Customer Reviews

Skate Legends

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Like Michael Brooke's other book on skateboarding, 'the concrete wave', this new one is another missed opportunity. I really wanted to like this book and I applaud Mr Brooke for getting off his backside and having a go but I'm afraid it doesn't cut it. For starters the information contained on each skater is just too superficial and the writing itself is simply terrible. Secondly, the photographs themselves are often sub-standard, is that really the best picture of Per Welinder that could be licensed? One look at the photo credits reveals nothing by Glen E. Friedman and anyone who knows anything about skate history knows thats a bad thing. Finally, the art direction leaves a lot to be desired, just look at the Tony Alva page!!!
I'm sorry to dis this book, especially since I've had it on order with Amazon since I first came across it a couple of months ago, but it it just isn't good enough. Skate history deserves better.
And how can anyone write a book called 'Skate Legends' and miss out Jay Smith?!!
Peace.

As a person that started skating in the mid 70's, this book does bring about a rush of memories. From chapter one , the 60's, through the last, the 90's, this book has it. The big names in skating, the roles they played in its formation and what they are doing now in the skating arena. Along with the informative text on each skater throughout the decades, there are great pics. The pics show the evolution in skating style and fasion but most importantly show what has kept the skating world growing. So whether you are an older skater or younger skater this book is a must. Plus, this is a great companion book for "The Concrete Wave" which is Michael Brookes first book.

I have skated since the mid 70's. I know that skateboarding is very "now" oriented, and always has been. The problem this presents is that history becomes lost very quickly. Michael Brooke's book does its best to lay out the decades and sets up notable skaters from those eras. Is it every notable skater? no. Is it possible that your favorite may not be in the book? it's possible. But, that does not make the book a bad book. The book demonstrates that skating existed pre-1990 and has had a history worth holding on to. I feel that older skaters will get more enjoyment from the book, because it brings back memories. New skaters, if they are really in it for the long haul, can see what they are getting into and learn some of the names of the earlier days skateboarding.