Product Description
In In January 1936, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson became charter members in an exclusive club: the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. By 2008, the membership had grown to 286 individuals, including players, managers, coaches, umpires, executives, and pioneers. In addition, the Hall of Fame has recognized 32 broadcasters and 59 writers with its Frick and Spink awards.

This extensively updated and revised edition provides essential information for every individual honored by or elected to the Hall of Fame, including the historic Class of 2006, which saw enshrinement of 17 previously overlooked greats from the Negro Leagues and pre-Negro Leagues. Each entry includes biographical information and career highlights, as well as the year of induction or recognition. Year-by-year statistics are included for the players, along with a list of transactions. More than 80 photos are new to the second edition. ... Read more

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African Americans and Latino Americans have played an increasingly significant role in the ongoing saga of American sports--and not just in popular sports like basketball and baseball. This is the first comprehensive, multisport biographical resource to concentrate exclusively on the accomplishments, achievements, and personal struggles of notable African American and Latino American athletes of the last quarter century. A total of 175 important contemporary athletes--113 African Americans and 62 Latino Americans--are profiled. ... Read more

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Though professional wrestlers are usually ignored by sportswriters and entertainment reporters alike, the popularity of these gifted athletes and showbiz pros is undeniable. Few fans are concerned with whether the wrestling is "legitimate."

From Ace Abbott to Buck Zumhofe, this is the second edition of the first-ever ("major contribution’—ARBA; "most informative"—Wrestling Then & Now) comprehensive compilation of biographical information on professional wrestlers past and present, including major promoters and managers. Each entry is listed under the wrestling name most often used, with cross references to real names and other ring names. The ring name is followed by the grappler’s real name, hometown, height and weight, and birth and death dates when available. The biographical data provide the era in which the individual competed, wrestling associations, titles, tag team partners, major bouts and other highlights. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The most complete listing of pro wrestlers
I was looking for a book that would be a complete in-depth history of wrestling, but there doesn't seem to be one out there. This book has no photos (except for Lou Thesz on the cover), but it contains short bios of more pro wrestlers than any other book. Unfortunately, only the briefest of bios are provided (it basically lists championships won, with very little personal info provided). Height, weight, & birth dates are provided for some, but not most, wrestlers. Lentz has written some great books on film history for McFarland, but this one is a disappointment due to lack of more info in the entries (which is perhaps not possible given the subject matter). At first I thought this book lacked completeness, but after seeing other so-called wrestling "encyclopedias," this one is certainly the most complete. For example, a major star of the early 1960s, Argentina Apollo, gets no mention in any of the other wrestling books, but is included here. It's very dry reading for a wrestling book, & if you buy this one you should get at least a couple of other books with photos to accompany it. I'd like to see more info included in the entries (at least for the major stars) that would distinguish the wrestlers a bit more than the author has done here (for example, how they were innovative, what their style was, gimmicks used, special techniques, etc.). A worthy addition to your wrestling reference library, but will somebody please write a definitive encyclopedia on this subject? A second edition of this book is due in November 2003, but with only 20 or so additional pages, I doubt if it will expand the entries into what I was hoping for.

One-of-a-kind reference source
My compliments to Mr. Lentz for the wealth of information he was able to unearth on the sometimes mysterious world of professional wrestling.I've been a fan of wrestling since the 1960s and it was great to finally see areference book that gives information on the "sport entertainers"that have thrilled me and countless others over the years.I flip throughit often to find tidbits about current and past mat stars.A truly greatjob on a difficult subject.

Looks good, but not a factual book on many of the stars.
The old saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover".This book looks good, but beyond the cover is filled with page after page of incorrect information regarding many of the wrestlers.Mr. Lentz certainlydidn't take the time to research his information. I have been a collectorand researcher of wrestling related items for nearly 40 years, and neverhave I picked up a book with so many errors in it.My advice is, if youwant a book that looks good on your bookself, then this book is for you. But, if you are looking for a book that will provide factual information onwrestlings greatest performers of the past, then pass on this book!Sorry,this is not a reliable source of wrestling information to the seriouscollector or fan.

