial squash clubs took the sport public. In the 1980s a pro tour sprung up to offer tournaments on portable glass courts in dramatic locales such as the Winter Garden at the World Trade Center.
James Zug, with access to private archives and interviews with hundreds of players, describes the riveting moments and sweeping historical trends that have shaped the game. He focuses on the biographies of legendary squash Eleo Sears, the Boston Brahmin who swam in the cold Atlantic before matches; Hashim Khan, the impish founder of the Khan dynasty; Victor Niederhoffer, the son of a Brooklyn cop; and Mark Talbott, a Grateful Dead groupie who traveled the pro circuit sleeping in the back of his pickup. A gripping cultural history, Squash is the book for which all aficionados of this fast-paced, exciting game have been waiting.
Invented by English schoolboys in the 1850s, squash first came to the United States in 1884 when St. Paul's School in New Hampshire built four open-air courts. The game took hold in Philadelphia, where players founded the U.S. Squash Racquets Association in 1904, and became one of the primary pastimes of the nation's elite. Squash launched a U.S. Open in 1954, but its present boom started in the 1970s when commercial squash clubs took the sport public. In the 1980s a pro tour sprung up to offer tournaments on portable glass courts in dramatic locales such as the Winter Garden at the World Trade Center.
James Zug, with access to private archives and interviews with hundreds of players, describes the riveting moments and sweeping historical trends that have shaped the game. He focuses on the biographies of legendary squash Eleo Sears, the Boston Brahmin who swam in the cold Atlantic before matches; Hashim Khan, the impish founder of the Khan dynasty; Victor Niederhoffer, the son of a Brooklyn cop; and Mark Talbott, a Grateful Dead groupie who traveled the pro circuit sleeping in the back of his pickup. A gripping cultural history, Squash is the book for which all aficionados of this fast-paced, exciting game have been waiting.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 20, 2024
There is no doubt that James has gone to strenuous lengths to compile the vast amount of details in this extensive history on squash. The painstaking effort is remarkable.
That being said, the style of writing and its engagement is left lacking. It is difficult to read such dry material when there is little to excite the imagination. Whether that is due to the topic more than James' writing style itself is challenging to discern.
Overall, this book is packed with extensive knowledge of the history of the sport. If that is what you are solely searching for, this book deserves an A++. If, on the other hand, you are hoping for an exciting tale of many enjoyable stories and adventures about squash players over the years, this will not be the text for you.
A huge thank you to James for putting this work and effort in. It is people like Mr. Zug who continue to breathe life into this sport that keeps squash's heart beating strong.
That being said, the style of writing and its engagement is left lacking. It is difficult to read such dry material when there is little to excite the imagination. Whether that is due to the topic more than James' writing style itself is challenging to discern.
Overall, this book is packed with extensive knowledge of the history of the sport. If that is what you are solely searching for, this book deserves an A++. If, on the other hand, you are hoping for an exciting tale of many enjoyable stories and adventures about squash players over the years, this will not be the text for you.
A huge thank you to James for putting this work and effort in. It is people like Mr. Zug who continue to breathe life into this sport that keeps squash's heart beating strong.
March 3, 2014
An outstanding and incredibly well researched book. Who knew there was this much to write about squash, or that there were so many fascinating stories about the game (the sad end of Harry Cowles, the squash court on the Titanic), and personalities (Vic Niederhoffer, Mark Talbott) who played it over the years? The book even includes a wealth of information on far more obscure sports, such as squash tennis, racquets, and court tennis.
I only give it 4 starts rather than 5 because parts of the book simply didn't flow well. There were many minute details and long descriptions of the results of matches and seasons. However, I don't think the author could be faulted for this, as he was clearly trying to put together a truly comprehensive book about the game.
Overall, a must read if you're interested in squash.
I only give it 4 starts rather than 5 because parts of the book simply didn't flow well. There were many minute details and long descriptions of the results of matches and seasons. However, I don't think the author could be faulted for this, as he was clearly trying to put together a truly comprehensive book about the game.
Overall, a must read if you're interested in squash.
May 29, 2013
Excellent read. Zug has a way with words that is absorbing, even when the subject matter got bogged down in places -- but honestly, how easily can one relate the history of squash comprehensively without detail? The anecdotes are what make it fun, and one can feel Zug's interest in and passion for the sport.
June 11, 2013
This book deserves at least a "4" just for the author's exhaustive research into this obscure game---including its growth from an elitist game played by the English royalty in their courtyards to that of worldwide leagues for all ages and both genders. Squash really became popular to the masses during the 1970s-1980s...
May 12, 2007
The definitive book on squash in the United States
December 24, 2009
besides not including me I think the book is a fantastic. a real pipecracker.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews