Talking Figure Skating: Behind the Scenes in the World's Most Glamorous Sport [Paperback]

Beverley Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 1998

An award-winning sports journalist turns her attention to the fascinating world behind the scenes of professional figure skating--offering interviews, revealing discussions, and a new chapter on the Nagano Olympics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: McClelland & Stewart; Rev Sub edition (September 19, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 077108109X
• ISBN-13: 978-0771081095
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,117,160 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read, but somewhat "nationalistic", January 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Talking Figure Skating: Behind the Scenes in the World's Most Glamorous Sport (Hardcover)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as it covered topics, such as boot making and choreography, that are not often discussed in books about skating. However, its author, a Canadian, seems to have focused predominantly on the Canadian world of figure skating by frequently mentioning Canadian skaters, judges, choreographers, and coaches. It would have been nice to have had a greater "world" view of the topics discussed in the book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I haven't read the edition pictured here,..., April 17, 2001

By 

"sk8fan71" (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talking Figure Skating: Behind the Scenes in the World's Most Glamorous Sport (Paperback)

...but I did buy the first printing and have now re-read it about 3 or 4 times. I totally agree with all the reviewers here in that it is truly an unbiased and very un-sensationalized look into the world of figure skating. I especially loved the chapter that talked to several members of the judging community. If you are a fan of the sport or participate in the sport -- RUN, don't walk, to your computer and order this book ASAP. You will not be disappointed.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Can't Miss!, June 19, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Talking Figure Skating: Behind the Scenes in the World's Most Glamorous Sport (Hardcover)

I wholeheartedly recommend Beverley Smith's "Talking Figure Skating." Smith goes behind the scenes, yet refrains from the bias and controversy that has surrounded Christine Brennan, author of "Inside Edge" and "Edge of Glory."

Beverley Smith clearly has a respect for figure skating and a love for the sport. This third book of hers is much more factually accurate than the first two and triply as interesting. It doesn't have pretty pictures like "Figure Skating: A Celebration" or "Talking Figure Skating," but the in-depth profiles are captivating to read.

If you only buy one figure skating book this year, make this it! I guarantee you won't be able to put it down!