Customer Reviews

Total Tennis, Revised: The Ultimate Tennis Encyclopedia

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For diversity, quality and quantity (960 pages), "Total Tennis" hits winner after winner. Past and present stars from Sears to Sampras and from Suzanne to Serena are covered with in-depth and fascinating features, either from SPORT magazine or by Bud Collins himself, the encyclopedia's distinguished author. The careers of hundreds of other players are described in engrossing profiles and bios. Collins' superb knowledge of tennis shines brightest in year-by-year stories of the greatest players at the greatest venues, as well as in discussions of important issues, from 1919 to 2002. The most memorable matches come to life with intriguing prologues -- before Lenglen's 1926 showdown with Wills at Cannes, France, she told a friend: "This girl must be mad. Does she think she can come and beat me on my home court?" -- riveting match coverage, and incisive epilogues. Comprehensive registers of both the pre-1968 amateur era and later pro era provide abundant statistical information
about leading players and Grand Slam and other prestigious events, such as Davis Cup and Fed Cup, to keep even the most fanatical follower happy. To settle "Who's Better?" and other arguments, this compendium provides world rankings going all the way back to 1913. For fun trivia, did you know: King Gustav V of Sweden learned to play during a visit to Britain in 1878, founded his country's first tennis club when he returned home, and entered tournaments under the pseudonym, Mr. G? Dazzling color photos of the greats on and off the court complete the picture. As a reference book, "Total Tennis" is unsurpassed. But as an enjoyable read, it's equally valuable because the content is so authoritative and complete, and the writing style so entertaining.

I've read a lot of tennis books and this one is great. Except...Collins describes each season beginning with 1919...and leaves out stuff from the late 1800s and first two decades of the 20th century. Great picture of Leo Tolstoy on a tennis court though. Terrific book...and cheaper to purchase it on Amazon.com (which I did not do!)

The best book by far when it comes to tennis; past present and future. Everything you have ever wanted to know is in this book. The pictures are outstanding. If you are a tennis lover, this book is definitly for you!