nationalism and sports

". . . recount[s] the politically and racially charged rivalry between African-American boxing champion Joe Louis and white German boxer Max Schmeling, which grew between their 1936 and 1938 matches. Tracing both men's careers from inception until they hung up their gloves, the authors illuminate how emblematic each was to his country while exploring the social issues of the day"--Publisher's description.

". . . Simon Kuper tells the story of how FC Barcelona became the most successful club in the world--and how that era is now ending"--Provided by publisher.

Examines the careers of both Joe Louis and Max Schmeling, their historic matches in 1936 and 1938 in the midst of Nazism, and the cultural and social divisions the two men came to represent.

". . . recount[s] the politically and racially charged rivalry between African-American boxing champion Joe Louis and white German boxer Max Schmeling, which grew between their 1936 and 1938 matches. Tracing both men's careers from inception until they hung up their gloves, the authors illuminate how emblematic each was to his country while exploring the social issues of the day"--Publisher's description.

Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa's underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.

Chronicles the development of professional sports in 1941, explaining why, in the midst of World War II, Americans turned to sports for relaxation and entertainment, and profiling some of the sporting legends who rose to popularity in the course of that year.