An outstanding reference
Without a doubt, this is THE book to purchase if you are a pro wrestling fan. Filled to the brim with career highlights for over 500 wrestlers from the early 20th century right down to the days just before the formation of the NWO, Lentz has covered it all. I have found it to be an invaluable reference too, and worth every bit of it's price. TC Kirkham, Webmaster SyxxNet ... Read more

Product Description
In the tradition of Sports Shorts and Golf Shorts, Liebman knocks 'em out again with this latest collection of hilarious one-liners related to boxing. Here are some of the sport's funniest quips, slams, jokes, and witticisms from the likes of George Foreman, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Don King, Sugar Ray Leonard, and many others. ... Read more

Product Description
In January 1936, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson and Walter Johnson became charter members in an exclusive club: the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. By 1998 the membership had grown to 237 players, managers, coaches, umpires, executives, writers and broadcasters.This biographical dictionary provides pertinent information on all 237 of the Hall of Fame inductees. Statistical summaries are complemented by revealing insights into little-publicized aspects of the careers of baseball's greatest achievers. A brief history of the Hall of Fame is also included. ... Read more

Product Description
This exhaustive work includes not only the biographical details of 2000 players who have won official test caps, but also the career details of all players of any significance since the dawn of the game. Entries are arranged alphabetically within sections on the nine test countries. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Not so hot
This is my 3rd martial arts dictionary.I'm not that impressed.The book is largely devoted to more full explanations of the terms used in various arts.But it's hardly encompassing.In fact, there are so many items left out that I'm left wondering why it wasn't 3 times it's size.There's certainly enough source material!

I have another Martial Arts dictionary which is tiny (not quite as thick and about 1/4 the size) with 10 times the number of terms and they are fairly well explained in there.I like reference material, so this will probably get a 2.5 in reality, but I'm rounding down for lack of depth.The explanations are quite nice, however, so if that's what you are looking for, you will be happy.It does, at least, cover some phrases as well as words.

If, like me, you are looking for a real dictionary with a ton of entries and hopefully as many phrases, as they say in Star Wars: "move along"

Valuable reference source
This is one of four or five books I always keep nearby when writing.The content is comprehensive and easy to use and I appreciate the lack of stylistic or nationalistic prejudice.

Very detailed information.
I own three martial arts dictionaries and this one is the most detailed of the three.It does not cover every martial art in existance, but it does provided depth in the arts it does describe.Almost all of the terms arelisted in Japanese, so finding the Japanese term when you only know theEnglish term is sometimes difficult.

Informative, but not complete.
The Dictionary tends to place emphasis on the more "popular" martial arts such as Karate and Judo, and in Japanese styles in general.Although the information given pertaining to Japanese styles is verythorough and comprehensive, "definitions" given on many otherarts (Chinese Gung Fu, Brazilian Capoera, Phillipino Eskrima, etc.)is oftenlacking.In fact, some, such as French Savat, are completely left out.

A definite book for the shelf any martial art enthusiast.
First written in French in 1988 then translated in 1991, this is the fourth printing of A Dictionary of the Martial Arts. This book is a great little reference dictionary to the martial arts, especially those pertaining to Japan. Even though the book is quite detailed in its many definitions, and is filled with numerous diagrams, photos and several Hokusai prints. I would not recommend this work to those seeking to study an individual martial art for the first time. Instead this work touches upon the understanding of and the historical significance of the martial arts. A definite book for the shelf any martial art enthusiast. ... Read more

