Roller Derby to RollerJam: The Authorized Story of an Unauthorized Sport (Paperback)

~ Keith Coppage (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Roller derby first appeared in Chicago during the Depression. With the advent of television, this dynamic, sometimes violent sport became a national favorite. In Roller Derby to RollerJam, Keith Coppage takes a fond look at the origins, history, and players of the game who made it successful, from promoters to superstars.

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Squarebooks (July 27, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0916290808
• ISBN-13: 978-0916290801
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,037,183 in Books (See Bestsellers 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 Brilliant!, August 23, 1999

By	Matthew D. Hydeman "voyage" (Tucson, Arizona, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a Derby fan's dream come true! I never got to experience the Derby for myself (it ended when I was only a year old), but I've always been fascinated with the players, the game and how it captivated people. Coppage, along with input from Derby owner Jerry Seltzer (the Commissioner of RollerJam's World Skating League) and the memories of former players and fans, tells the story of a sport that endured despite being looked down by other sports as a "poor cousin" -- and ended up creating a phenomenon in the process. The photos are spectacular -- you almost can feel the punching, the falls and the energy that must have galvanized the skaters to play to their best every night. Similarly, Coppage's discussion of the Derby's "next generation," RollerJam, is as comprehensive and fun as the Derby section (though much shorter, as the 'Jam is still in its infancy). This book, coupled with Frank Deford's "Five Strides on the Banked Track," should be a Roller Derby fan's Bible. Brilliant work!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It brought back wonderful childhood memories., October 31, 1999

By	Mrs. Gloria Weiss ([e-mail]) (Holbrook, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

I enjoyed reading about a time that I remember & the people I idolized. I would have liked a little more info on some of the past stars such as Gerry Murry, Gene Gammon, The Atkinson's, Ken Monti, LuLu Palermo & other skaters from that era. However, I did enjoy the book & so did my mother. We used to go to the Armory in NYC every Thursday night. It was our night out together. The pictures & history were great.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GRAND SLAM! The Roller Derby fan's Almanac!, June 26, 2000

By	carlisse richardson (SF Bay Area) - See all my reviews

It's surprising a book is out there--what's more surprising is that it's entertainingly written. You just can't put it down. Full of great stories and beautiful photos. Includes a section on RollerJam that is very informative. If you ever watched the Bay Bombers week after week, you must get this one!