Best Cycling
Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance is the world's best-selling guide to bicycle repair and maintenance. New chapter on electronic shifting covers maintenance, service, repair, and troubleshooting of all Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo electronic shifting groups. New troubleshooting charts New master guide to press-fit bottom brackets Also covered in the 5th edition: All derailleur shifting systems (5-speed through 11-speed); all bottom bracket systems (cone-and-cup through press-fit); all brake systems (including caliper, V-brake, cantilever, and disc); all headset, stem, handlebar and fork systems; wheelbuilding for all bikes including cyclocross and disc-brake wheels; special sections on cyclocross throughout including troubleshooting, maintenance, service, repair, and equipment selection; updated and expanded torque tables; complete illustration index and complete subject index. “Longtime VeloNews technical writer Lennard Zinn’s maintenance books are bibles for both pro and amateur wrenches. Zinn has written this book to help both the leisure bike rider and expert mechanic handle almost any problem associated with road bikes.” ― Library Journal. “Lennard Zinn is a veritable cycling Einstein and, as a naturally gifted teacher, he has the unique ability to explain even the most difficult mechanical task. So unless you currently ride on a high-profile pro team with your own mechanic (and maybe even then), Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance is an absolute ‘must-have’ book.” ― Davis Phinney, Olympic medalist, national champion, and Tour de France stage winner. But on those days when your race steed needs some serious maintenance, or even just when you’re proactively researching for a little more knowledge if the worst should strike you on the road far from home – you will be glad you have Zinn in your library.” ― AeroGeeks. “ Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance is simple, easy to follow and the illustrations are magnificent…If you are looking for a bicycle repair manual, get this book.” ― Cycloculture. Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance is very up to date, very clear―thanks to the profuse illustrations―and accurate and comprehensive…And it’s all in a very enjoyable format intended to be encouraging and confidence-building."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I felt that this book was a great all-in-one general maintenance book for Road Bike Maintenance. It does not give every single detail that is possible for all parts (e.g. shimano brakes, it doesn't tell give you a parts breakdown like one would if you went to the manufacture site and downloaded their technical documents). The book does a great job at sorting the different repair tasks by three different levels, which most takes I feel are generally level 2. This book does not give advise onto which brands to get for all the tools (although they do have some recommendations for certain tools interspersed throughout the book)."
"I'm not particularly fond of relying purely on the internet for information, mostly because network connections aren't the most reliable in my area."
"When it comes to bike maintenance, it just doesn't get any better than Lennard Zinn."
"Great for providing a baseline and the trouble shooting section in each chapter makes diagnosing the issues easier."
"I'm seriously not mechanically but can follow his instructions!"
"This book has helped me out with everything I needed to do on my road bike."
"His reference to removing Shimano cranks notes that a special tool is needed to remove the left crank cap, but doesn't specify which tool it is."
"A must have.... no need to say more - the book speaks for itself."
George and Ben have three weeks to cycle 1000 miles from the bottom of England to the top of Scotland. Setting off in just a pair of Union Jack boxer shorts, they attempt to rely on the generosity of the British public for everything from food to accommodation, clothes to shoes, and bikes to beer. During the most hilarious adventure, George and Ben encounter some of Great Britain's most eccentric and extraordinary characters and find themselves in the most ridiculous situations. It will restore your faith in humanity and leave you with a big smile on your face and a warm feeling inside. It was the same year that Mrs Marriott's legendary fruit loaf was beaten in the WI cake contest for the first time in six years. After spending a year travelling in the USA (with clothes and money), he worked for several years in a variety of jobs including charity fund-raising and garlic bread making.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I say this having never met the man but I feel like I've just had the adventure of a lifetime with my new pal after having read his very funny and surprisingly inspirational book Free Country. Free Country tells the true story of two young men, George and his friend Ben, who decide to cycle the length of Britain from Land's End to John O Groats. Well, not quite nothing, they each have a pair of Union Jack boxer shorts (and George later confesses, a camera, a notebook, a pencil and stack of cards containing the words "I am OFFICIALLY a very nice person."). Over three weeks in September, with a vow to spend no money they wander their way north like the maddest of monks on the most quixotic of quests. What they find along the way is a country filled with very interesting people, a great number of whom are very nice. Ben and George manage, through charm, wit, fast talking and willingness to do tasks ranging from cleaning, to loading onions to singing for their suppers, to acquire clothes, food, bicycles and someplace to sleep every night. George is a great observer of life and a very witty writer and he and Ben bicker throughout the journey in the way that only true friends can. -----. Before eating the sandwiches we tried a rendition of Silent Night in German that I could still remember from primary school. A guy on a bmx, in his mid thirties, approached with a small paper bag from Greggs. I lifted up the side of my skimpy blue shorts, and exposed my flabby white thighs. `Phwoooooaarr,' said both ladies... -----. If a nutritionist had analysed what we ate during the bike ride, I think they probably would have concluded that we should not be alive, let alone fit enough to cycle. Almost everything we ate was a shade of beige; bread, pasta bakes, chips, pasties and bananas."
"To make it even more challenging, they set out barefoot with no money, no food or water, wearing only a pair of boxers. George relates the story in an amusing manner while taking us through each small-town and introducing us to the people who help them along the way."
