Books in World - Sports series

In the heat of the moment, anything can happen in sports. A British heavyweight boxer once punched himself during a match. Fans throw balls, toys, and even octopuses on the field or ice. Stories of weird sports moments engage readers with lots of detailespecially because theyre true! Colorful photographs enhance the wild moments, genuine gaffs, and a super-long soccer match that went on for 3 hours and 38 minutes with no winner. Fact boxes and sidebars add even more funny stories for readers to enjoy.

Although it assumes different monikers in various parts of the world and has appeared in various incarnations over time, the game of soccer has retained a great deal of its original character. While it is ostensibly simple in terms of equipment and rules, soccer has inspired skill, strategy, and pure athleticism that have allowed the professional sport to evolve. The history of soccer and the biographies of game-changing players who have kept fans riveted game after game are chronicled in this lively volume.

Integral to the consciousness of the American people, the sport of baseball has become a steadfast institution in a nation whose identity is constantly evolving. Although the game has undergone its own share of changes since it first took center stage, baseball has maintained an unwavering devotion among fans and players alike. This comprehensive volume details the rules of baseball, introduces some of its key personalities, and examines the historical role of the game as it changed both the recreational and social landscapes of the country.