Sports Biographies

Coach George Raveling is a living icon in the fields of sport and leadership. His story begins in the 1930s, under the shadow of segregation, and stretches over eight decades of excellence and achievement against the odds. In this remarkable book, written with long-time friend and mentee Ryan Holiday, Raveling explores the contours of his extraordinary life and offers valuable lessons in leadership. From his ground-breaking tenure as a basketball coach and his life-changing encounter with Martin Luther King Jr to his appointment as Nike's first Director of International Basketball and his integral role in signing Michael Jordan, Raveling reveals the hard-won lessons of a career that has defined sport and excellence for a generation. Far from a typical sports memoir, this book offers unique wisdom to illuminate the path for anyone who wants to achieve their full potential and navigate life with clarity and purpose.

Agent Barry Silkman tells the incredible story ofhis career from player to agent with colourful anecdotes of all the characters heencountered along the way, along with some touching, personal recollections of hislife so far.

From Davy Russell's early life in Youghal to his winning ride on Tiger Roll in the 2018 Grand National, this book has it all. Capturing the highs of an incredible career as a top jockey, from the adrenaline rush of winning the Grand National twice, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris, it also dwells on the devastating blows that Davy experienced through injury and shows his huge resilience and strength of character. In the book, Davy tells of his years on the point-to-point scene, his big move to England and his first Cheltenham victory in 2006, his experiences at Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown Stud as the number one rider, working with Gordon Elliot, his charity work with Hurling for Cancer Research, and his retirement. It is a truly remarkable journey written by the most entertaining jockey in the business.

Under his leadership Spurs famously won the League and Cup Double in 1961, the FA Cup again in 1962 and 1967, the League Cup in 1971 and 1972, the European Cup Winners Cup in 1963 (the first English team to win a European trophy) and the UEFA Cup in 1972. The book covers Bill's upbringing in Yorkshire, his move to London as a young man after the War to play for Spurs, his time as a player in the famous Push-and-Run championship team in the early 50s with team mates such as Alf Ramsey, and on to his promotion to Tottenham manager in the late 50s and the successful career that followed. Steve and Norman use conversations with Bill to explore what made him a great manager and a great man. The most successful manager in Tottenham's history - the establishment never rewarded him with a knighthood, despite campaigns from the public, but Spurs fans feel he should be 'Sir' Bill.

A celebration of one of Geelong's top sporting heroes.

Ultrarunner Jen Scotney has achieved podium finishes in some of the UK's toughest races and now has her sights firmly set on the Pennine Way record. Running Through the Dark is much more than a running book, it is a story about resilience, about never giving up, and about battling through the night and always believing that there will be a new dawn.

Revolution charts the dramatic story of Ange Postecoglou's instant impact on Celtic and charts his life and times in football, through the eyes of those who know him best. This book provides an in-depth, fascinating insight into the making of a man and his unique football philosophy.

Arum and King provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the most iconic boxing promoters in the last 100 years-two very different men with very different backgrounds who have promoted such notable superstars as Ali, De la Hoya, Pacquiao, Mayweather, Tyson, and Fury.

This is the autobiography of Dougie Donnelly, one of Scotland's most successful and best loved broadcasters, who spent over 32 years with the BBC as a presenter on Grandstand and Sportscene, as well as commentating on Great Britain winning the women's gold medal at curling at the Winter Olympics!

In early March 2020 Liverpool were two wins away from an extraordinary achievement, on course for their first league title win in 30 years - since the heads days of Kenny Dalglish - and likely to seal it in the Liverpool derby against their great rivals Everton.

A riveting account of motorsport phenom Oscar Piastri's first season in Formula 1, The Rookie charts his meteoric rise through the ranks to become McLaren's chosen young gun and takes us behind the scenes in his mission to triumph in the do-or-die world of the Fastest Show on Earth. The meteoric rise of motorsports phenom Oscar Piastri has been the stuff of legends - so far. Three years and a record-breaking three straight titles across Formula Renault, Formula 3 and Formula 2 set up one of the most anticipated F1 rookie seasons ever when the 21-year-old Melburnian joined the famous McLaren team. Being wooed over from Alpine to replace a struggling Daniel Ricciardo and help turn the team's fortunes around only added to the weight of expectation. The grid was set, the world's cameras were rolling, rabid fans filled the stands, but could the rookie deliver? What version of Oscar Piastri would emerge from the crucible? The storylines that unfolded during the 2023 F1 season only added to Piastri's growing legend. He not only proved he deserved his seat alongside Lando Norris in McLaren papaya, but also that he could go toe to toe with the best drivers on the planet.