"I enjoyed it so much i recommended to my local library they purchase all 3 of his books. I almost feel like i know George and his family - It's one of the reasons i bought the books."
"These two crazy guys set out from Land's End to John O'Groats with -- to start with -- nothing but the boxer shorts which you can see on the front page! But I'm sure they must have come across as nice, trustworthy and needy guys, because .... read it and find if they actually manage to reach the upper end of England -- with no money and living on the charity of good people!"
"I think it could be a Great Movie actually given the scenery. of the ride, the antics of Ben & George, the people along the trail."
3 Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself
The incredible true story of the author's remarkable transformation, at the age of 40, from out-of-shape average Joe into one of the world's best endurance athletes On the eve of his 40th birthday, Rich Roll was in bad shape. - John Brenkus, Creator and Host of ESPN’s “Sport Science” and New York Times bestselling author of The Perfection Point “If you liked Born to Run , you’ll love Finding Ultra …one of the best books about health and fitness that I’ve ever read.” --Neal D. Barnard, MD, President, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine “ Finding Ultra is the ultimate story of hope, perseverance and endurance against life’s biggest challenges.” --William Cope Moyers, New York Times bestselling author of Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption “Roll has accomplished amazing things, but it is his ability to draw inspiring and uniquely insightful lessons from his experiences that sets him apart from other extreme athletes. Finding Ultra is a fascinating read full of practical tips.” --Dean Karnazes, nationally bestselling author of Ultramarathon Man “ Finding Ultra is about a journey we all take as human beings, when we decide to pursue the impossible and live a life of mission. He is inspiration embodied.”. --Sanjay Gupta, M.D., Emmy Award-winning Chief Medical Correspondent for CNN and New York Times bestselling author of Chasing Life and Cheating Death “You walk away from reading this book knowing you have the total power to transform your life on every level …Roll is immensely likeable, a most compelling storyteller, and a true shaman of health and fitness!”. --Kathy Freston, New York Times bestselling author of Quantum Wellness and Veganist "This awesome piece of writing – one-part memoir, one-part how-to, and one part megadose of gut truth – reminds us to wake up and live our best life.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book will make the impossible possible for you."
"I really liked this book."
"A great read and very inspirational."
"Very inspiring."
"I enjoyed this book and you will too if you are a runner or interested in nutrition or veganism. Also on the edge when it comes to nutrition."
"This isn't a how-to manual or preachy sermon about "living right", it's just about one mans journey from lazy to amazing."
"This book is one of the most fascinating and well written books that I have read."
"The only thing I didn't like about the audio CD was that there was no additional list information of the foods he mentions in his book, so I bought the book to see the lists."
Best Bike Repair
Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance is the world's best-selling guide to bicycle repair and maintenance. New chapter on electronic shifting covers maintenance, service, repair, and troubleshooting of all Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo electronic shifting groups. New troubleshooting charts New master guide to press-fit bottom brackets Also covered in the 5th edition: All derailleur shifting systems (5-speed through 11-speed); all bottom bracket systems (cone-and-cup through press-fit); all brake systems (including caliper, V-brake, cantilever, and disc); all headset, stem, handlebar and fork systems; wheelbuilding for all bikes including cyclocross and disc-brake wheels; special sections on cyclocross throughout including troubleshooting, maintenance, service, repair, and equipment selection; updated and expanded torque tables; complete illustration index and complete subject index. “Longtime VeloNews technical writer Lennard Zinn’s maintenance books are bibles for both pro and amateur wrenches. Zinn has written this book to help both the leisure bike rider and expert mechanic handle almost any problem associated with road bikes.” ― Library Journal. “Lennard Zinn is a veritable cycling Einstein and, as a naturally gifted teacher, he has the unique ability to explain even the most difficult mechanical task. So unless you currently ride on a high-profile pro team with your own mechanic (and maybe even then), Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance is an absolute ‘must-have’ book.” ― Davis Phinney, Olympic medalist, national champion, and Tour de France stage winner. But on those days when your race steed needs some serious maintenance, or even just when you’re proactively researching for a little more knowledge if the worst should strike you on the road far from home – you will be glad you have Zinn in your library.” ― AeroGeeks. “ Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance is simple, easy to follow and the illustrations are magnificent…If you are looking for a bicycle repair manual, get this book.” ― Cycloculture. Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance is very up to date, very clear―thanks to the profuse illustrations―and accurate and comprehensive…And it’s all in a very enjoyable format intended to be encouraging and confidence-building."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I felt that this book was a great all-in-one general maintenance book for Road Bike Maintenance. It does not give every single detail that is possible for all parts (e.g. shimano brakes, it doesn't tell give you a parts breakdown like one would if you went to the manufacture site and downloaded their technical documents). The book does a great job at sorting the different repair tasks by three different levels, which most takes I feel are generally level 2. This book does not give advise onto which brands to get for all the tools (although they do have some recommendations for certain tools interspersed throughout the book)."
"I'm not particularly fond of relying purely on the internet for information, mostly because network connections aren't the most reliable in my area."
"When it comes to bike maintenance, it just doesn't get any better than Lennard Zinn."
"Great for providing a baseline and the trouble shooting section in each chapter makes diagnosing the issues easier."
"I'm seriously not mechanically but can follow his instructions!"
