Customer Reviews

Memphis Wrestling History Presents 1982

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
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Got this book for Christmas and am already enthralled by it. SUCH a cool concept and its executed perfectly. I hope the author follows through with his plans to release 1984 Mid-South next because this book is seriously a gem. Anyone with an interest in old school territory wrestling should definitely own this but also if you grew up on 80's TV wrestling this is a great book offering insight on acts that later became famous like the Midnight Express and Kamala. It isn't a "biography" style book like the Gary Hart book, its more a linear scrapbook like the Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express book. But do not let that deter you - it's completely awesome. Highest recommendation.

I just received this book in the mail yesterday, and while I have yet to read the whole thing cover to cover, I have read enough to know that this is a dream come true for an old-school fan of pro wrestling during the glory days of the territories. The Memphis territory was always exciting, and was years ahead of its time when it came to wild angles and action inside the ring. This book is THICK, like an encyclopedia volume. While the majority of the pages are filled with re-prints of the Memphis programs sold at the Mid-South Coliseum, the real highlight are the chapters by the author detailing the inner-workings of the Memphis territory. The information came from the legendary historical figures that were there, such as promoter Jerry Jarrett, announcer Lance Russell, Dutch Mantell, and many others. Mark James has carved out a niche for himself as the preeminent historian of Memphis wrestling, and this book proves it. He has gotten access to valuable information, and has preserved it for the ages. If you love the old days of professional wrestling, and want to learn about how wrestling was promoted "back in the day", then this book is a must. 1982 was an awesome year for Memphis wrestling, and this is your opportunity to relive those glory days. Buy this book!!!

On a related note, Mark James has announced on his website that he is collaborating with Jerry Jarrett to write Jarrett's autobiography, which should be released later this summer. I can guarantee that I will add that to my list of books that MUST be purchased. I would love to see James put together more of these historical books like this one.

Mark James has done a fantastic job of chronicling the year 1982 in this book. For each month of 1982, Mark lets you know what was going on in the territory, and then, as a bonus, he includes the programs from each week, and most of the time, the results of the shows from the newspaper. You also get to hear from some of the men that made this year so successful, including Jerry Jarrett, Dutch Mantell, and several others. 1982 was a great year for Memphis, as it saw the debut of Kimala, Jim Cornette, the Fabulous Ones, and Andy Kaufman to the territory. Mark has written the book in such a way that whether you grew up in Memphis and never missed a show, or you are like me and grew up in Texas and weren't exposed to Memphis wrestling until much later, you will not only be entertained by it, but you will learn from it. One of the best wrestling books I've ever read, period.

this is a very good book.
going to be a gift and the guy receiving will really enjoy it because he is a big wrestling fan.
any wrestling fan would like to have this book their collection