Peter Eckersley wasn't among the greatest of Lancashire cricketers with bat and ball but no other player can match his qualities of Charisma, Loyalty, Leadership, Bravery, Courage and Sacrifice. The author has brought to life this largely forgotten Lancashire Cricketer.

The Mighty Atom: The Life of Boxing Legend Jimmy Wilde is the long-awaited biography of a boxing all-time great. Blessed with freakish knockout power that belied his skeletal frame, in his heyday Wilde was almost unbeatable. A century after his final fight, boxing historians still widely consider him the greatest flyweight ever.

'The stories here are vital to our understanding of women's sporting history' GABBY LOGANFrom the tennis court to the boxing ring, the athletics track to the football pitch, the visibility of women in sport has been gathering pace. Women's competitions are increasingly popular. In Roar Sam takes a deep dive into the experiences of some of sport's most high-profile female athletes - some have overcome heartbreaking adversity to reach the top of their game; others have succeeded in the face of prejudice. Like Sam, all have been propelled by sheer grit and determination to succeed. Many now campaign for women's equality and acceptance in sport, knowing the confidence it can bring young girls and the message that they can achieve anything. Featuring a series of candid interviews from some of sport's most successful women, Sam lifts the lid on what it takes to reach those heights: from coping with puberty to foregoing teenage fun to pursue a dream; from the punishing physical training schedule to the mental power needed to win or bounce back from defeat; and coping with the pressure of the media spotlight. And, what it feels like in that magical moment when you step up to the podium knowing every sacrifice has been worth it. Roar is a celebration of the bold and fearless - the women empowering future generations to follow in their footsteps - but it is also an inspiring look at how sport can change lives and challenge society.

Soon to be an AppleTV+ series, Enzo uncovers a wealth of new facts about the origins, ambitions, and private life of Enzo Ferrari.Drawing on years of original research conducted in Italy and abroad, this book lays bare the hidden aspects of Ferrari's career. From his earliest failed business ventures, to his political dealings with Italy's fascist government, Allied occupiers, and even Communist leaders.Revisit all the highlights of Ferrari's rise to greatness. Including his driving career in the 1920s, his management of racing teams for Alfa Romeo in the 1930s and the launch of his own company and team in the late 1940s.A must have for Ferrari and Formula 1 fans, this definitive biography makes previous accounts obsolete.

Benno is the story of one of Coventry City's greatest ever players and biggest characters, Dave Bennett. Benno was integral to Coventry's 1987 FA Cup win but there's far more to his story than that. He fought racist abuse throughout his career, battled back from four leg breaks and enjoyed a night out or two along the way!

The No.1 football series - over 1 million copies sold!Bukayo Saka has the world at his feet. Since breaking through the ranks at Arsenal, the young forward has gone from strength to strength, helping his team lift the FA cup for a record 14th time. His versatile style of play means he can help his team all over the pitch. Discover how the boy born in Ealing, went on to represent England at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final, achieved his dream of representing his country at such a young age and overcame adversity to become the ultimate football hero.Ultimate Football Heroes is a series of biographies telling the life stories of the biggest and best footballers in the world and their incredible journeys from childhood fan to superstar professional player. Written in fast-paced, action-packed style these books are perfect for all the family to collect and share.

Triumphs, Treachery and Toilet Rolls is the astonishing life story of football legend Francis Lee. With searing candour, Lee reveals how he overcame treachery and betrayals to prevail. It's the story of a man who crammed more into one life than anyone could aspire to. This is Franny - uncensored.

Follow the Thunder is the searingly honest autobiography of former Premier League star and record-breaking wonder kid Jason Dozzell, who later faced the consequences of a chaotic life off the field. Dozzell goes on a therapeutic journey of self-reflection to unravel his mental-health issues and encourage others to open up.

For the Love of Darlo is the inspirational autobiography of multi-award-winning writer and Darlington FC devotee Paul Hodgson, who overcame severe disability to achieve his ambitions. Paul's story offers a unique insight into what it was like to grow up in a 'special school' in the unenlightened 1970s.

Over Land and Sea is the story of West Ham United in Europe, exploring the rich history of the Hammers' European fixtures dating back more than a century. While West Ham's success in Europe has been largely in competitions that no longer exist, there's a great deal to discover about their wider European story.

Football, Freedom and Paradise! is the fascinating and inspirational autobiography of former footballer Rudi Vata, a man who overcame state oppression to attain the most basic of human requirements - his freedom. After playing for Albania, he defected and forged a career in football, including a successful spell at Celtic FC.