"This book has helped me out with everything I needed to do on my road bike."
"His reference to removing Shimano cranks notes that a special tool is needed to remove the left crank cap, but doesn't specify which tool it is."
"A must have.... no need to say more - the book speaks for itself."
Best Cycling Travel Guides
In four years he covered 78,000 miles through 45 countries, living with peasants and presidents, in prisons and palaces, through wars and revolutions. A compelling narrative that moves, sometimes at breakneck speed, over some of the world's most beautiful and mysterious terrain ? Extremely readable, full of keen observation, perceptive insight ?
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It took Ted Simon years to complete his journey and it took me a while to finish reading it."
"Here are some more of the books that inspired me: - Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer. - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintainance by Robert Pirsig. - The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto Che Guevara. - Ghostrider by Neil Pearl. - The Long Way Round by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Borman. - The Long Way Down by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Borman. - Blue Highways by William Least Heat Moon. - Mount Analogue by Arthur von Boennighausen. The last two road trips were originally done in Ford and Volkwagen Vans but can be duplicated on a BMW motorcycle."
"Mr. Simon's adventurous spirit and naivete carry him around the globe and lands him in some fantastic situations, not all of them good."
"Old single cylinder carb bikes, I can carry a set of regular hand tools."
"Ted Simon captures the feelings of long-distance, long-time traveling like no one else I've ever read (although there are some other great books out there, see below). The thrill of departure, the shock of the new, the wariness of the unsupported traveler in a strange place, the difficulties of language and even alphabet, the fear, the exhaustion, the new-place fatigue, the need to just lie down sometimes, the misery of illness (though he was very lucky there), the numinous joy of the great places and views of the world (sometimes even the most ordinary places), the pleasure in seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting new things, the joy of finding your fellow humans all around the world to be very much like you and enjoyable to meet and know, the incredible education that travel gives you, the powerfully ambivalent feelings of the end of the journey and the return to home-place, never again able to see the world as you once had. It touches the universals of human experience found in travel. Some other excellent books about long-distance travel that I highly recommend: Seven Years in Tibet. Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle. One Man Caravan ("Incredible Journeys" Books). News from Tartary. Canoeing with the Cree. Sailing Alone Around the World. Two Years Before the Mast (Signet Classics). Arabian Sands (Penguin Classics). The Exploration of the Colorado River and Its Canyons (Penguin Classics)."
"You know, when you start out to do something and you really aren't sure it was such a good idea then decide it was awesome!"
"I really enjoyed reading this book."
Best Mountain Biking
In Mastering Mountain Bike Skills, Third Edition, world-champion racer Brian Lopes and renowned riding coach Lee McCormack share their elite perspectives, real-life race stories, and their own successful techniques to help riders of all styles and levels build confidence and experience the full exhiliration of the sport. Whether you’re a recreational rider looking to rock the trails with friends, are a seasoned enthusiast, or are aspiring to be a top pro, Mastering Mountain Bike Skills will improve your ride and dust the competition. He has won more than 19 titles in his mountain biking career, including nine National Championship titles, six UCI World Cup wins, and four UCI Mountain Bike World Champion titles, first in 2001 and then again in 2002, 2005, and 2007. Lee McCormack is the world’s leading mountain bike skills author and instructor. In his role as the skill development director for the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), McCormack created the curriculum and wrote the manual used to train high school mountain bike racers and their coaches throughout the United States. As the founder and CEO of RipRow, McCormack is proud to be helping riders develop their skills and fitness off their bikes as well as on their bikes. McCormack has been a mountain biker for almost 30 years, and he is still getting better, which makes mountain biking fun.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This is a good/useful book."
"I don't have the guts or the endurance to go racing up and down steep mountain sides, but there are countless "secrets" in this book telling you how to handle various situations, how and when to brake in different kinds of terrain/trails, and so on."
"I love riding bikes, but this book have tons of useful info from picking out a bike to how to setup up your seats, how to stay in neutral position and keep feet solid and hands light. Great info on turns and jumps and how to land and pump safely."
"This is a great book, and is justifiably known as the bible of mountain bike skills."
"I was getting back into mountain biking after a long absence, and, being a little older, had lost all of the bravado that let me rip trails when I was a kid."
"The book gives riding instruction, mechanical basics of how your bike functions best and many interesting comparisons between common setup choices of mountain bikes like what tire pressure to run, 26" vs. 29" bikes and other basic choices riders make."
"I bought this book for my twelve year old son and he has barely put the book down which is amazing because he normally doesn't like to read."
"A great read, I have been mountain biking for 10+ years and this book still contains very helpful tips and instruction - even if your riding well today, the theory and explanation behind things you already know will improve your riding and speeds!"
