Customer Reviews

Ruanaidh: The Story of Art Rooney and His Clan

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Written by The Chief's son, Art, Jr., who experienced first hand many of the stories set out in this fascinating and captivating biography, this book provides insights into not only the Steelers and their rich history, but also what life was like in and around Pittsburgh for most of the twentieth century. When you read this book you feel like you are there, in the good times and the hard times, with the successes and the failures. You will laugh; you'll be moved. As much a story well told as a history of our times.

I have just finished reading the fascinating RUANAIDH, The Story of Art Rooney and his Clan by Art Rooney Jr. It is one of the most interesting books I have read for many reasons. The first is that it is one great read. It is not only a sports books about the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL but a life history of a Pittsburgh family that is one of the most respected families in the country in all facets of life.

The book is an unusual book as it is a book that doesn't have to be read from front tom back. I found myself bouncing from chapter to chapter to read a section that I may have been more interested in and had some first hand knowledge of. But when I went back to sections, I found myself equally fascinated with the characters and the stories they bring with them.

When you add in the unbelievable pictures from Art Rooney Jr's personal colletion it becomes more than a book, it becomes a must have collectors item. You do not have to be a sports fan to enjoy this book. Yes, this is a great sports book, but it is not entirely a sports book. Read it, enjoy it and make your own call. No matter what you call it, you will call it outstanding.

I could not be happier that I bought this book. To put it simply. If you are a fan of history, sports or both, you will not be disappointed. The writing style makes you feel like you are having a conversation with Mr. Rooney, it is very hard to put down this book. You do not have to be from Pittsburgh or even a fan of the Steelers to appreciate and enjoy this wonderful read. Thank you Amazon for making it available!

This book is full of true facts that no other book has covered and has had a lot of good press. I highly recommend this to any true Steelers fan or anyone who enjoys the good ol' days from growing up in tough times. Excellent.

The physical quality of this book is of such high caliber that it constitutes a work of art in itself. Inside the front cover are sketches of Art Rooney Sr., and inside the back cover are the legendary Steelers. The sketches are drawn so exquisitely you would think they were from the hand of Durer. Combined with the story, this book is one you not only read, you cherish.
Once you start reading you quickly realize that the story is as irresistible as the artwork which embroiders it. With humor and pathos, warmth and candor, he uses words that explode on contact. Art Rooney Jr. takes us on an odyssey through the 20th century with his family the "ROONEY'S", and what a journey it is. One uncle, a Franciscan missionary in China, stands up for his flock against the ruthless Japanese. Another, a gallant marine, gives up his life fighting them in the Pacific. As he tells his tale he parades before us a cast of characters so eccentric you feel like you're reading a Runyon novel. There's more. He regales us with incidents in boxing, baseball, and football that are hilarious. You cannot make this stuff up! The one thing men who have reached the pinnacle covet, more than money or power, is a nickname. To be valid you cannot give it to yourself and it cannot be taken. It must be bestowed and none was given more affectionately than "THE CHIEF", the nickname of Art Rooney Sr."THE CHIEF", the heart and soul of this story, the story of a family that lives, laughs, succeeds and sacrifices, a family that loves each other, their country, their Pittsburgh, their Steelers and above all their God. "THE CHIEF," a lifelong gambler with an understanding heart and a consuming ardor burning at white heat intensity for the family he loved and the God who gave him one "helluva" life. Art Rooney Jr. has given us a book that is unique, beautiful and uplifting.
Buy it, Read it, Treasure it!

The book Ruanaidh is truly a treasure for anyone who loves the Steelers and the Rooney Family (they are one in the same). Art Rooney Jr. tells the stories in a way that makes you feel like you are having a conversation with him and his insight into both the good & the bad years with the Steelers as well as the NFL are priceless. We were very good friends with John Byrnes of Maryland and he was a very good friend with Art Rooney, Sr. He told us many stories of Art Sr. bringing his young sons into their Country Store in Eckhart MD to pick out candy and visit on their way to the horse farm in Maryland. Reading this book filled in all of those stories for us. We also enjoyed the pictures immensely and I would recommend the hard bound book to everyone, it is well worth the price. I feel Art, Jr. wrote a book that Art, Sr. would be very proud of today. Thanks also Mr. Rooney for preserving history for all the generations of Steeler Fans to come.
Pat & Ed Grove
Bruceton Mills, WV

I spent a great deal of time in my late teens and early 20's with the Rooney family. I knew many of the people Art Jr. writes about in these fascinating memoirs. AJR and Kass (and Aunt Alice) were very special to me and my wife. Anyone who has any affinity to Pittsburgh must read this book, whether he/she ever met any of the Rooneys. From the book, you will get to know them. It is truly history in the first person.

I bought the hard cover first. After I realized how nice it was, I needed a "work" copy that I would not be afraid to read and mark up. So I bought the soft cover. The hard cover is so nice that you may want to think about buying the soft cover as well. I ran into Mr. Rooney in Pittsburgh and he was happy to autograph my copy.

A tremendous trip from yesteryear to current. Absolutely facsinating.For a young babyboomer as myself the football stories were riviting....

"Ruanaidh" is a rare combination of biography, sports, and history all pulled together in one fascinating book. As the 'story' unfolds, you'll learn about a family, a city, and the rise of a sports franchise, all told with love, humor, and candor.
It's one of those books that you can't stop reading!!!