Product Description
THE FLY FISHER'S ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY contains more than 350 explanations of flyfishing terms and phrases, including fly tying, entomology, historic equipment, and angling methods-illustrated with more than 150 drawings and photographs. The entries are listed alphabetically, and are supported by anecdote and often by photographs or drawings. This is a book for those interested in the lore and language of fly fishing; it is a treasure trove of useful information, arcane knowledge, and modern references. It will be of particular interest to fly tyers, as it includes detailed information on such subjects as tying proportions and terms, rare and unusual tying materials, and hook shapes. From gildard to Isabella buff, from leveret to snoods-here is a charming ready reference to the past and to practical information for all present anglers.
Amazon.com Review
No one's ever suggested that fly-fishing was as easy as A, B,C. Its very language casts unique and, at times, complexetymological (and entomological!) lines, which--from advancedwing to Z-twist--Darrel Martin's Dictionary amiablysets out to unravel. With its in-depth entries, historical citations,and affectionate embrace of the arcane, it's the angling equivalent ofthe OED--with hosts ofexplanatory photographs and drawings thrown in for good measure. Heeven uncovers the sport's smut: "a variety of small insects... The early English origin of the term is related to smudge and soot... perhaps related to Gaelic smuid, smoke, and early Englishsmut, a cloud. The term has been used in trouting since 1889." Cool, huh? Who says you don't fish with your head?

A former teacherof Old and Middle English, Martin has married his passion for theevolution of words with his love of the evolution of fishing andfly-tying to produce a solid, comprehensive reference of some 350words and phrases as engaging in its lexicographical storytelling asit is eminently useful. Confused about hackle pliers? Martinstraightens you out. After a page and a half, you'll know what theydo, how they work, why they're necessary, and where they comefrom. Equipment? Materials? Technique? Insects, their taxonomy andnomenclature? Martin addresses them deftly. Of course, notevery possible entry is here--Martin used his own subjectivedictionary Darwinism--but so many of those that do rise up are justinnately wonderful: sneck, epilimnion, dapping,whip finisher, harling, and ocelli. The wordsalone are catch enough; what the Dictionary does with them isso uniformly interesting the book could easily be guilty of taking abite out of your stream time. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This belongs on your book shelf.
The Fly Fisher's Illustrated Dictionary Is a fascinating look into common and the more obscure topics of fly fishing. This book gives you incite into the history and vocabulary of the fly fisherman. The dictionary literally covers the A to Z's of Fly fishing and everything else too. There is just enough pictures spread through out to keep you looking. Along with the pictures there are hundreds of unusual tidbits and facts throughout this book. If you have a fly fishing term that comes up, and you or your buddies can't figure it out, I'm sure it would be in here. This is a great reference book you need to have in your library. ... Read more

Product Description
The third edition of this fascinating book deals with both levels of the competition--the competitive side and the administrative side. The dictionary includes hundreds of cross-referenced entries on the major sports, more outstanding athletes, participating countries and numerous bodies in the organization as well as successive generations of officials--starting with the founder, Pierre de Coubertin. Two chronologies trace the history of the Olympic movement back to the Ancient Olympiad first celebrated in Greece in 776 B.C. as well as all of the modern Games up to Athens in 2004. The appendixes then provide elusive facts on the Games, the officials, the torchbearers, and the top Olympic medal winners. ... Read more

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African-American athletes have played a significant role in the development and popularity of American professional sports, and have encountered numerous obstacles on the road to athletic success. This is the first comprehensive multi-sport biographical dictionary of African Americans who reached the pinnacles of success in their sport. It contains more personal and career profiles of African-American sports greats than are found in any other single source. Biographical profiles of 166 noted athletes, coaches, and administrators in team and individual sports include both Ristorical figures such as Jesse Owens and Satchel Paige and contemporary stars such as Charles Barkley, Ken Griffey, Jr., Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Shaquille O'Neal, and Emmitt Smith. Forty-four sports historians contributed the colorfully written biographies, which blend both personal background information and athletic career accomplishments. All information is current through the middle of 1995. ... Read more

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Univ. of Sydney, Australia. Guide to the diagnosis and management of sports injuries, representing the care standards developed for the 2000 Olympic Games. For practitioners. Halftone illustrations and line drawings. 28 Australian contributors. Softcover. ... Read more