Best Cycling
Plunging into a new way of eating that made processed foods off-limits and that prioritized plant nutrition, and vowing to train daily, Rich morphed—in a matter of mere months —from out-of-shape midlifer to endurance machine . Finding Ultra recounts Rich’s remarkable journey to the starting line of the elite Ultraman competition, which pits the world’s fittest humans against each other in a 320-mile ordeal of swimming, biking, and running. ''Rich Roll's Finding Ultra is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome any obstacle, break down walls, and redefine what's possible.''. --John Brenkus, creator and host of ESPN's Sport Science and New York Times bestselling author. ''You walk away from reading this book knowing you have the total power to transform your life on every level . '' Finding Ultra'' is about a journey we all take as human beings, when we decide to pursue the impossible and live a life of mission. --Sanjay Gupta, MD, Emmy Award-winning chief medical correspondent for CNN and New York Times bestselling author. -- Mel Stewart, fourteen-time national champion, former world record holder, and winner of two Olympic gold medals in swimming. ''Roll has accomplished amazing things, but it is his ability to draw inspiring and uniquely insightful lessons from his experiences that sets him apart from other extreme athletes. '' Finding Ultra is an inspired first-person account of fast living and even faster swimming, biking, and running that will leave you convinced of the power of your own will.''. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and four children and, when he isn't training or competing, manages the entertainment boutique Independent Law Group.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book will make the impossible possible for you."
"A great read and very inspirational."
"Very inspiring."
"I enjoyed this book and you will too if you are a runner or interested in nutrition or veganism. Also on the edge when it comes to nutrition."
"This isn't a how-to manual or preachy sermon about "living right", it's just about one mans journey from lazy to amazing."
"This book is one of the most fascinating and well written books that I have read."
"The only thing I didn't like about the audio CD was that there was no additional list information of the foods he mentions in his book, so I bought the book to see the lists."
"But I see this book as more than that. And of course if you're reading the book it's a good bet that you're an endurance athlete, vegan, married to one or both of those, etc..."
Best General Idaho Travel Guides
In her new book Rusch to Glory: Adventure, Risk & Triumph on the Path Less Traveled , Rusch weaves her fascinating life's story among the exotic locales and extreme conditions that forged an extraordinary athlete from ordinary roots. Rusch has run the gauntlet of endurance sports over her career as a professional athlete-- climbing, adventure racing, whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking--racking up world championships along the way. “ Rusch to Glory tells the story of Rebecca Rusch, a 38-year-old whose sporting career has had more twists and turns than the singletrack upon which she currently dominates the sport of ultra-endurance mountain biking. “ Rusch to Glory is an easy read about the rise of Rebecca Rusch from an average Chicago kid to one of the best known female cyclists in the country and the determination it took to get there.” ― Outside. “Rebecca Rusch turned to the bike to cement her position as one of the best endurance athletes in the world.” ― VeloNews. “You name it, Rebecca Rusch has tried it―get inspired by her adventures mountain biking, white-water rafting and climbing in exotic locations around the world.” ― Triathlete.com. “Written by multi-world and national champion mountain bike racer Rebecca Rusch (with Bicycling’s Selene Yeager), Rusch to Glory contains plenty of tales of riding and racing. “You name it, Rebecca Rusch has tried it―get inspired by her adventures mountain biking, white-water rafting and climbing in exotic locations around the world.” ― Triathlete magazine. “Rebecca Rusch of Ketchum is among the best endurance athletes on the planet, and how that happened is a fascinating story and a great read. She got a taste for adventure as a rock climber, then spun that into an adventure racer and mountain bike racing with lots of detours on the route to becoming a world champion. “Rebecca Rusch [was] not just one of the top female racers out there, she [was] flat-out one of the best all-around [adventure] racers of either sex.” ― Jacques Boutet, professional adventure racer.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Rebecca Rusch is a world-class endurance athlete who reached that status by facing her fears, taking calculated risks, working hard and not giving up. She is honest about the issues she has struggled with, which include an eating disorder and the death of her father in the Vietnam War. I've put sticky notes in the book so I can quickly find helpful passages when my running isn't going well or I need a boost."
"As opposed to Jens Voigt's autobiography, which was my first attempt at a cycling based book, this book is written in a smooth,professional style."
"This is certainly not a 'Christian' book - but it is a great book about a wonderful young woman (young to me:) who doesn't give up - who is a model of the word persevere and who is giving back to her community and to many others (including me) who want to live life to the end with purpose."
"I am an active 46 year old mom who loves to try all sorts of athletic activities, including mountain biking (which I find few women on the trails). Now I know where to look for some fellow biking women."
"If you want to read about someone who is a go-getter and truly lives life to the fullest read this book!"
"She was the featured speaker at a Women's Intersport Network Awards Luncheon in Columbia, Missouri."
"Ms Rusch is a true champion athlete that comes across real and approachable."
"Amazing, that's what this book is."
Best Bowling
With almost three decades of experience that includes multiple PWBA titles and collegiate championships, former Team USA Coach, Michelle Mullen shares the secrets that have made her one of the world's most highly sought-after instructors for bowlers of all ages and skill levels. Mullen has competed and won championships at every level, including high school and collegiate bowling and Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) regional and national bowling. She has been published in Bowler’s Journal, Bowling Magazine, Bowling This Month, Asian Bowling Digest , and various other publications.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Really,I am at square 2 of 10 and developing due to my lessons and the book, but my understanding of bowling as a physical art vs a "chuck it and hope" game is due to this book."
"I had to get the 2nd edition to get updated on reactive and newer balls and techniques as I was getting back into bowling after many years of not participating."
"This is a useful text."
"I highly recommend this book."
"Good book, but could use some updated pictures."
"Has a lot of helpful hints in bowling for all ages."
