Squash
A History of the Game
Published on 23. September 2003
Book
Hardback
384 pages
978-0-7432-2990-6 (ISBN)
Description
This definitive history of squash by journalist James Zug is a must-read for squash lovers and sports history buffs alike, capturing the evolution of one of America's greatest games.
Step into the fast-paced world of squash with this ultimate deep dive into one of America's fastest-growing sports. This newly updated edition of Squash packs in fresh stories and insights, charting the racquet sport's evolution.
From its scrappy beginnings in the 1850s, when English schoolboys invented the game in alleys and yards, to its arrival on US soil in 1884, squash has grown into a global phenomenon. Award-winning journalist James Zug takes readers on a fascinating journey, exploring defining moments like the pivotal shift in the 1990s from the one court size to another, a change that propelled the US to international squash dominance. The game has over 1.6 million players in this country, a growing presence in schools and colleges, and is on the brink of its next big milestone-making its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Packed with vibrant profiles of squash legends, Zug's narrative goes beyond the court. He uncovers the game's rich cultural roots, tracing its elite origins and its expansion into public and commercial clubs. Along the way, he captures the passion, drama, and camaraderie that make squash so much more than just a sport.
In the tradition of iconic sports histories like David Halberstam's The Amateurs, Squash isn't just for players-it's for anyone who loves a great story. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or curious newcomer to the game, this is your definitive guide to the lasting legacy of squash.
Step into the fast-paced world of squash with this ultimate deep dive into one of America's fastest-growing sports. This newly updated edition of Squash packs in fresh stories and insights, charting the racquet sport's evolution.
From its scrappy beginnings in the 1850s, when English schoolboys invented the game in alleys and yards, to its arrival on US soil in 1884, squash has grown into a global phenomenon. Award-winning journalist James Zug takes readers on a fascinating journey, exploring defining moments like the pivotal shift in the 1990s from the one court size to another, a change that propelled the US to international squash dominance. The game has over 1.6 million players in this country, a growing presence in schools and colleges, and is on the brink of its next big milestone-making its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Packed with vibrant profiles of squash legends, Zug's narrative goes beyond the court. He uncovers the game's rich cultural roots, tracing its elite origins and its expansion into public and commercial clubs. Along the way, he captures the passion, drama, and camaraderie that make squash so much more than just a sport.
In the tradition of iconic sports histories like David Halberstam's The Amateurs, Squash isn't just for players-it's for anyone who loves a great story. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or curious newcomer to the game, this is your definitive guide to the lasting legacy of squash.
Reviews / Votes
Tom Wolfe The squash world has been waiting for a book like this. I bet even the most dedicated and knowledgeable maestros of tight rails and feathery drop shots will learn lots of fascinating stuff they never knew before. Mark Talbott From schoolboys swatting balls on outdoor walls to the pros competing on portable glass courts in Grand Central Station, Squash beautifully conveys the fierce battles, exciting developments and many unforgettable personalities who have loved our game." Frank Deford Expert/hacker, hardball/softball, doubles/singles -- all squash devotees should read James Zug's comprehensive and passionate account of the history of their game.More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Simon & Schuster
Illustrations
2 8-pg. b & w photo inserts
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 33 mm
Weight
639 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7432-2990-6 (9780743229906)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Persons
James Zug received his MFA in nonfiction writing from Columbia. His work has appeared in numerous national magazines and newspapers like The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Outside, and he is the author of a half dozen books. The world's leading squash journalist, he has traveled to six continents covering the game. Since 2005, he has been the chair of the US Squash Hall of Fame committee.
Content
CONTENTS
Foreword by George Plimpton
Prologue
1. The Joints Trembled on the Spit
The origins of racquets sports with real tennis and racquets; the invention of squash at Harrow School in England
2. Heaven's Heaviest Artillery
The birth of squash in America at St. Paul's School in 1884; infancy in Philadelphia; the strange and sad history of the game of squash tennis; the saga of standardization and why North American squash developed the narrow court and harder ball.
3. Don't Keep Late Hour
Harvard's squash dynasty, 1922-1937; Harry Cowles, genius coach of seven national champions.
4. Hollow-Eyed and Squeaky
The start of women's squash; Yale and intercollegiate squash; squash on the Titanic; a tour of squash cities and tournaments in the 1920s and '30s.
5. Send for the Drama Critic
The Merion Cricket Club juggernaut; the Diehl Mateer/Henri Salaun rivalry of the 1950s; the start of the U.S.Open and the arrival of the Khans.
6. A Clam in Mud at Low Tide
Victor Niederhoffer; the game expands across the nation; women, juniors and colleges in the 1950s and '60s; Harvard dynasty redux under Jack Barnaby.
7. Sex, Scandal and Celebrities
Public squash in the 1970s -- the great explosion.
8. Box of Rain
The North American professional tour of the 1980s.
9. 18-16 in the Fifth
Mark Talbott versus Jahangir Khan, November 1984.
10. Bait and Switch
The tortuous change from North American to international standards.
11. The Infinitely Greater Game
A short history of squash doubles.
12. This Mollycoddled Age
Squash in the twenty-first century; rebirth and expansion; dreams of Olympic gold and a new generation of players.
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
Notes
Appendix: Record of Champions
Index
Foreword by George Plimpton
Prologue
1. The Joints Trembled on the Spit
The origins of racquets sports with real tennis and racquets; the invention of squash at Harrow School in England
2. Heaven's Heaviest Artillery
The birth of squash in America at St. Paul's School in 1884; infancy in Philadelphia; the strange and sad history of the game of squash tennis; the saga of standardization and why North American squash developed the narrow court and harder ball.
3. Don't Keep Late Hour
Harvard's squash dynasty, 1922-1937; Harry Cowles, genius coach of seven national champions.
4. Hollow-Eyed and Squeaky
The start of women's squash; Yale and intercollegiate squash; squash on the Titanic; a tour of squash cities and tournaments in the 1920s and '30s.
5. Send for the Drama Critic
The Merion Cricket Club juggernaut; the Diehl Mateer/Henri Salaun rivalry of the 1950s; the start of the U.S.Open and the arrival of the Khans.
6. A Clam in Mud at Low Tide
Victor Niederhoffer; the game expands across the nation; women, juniors and colleges in the 1950s and '60s; Harvard dynasty redux under Jack Barnaby.
7. Sex, Scandal and Celebrities
Public squash in the 1970s -- the great explosion.
8. Box of Rain
The North American professional tour of the 1980s.
9. 18-16 in the Fifth
Mark Talbott versus Jahangir Khan, November 1984.
10. Bait and Switch
The tortuous change from North American to international standards.
11. The Infinitely Greater Game
A short history of squash doubles.
12. This Mollycoddled Age
Squash in the twenty-first century; rebirth and expansion; dreams of Olympic gold and a new generation of players.
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
Notes
Appendix: Record of Champions
Index