The Silence of Great Distance [Paperback]

Frank Murphy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

The Silence of Great Distance is the story of the developing world of women's athletics, focused on long-distance runnning. With significant chapters on Doris Brown Heritage, the women of the Soviet Union, and Mary Decker Slaney, the primary narrative is carried by Stephanie Herbst, a nine-time all-American who competed for the University of Wisconsin between 1984 and 1988.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...Through [the career of Stephanie Herbst] the author tells how the sport for young women came of age." -- Running Commentary, 6-14-2000

"...a stirring account of the development of women's distance running....[a] compelling history." -- Running Times, 10-2001

"...like no other track and field book you've read....essential reading for anyone interested in women's distance running." -- Track and Field News, 12-2000

"Murphy's unveilings create a remarkable historical document, yet the work remains compelling....Murphy's writing is superbly crafted." -- Running Stats, 10-17-2000

"One of the small pleasures...is discovering a book that recreates an era, and is written with style and grace." -- Cross Country Journal, July-August, 2001

Among 2001's five best running books: "one of the most ambitious running books ever attempted." -- Runner's World, 12-2001

About the Author

Frank Murphy is the author of A Cold Clear Day, the widely praised biography of American marathoner and former world-best holder Buddy Edelen. Mr. Murphy was for five years the coach for men's and women's cross-country teams at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri. A runner, race director, and organization official with more than thirty years experience, Mr. Murphy practices law and is an adjunct instructor in sociology at the University of Mo-Kansas City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 471 pages
• Publisher: Windsprint Press (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0962924326
• ISBN-13: 978-0962924323
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,091,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Silence of Great Distance, September 30, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Silence of Great Distance (Paperback)

This book has two levels to it, the first being a historical review of the sport of women's distance running. The real gold here is however what insight is revealed in following the career of Stephanie Herbst during her career at the University of Wisconsin. The dedication and motivation of Ms Herbst and others like her and the dangers of both external and internally generated pressure to perform are an eye opener. The last few chapters especially are extremely powerful.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Murphy Doesn't Miss a Thing, May 27, 2001

By 

Ann Gaffigan (Lincoln, NE United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Silence of Great Distance (Paperback)

Frank Murphy does not miss a thing in this book on women long distance runners. I myself am one and not only did he accurately portray the stresses a female runner puts on herself and has forced on her by others and the sport itself but he also provided factual and intriguing statistics about such legends as Mary Decker, Doris Brown, and Suzy Favor Hamilton. I could not put this book down. This true story desperately needed to be told, and no one could have done it better or more completely.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An indispensible history, August 18, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Silence of Great Distance (Paperback)

Professor Murphy has created the rarest of works, an unlikely combination of literary nonfiction and sports history. I know of no other work on women's sport, particularly running, that offers such depth and breadth. A must for anyone interested in running, the history of women in athletics, and the Title IX era.