"This is an old dog with ingrained habit who has already learned some new tricks and improved his delivery and pin count just by practicing what has been preached."
"Well written, easy to understand with solid advice."
Best Juggling
Learn exactly how working professionals eat fire in this tell-all book, written in an easy-to-follow "how-to" format. 172 pages - 208 illustrations - 24 effects - 8 spin flourishes - PLUS sections on material safety, torch construction, health risks, tips for the working professional, the history of fire eating, and more! See page 101. What can you do to save your life in the event of a fire eating mishap? The Professional's Guide to Fire Eating gets you detailed facts you need to know about fire eating, including one section NEVER BEFORE included in ANY fire eating manual to date. Johnson, Magician and Hypnotist. "This is The Bible of fire eating books."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Know your fuels know your mediums, know your surroundings, get to know your pain and discomfort tolerance levels and safety safety safety always. Get this book but in the name of all things common sense do not do any of this without the supervision of an experienced fire performer and safety crew."
"I have since learned how to eat fire properly, and can do plenty of very impressive fire tricks using this book as an instruction."
"Very informative, covers everything you need to know before trying this skill, lots of quality safety information, good variety of tricks and some interesting history."
"By far this is the best fire eating book out there."
"Awsome book."
"The price tag held me off on purchasing it for a few weeks while I tried to justify the 40 bucks or so on a book for a hobby, but once I received it, it was obvious why it's not the average Amazon paperback price, this thing is a text book."
"Great book."
"Brian not only gives you the down & dirty - he tells you his horror stories....if you want to perform this crazy stunt and are a chicken head eating geek like myself....it's a great place to start....warmest wishes to all !"
Best Wrestling
The most expansive, all-encompassing chronicle unleashed on the WWE Universe, this New York Times bestseller includes over 400 full-color pages and over 1,200 Superstar and event profiles. Plus, the future of WWE collides with the past, as Finn Bálor and the exciting stars of NXT stake their claim alongside the legends of WWE's past and present.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I could not think of any wrestler in WWE history that was not included in book."
"This book literally has just about everything WWE & the fans can think of."
"I'd like to see a mainly insider version with their real names and greater accomplishments but understand WWE would never attempt to hinder the "suspensuon of disbelief" that except booking Roman Reigns to no-sell every finisher done to him."
"Everything was okay with one exception one of the pages wasn't completely cut all the way because one page has the part where the edges are uneven with the other pages."
"Every Single Wrestler They Have Probably Ever Had In History!"
"This is a beautifully produced volume covering a huge number of wrestlers from the last sixty years."
"Includes full lineage of championship reigns for every existing WWE belt, multiple factions/tag-teams, & illustraions for almost every single wrestler in the history of American professional wrestling."
"It has sections for each belt showing when it changed hands, ecw, divas, etc."
Best Fencing
Using clear and concise explanations and highly detailed illustrations, this book takes you step by step through the body mechanics of the sword, from foundations to essential elements. The Practice Module provides advice on choosing training equipment as well as a comprehensive array of drills and exercises designed to put everything you learned in the previous module into practice. Finally, the Calibration module gives you all of the information you need to put your skills to the test by cutting targets with a sharp sword, from advice on choosing a sword to how to purchase, prepare and set up tatami and other targets. - Keith Farrell , author of Scottish Broadsword and British Singlestick and the award-winning AHA German Longsword Study Guide. "Edelson's book is singular in its attempts to inform and guide the practitioner through a synthesis of centuries-old knowledge and modern science, to foster realistic sword training, in a clear methodical manner. I'm hard pressed to find a comparable martial arts manual that scans so easily and instructs so clearly. "This book lays out complicated principles and complex body mechanics in a simple, easy to understand way; this is a skill that indicates true knowledge in the subject material." This book is a valuable resource for the historical martial arts community and to anyone wanting to understand in clear terms the proper ways in which to use medieval swords."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book is excellent at explaining the key points of proper body mechanics not only for cutting, but also for improving proper body mechanics as they translate to martial practice."
"I bought this as a gift for a medieval sword combat snob and it was very well received."
"Michael Edelson has made a text that is easy to follow, informative and makes crystal clear the key aspects of medieval martial swordsmanship."
"This book presents the key concepts of body mechanics in a clear and straightforward way, and provides drills and exercises for developing those mechanics."
"The information presented is extremely easy to navigate and helpful for those, like myself, who want to delve deeper into the art of cutting with European style swords."
"Edelson's book is singular in its attempts to inform and guide the practitioner through a synthesis of centuries-old knowledge and modern science, to foster realistic sword training, in a clear methodical manner."
"Even as I consider myself an advanced practitioner of historical fencing and a cutting medalist, I shall be spending quite a bit more time reading and digesting this material. This is a must-have book for any historical fencer. I suspect great advances in understanding the fullness of historical European swordplay will be made as researchers apply these fundamental biomechanical principles laid out by the author and apply them to the challenging questions and technique descriptions left to us by the original masters."
"This is a fantastic book that gets at the heart of what makes a sword a sword, and what makes swordsmanship different from sport/olympic fencing and "sword-tag"."
Best Boxing
Be sure to check out IRON AMBITION: My Life with Cus D’Amato by Mike Tyson “Raw, powerful and disturbing—a head-spinning take on Mr. Tyson's life.”— Wall Street Journal Philosopher, Broadway headliner, fighter, felon—Mike Tyson has defied stereotypes, expectations, and a lot of conventional wisdom during his three decades in the public eye. “ Undisputed Truth is raw, powerful and disturbing—a head-spinning take on Mr. Tyson's life…Unlike other sports memoirists, he doesn't pull punches, offering up slashing comments on people who were once close to him. “A hefty autobiography that might be the most soul baring book of its genre ever written … a fascinating look into a life that up until now had already been well chronicled … It’s raw and profane … but it is also quite funny.”— Associated Press “ Undisputed Truth , which is, without a doubt, one of the grittiest and most harrowing memoirs I’ve ever read.” –Flavorwire. “Tyson was ever practised at delivering the early killer blow; and so it is with this gripping and indecently enthralling autobiography….Tyson always had a way with words – although much of the credit for this book must go to his ghostwriter Larry “Ratso” Sloman, who not only makes Tyson’s life read like an Elmore Leonard thriller, but gifts him with considerable self-awareness and a memorably pithy turn of phrase….recounted in gripping, punch-by-punch detail in prose pungent with the reek of blood, sweat and petroleum jelly.” –Mick Brown, The Telegraph (UK).
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It is brutally, unforgivingly honest, and while he has few kind words for the likes of King, Robin Givens, and Desiree Washington, no one fares worse in these pages than Tyson himself. He's a study in contradictions: a terrifying boxer with a temper that one could charitably describe as "mercurial" and yet he speaks softly, almost effeminately, with a lisp. But the two episodes in his life that he's most known for, his tumultuous (and allegedly abusive) marriage to Robin Givens, and his rape trial after a night with pageant contestant Desiree Washington gone horribly, irreversibly wrong, aren't glossed over. Undisputed Truth spends many, many chapters on how that persona developed, from both his cruel childhood on the streets of Brooklyn, to his being taught by Cus, the only father figure he'd ever known. Whether you find Tyson as fascinating as I do, or want to learn more about the man behind the glove (and there's much, much more to him than I expected), or just want to know what in the world he was thinking with that tattoo, you absolutely must read this book."
"A book to be read with out being judgmental. It is true a big part of the book is about Tyson's partying and drug taking and womanizing."
"His trainer Cus D'Amato saw the greatness in him at age 13 and he fought his way to the top of the boxing world while at the same time becoming addicted to cocaine, fast women and booze thinking that this was normal for all champion boxers. His searching for his true spiritual self and finding peace is a great testament to his humanity and the ability to overcome the obstacles of people who were born at a disadvantage."
"No, Mike Tyson will not go down as the greatest fighter of all time, but he certainly will go down as the most memorable and interesting fighter (second only the Muhammad Ali) to ever step into the ring. Here, in this book, you get everything you want to know about Tyson inside the ring and out, and you just can't put it down."
Best Tennis
Open: An Autobiography.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Because of this, I was told that this was an amazing book, which sometimes causes the book to be pretty average. If you enjoy Tennis, you will love this book, but even if you dislike tennis, you will probably enjoy the book still."
"I have been a tennis fan for over 17 years, born and raised in Forest Hills New York which used to be the seat of the U.S. Open championships."
"I have gained tremendous respect for Andre Agassi as person after reading this book."
"It shows how people (his father, Bolletari,etc) took advantage of him but it also shows how people (like his trainer, Gil, and his coach at the time, Brad Gilbert) really helped him."
"I don't want to give the book away, but give it a read if you are a tennis fan or Andre fan."
"The tennis court can be a lonely place and the book shows a look inside to what it takes to compete at this level. After reading this it make me appreciate the new breed of tennis players such as Nadal and Federer and the skill and stamina that they bring to the game."
"What an excellent way to start the book "The End"."
"We all are faced with similar challenges in our lives and aspire to be successful, and when we succumb to the challenges or fall short of our expectations of success we lose all hope."
Best Skateboarding
With the release of Disposable - A History of Skateboard Art in 2004, author Sean Cliver made a brilliant attempt at artfully cataloging every important skateboard deck ever released. I didn't take much notice at the time, but when Sean Cliver wrote Disposable: A History of Skateboard Art in 2005, it brought a lot of my memories back, not just from the perfect storm that was Big Brother, but of those years at the Turf all those memories that each wheel, board graphic or piece of torn griptape held.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Every shop was covered with neon deck designs and day glo plastic parts for sale. I never actually had a board from these years, my parents bought me a generic board while my friends all had the skate shop specials. Each deck is photographed very clearly, and the range of graphics is amazing, I had no ideas there were so many colors to some of the decks or alternate graphics. In closing, if you have any interest in skating history or just interested in the graphics, or even wanting to create your own custom skateboard, this is a great resource."
"I purchased this book for a Christmas gift for my oldest brother. My brother laughed stood up left the room and came back with my board."
"This book is great for any skater old or young, to either remember the old days or to look back at the relics."
"Well done and could work as a good coffee table book, but understand - there are few actual skater/skate shots, or anything about trucks or wheels."
"I HAVE HISTORY WITH MOST OF THE DECKS FORM 1989-1991= AKA THE Gem era of our industry... -tHE STORY OF SKATING IN THE BPSW era CAN-NOT BE TOLD WITHOUT Seand Cliver and Marc McKee.... -oh yeah- "BPSW"- "Big Pants, Small Wheels" lol 1991-1996 the xxx t SHIRTS KILLED A AWESOME STYLE! --Despite the boring skate decks..the only other negative I have is my last deck form my teenage years is missing..It was a BigBird Alva.. ---Im buying Marc McKee's next...Sean if you BUT SOME REMOTE RETARDED CHANCEread this= thank you..I wish I could be early 90's forever."
"Really brought back a lot of good memories from my skating days in the 80's."
"i love this book, it's a lot of great art tied to a time when skateboarding wasn't 8-11 year old suburban kids who do it as a competitive sport rather than a a rebellious act of self-expression which is what these designs, and skateboarding is supposed to be about."
Best Archery
The Traditional Bowyer's Bible series includes three essential volumes filled with history, humor, and practical advice. Released in 1992, 1993, and 1994, respectively, this trio provides a remarkably in-depth analysis of the bow from its construction to its correct use.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"While I am looking forward to reading volumes 2-4, I feel that this one book gives enough to get out there and start making bows. In any case, I feel this is a solid guide book that allows the interested reader to also use it as a guide to making bows or as a book to read cover to cover."
"Good read a little unclear for those folks that don't know the traditional archery lingo."
"What is sorely lacking is an introduction which covers what self bows are, how they are made, etc before jumping into the fine details."
"This is a really good book for people who like archery, especially if you also enjoy outdoor activities, exploring the woods and that sort of thing."
"As far as a how to books go on archery this is a classic anyone who follows the instructions will be very pleased about the outcome."
Best Gymnastics
Commonly referred to by readers as an "exercise Bible," Overcoming Gravity is a comprehensive guide that provides a gold mine of information for gymnastics and bodyweight strength training within its nearly 600 pages. If you prefer your health and fitness books to include scientific data, comprehensive sample programming, and effective recommendations, Overcoming Gravity is the ideal choice for your library. This Second Edition has been revised, expanded, and re-organized to read easier, provide more content, and offer easily accessible next-steps for beginner, intermediate, and advanced populations. Extensive information on body part splits and population modifications, allowing one to construct a routine that fits their lifestyle and skill level.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"After plateauing and not finding a way around my lack of consistency in handstand (after several months of consistent practice) I decided to add some strength/gymnastic type exercises to my workouts. The best part is that not only does the book expertly cover topics of gymnastic progression, but also programming workouts to reach a progression goal, injury awareness/avoidance/rehabilitation, and so much more. I've also visited his reddit sub and while I've never personally asked him a question, the author is in there answering questions all the time - if you're considering learning more about body weight fitness and or gymnastics progression look no further, this is the book."
"The bible of bodyweight fitness, updated."
"New edition is better."
"Best comprehensive book on the subject."
"Fascinating book - lots of great information."
"Best book on gymnastics available."
"Excellent revision with new added material."
Best Martial Arts
In Jiu-Jitsu University , Ribeiro shares with the public for the first time his revolutionary system of grappling, mapping out more than 200 techniques that carry you from white to black belt. Ribeiro, along with his jiu-jitsu achievements, is a lawyer and judge and now head instructor at the world-famous University of Jiu-Jitsu based in San Diego, CA.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book has been a great supplement to my training and is a great resource for everyone I know who has it when they find themselves getting stuck in a position."
"This book has been the best, most comprehensive book I've read so far."
"Hundreds of skills & demonstrations; the pictures are detailed & are relatively easy to follow, a must have for any BJJ practitioner for training at the academy, with a friend, or even on a sparring dummy."
"This is a great book especially for beginners or those looking to work on their defense or escapes from dominant positions."
"Ok, this book is amazing."
"Love this easy to follow book."
"I'm now 7 months into my Jiu Jitsu journey and this book is a brilliant resource, definitely lives up to the stella reviews here."
"A must read for the beginner Jiu-Jitsu practitioners."
Best Equestrian & Horse Racing
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Harry de Leyer first saw the horse he would name Snowman on a truck bound for the slaughterhouse. A writer is always on the lookout for a good story, but the first time I saw a striking old photograph, I didn’t realize that I had stumbled across a tale so extraordinary that it had the power to change lives. The first time we spoke, Harry told me a story that gave me butterflies in my stomach and made my palms sweat--that’s how badly I wanted to write about what he’d said to me and share it with the world. That moment, when the pair of them stood under the spotlights of Madison Square Garden and listened to the thunder of the crowd, was simply unforgettable--the kind of triumph that ripples forward through time.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I GOT A LITTLE BOGGED DOWN IN SOME OF THE "DETAILS" AT THE BEGINNING OF THE BOOK, BUT THEY TRULY SAVE YOU THE STAGING FOR UNDERSTANDING HOW TRULY UNBELIEVABLE AND WONDERFUL SNOWMAN'S STORY IS."
"One feels as if you're right there with Snowman.... as he's found on the butcher's truck, then as a school horse, then sold down the road... and his yearning to be back with the man who was his "master" and the big family."
"If you like true stories this one is for you."
"Along came a man needing a horse He could afford.....spending all his cash on an animal in a truck, whose eyes still showed a spark for life, while the others had already given up."
"A nearly heartbreaking start that turns into a marvelous real world example of a champion arising from the ashes."
"The flying Dutchman was a phrase I remember, but did not associate it with Harry and Snowman. It is one I will long remember the young man from Holland and this eighty dollar horse."
"Harry's wife kept meticulous financial records, cleaned their homes perfectly, took care of the six children, making sure that each was always dressed in clean, ironed clothes, and in her spare time, she and the children went out to the family stable, cleaned stalls, groomed, fed and watered the horses. The close-knit family was always scrapped for cash, but they did everything together and one gets the sense of how loving they were and how harmonious their family life was. What happened to all those adoring children and the sweetest, most devoted wonderful wife?"
"Harry de Leyter was a poor Dutch immigrant farmer and even $80.- was a lot of money when he saved that horse from the slaughterhouse.. Then at one point he realizes that this horse is a born jumper and starts training him and slowly he starts winning championships."
Best Billiards & Pool
A transformative journey of physical and ancestral healing from a renowned herbalist, natural health expert, and dedicated healer of women’s bodies and women’s souls. “Just when I thought I was all alone, I found myself walking with a group of conscious women who were taking sacred steps and speaking sacred words. Through Sacred Woman , she has given us the sacred tools we need to live our lives in this new century.” —Hazelle Goodman, actress “ Sacred Woman offers profound wisdom to all who seek healing and transformation. Priestess of Neb-Het, an ancient Afrakan order, and a holistic healer, Queen Afua here guides women to spiritual and physical health.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The suggestions would just get filed in the back of my mind like, “yeah, I should add Epsom salts to my bath or drops of lavender oil”. I understand that everyone comes from differing educational backgrounds and lifestyles but I found it surprising for women to lack knowledge of their monthly menstrual cycle. Queen Afua’s higher power has multiple parts- Maat, Het-Hru, Nefer Atum, Heru, and Tehuti. It doesn’t bother me because I recognize that religion is a choice and the assumption of Christian belief that many American’s have is often just blind acceptance of a forced culture. I respect Queen Afua’s examination and explanation of how the tenets of her faith can lead to a womens’ self-healing. Many in the United States, as it is a supposed Christian nation, could benefit from such an examination instead of blind dependence on medical doctors, pills, and the health care system as our gods. I understand that this book is meant to be an all inclusive guide but… I just don’t think I am on a path to becoming a sacred woman as laid out by Queen Afua."
"Great Book, Very informative, highly recommend."
"Wonderful book, very useful information."
"beautiful book with a good concept."
"Loving this book!!"
Best Rollerskating & Rollerblading
Laura Stamm's Power Skating presents the skating system used by thousands of the sport's top players and teams to move with maximum efficiency on the ice. From starts and stops to turns and transitions, Laura Stamm's Power Skating covers all of the critical components of explosive skating. Internationally renowned power skating coach Laura Stamm has been coaching hockey players for more than 38 years. The first woman ever to coach a major league professional hockey player, Stamm showed the hockey world how important skating technique is to a hockey player’s success. In addition to authoring three books and numerous articles on hockey skating, Stamm has been a frequent speaker at coaches’ symposiums, camps, and conventions around the world. Her enormous success with him led to coaching assignments with other teams in the NHL and WHA (World Hockey Association), thus beginning her long career in hockey.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"The book will teach moving forward and then get into way advanced moving forward drills a beginer can not accomplish way before even discussing stopping. It's taught me what proper technique is and as I develop more skill and balance I am able to focus on doing the movement correctly. Of note in the online USA Hockey magazine I get there is actually an ad for one of her clinics."
"I've been, ironically, using this manual while coaching a roller derby team in the last year and my players have become night and day from when I started. Often they tell me that skating didn't make sense to them until I started teaching them, and though the sport is different from hockey, the Laura Stamm method still applies."
"Tried and true methods, well tested through the ages."
"Fantastic book if you're looking to improve every facet of your skating."
"Good book!"
"This book is just awesome for any level hockey player."
"Bought this as supplement to figure skating for strength and power, speed for Moves in the Field and skating around the rink."
"Although the copyright date is somewhat dated, I can assure you that the material covered is time tested and still being taught at my local power skating rink."
Best Mixed Martial Arts
In Jiu-Jitsu University , Ribeiro shares with the public for the first time his revolutionary system of grappling, mapping out more than 200 techniques that carry you from white to black belt. Ribeiro, along with his jiu-jitsu achievements, is a lawyer and judge and now head instructor at the world-famous University of Jiu-Jitsu based in San Diego, CA.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This book has been a great supplement to my training and is a great resource for everyone I know who has it when they find themselves getting stuck in a position."
"This book has been the best, most comprehensive book I've read so far."
"Hundreds of skills & demonstrations; the pictures are detailed & are relatively easy to follow, a must have for any BJJ practitioner for training at the academy, with a friend, or even on a sparring dummy."
"This is a great book especially for beginners or those looking to work on their defense or escapes from dominant positions."
"Ok, this book is amazing."
"Love this easy to follow book."
"I'm now 7 months into my Jiu Jitsu journey and this book is a brilliant resource, definitely lives up to the stella reviews here."
"A must read for the beginner Jiu-Jitsu practitioners."