Levels of the Game
In 'Levels of the Game,' John McPhee takes readers inside the intense world of college tennis, unraveling the gripping match between two rising stars, one from the Ivy League and the other from a public university. This vivid exploration not only captures the physicality of the game but also delves into the intricate psychological and social dynamics shaping the players' lives. McPhee's masterful prose evokes the fierce competition, personal struggles, and aspirations tethered to ambition and identity. As the match unfolds, the reader is drawn into a transformative experience that transcends mere sport. Discover how a single game can reflect the broader contours of class and privilege in America.
By John McPhee
Published: 1979
"In the realm of sports, the battle is not just against your opponent, but against the very essence of self – where the mind and body converge to reveal the true measure of a competitor."
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What Readers Say About This Book
Levels of the Game is John McPhee's astonishing account of a tennis match played by Arthur Ashe against Clark Graebner at Forest Hills in 1968. It begins with the ball rising into the air for the initial serve and ends with the final point. McPhee provides a brilliant, stroke-by-stroke description while examining the backgrounds and attitudes which have molded the players' games. "This may be the high point of American sports journalism"- Robert Lipsyte, The New York Times
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Key Points from Levels of the Game
About the Author
John McPhee
John McPhee is an acclaimed American author and journalist, known for his masterful narrative nonfiction and intricate storytelling. Born on March 8, 1931, he has penned numerous influential works, including 'Coming into the Country,' 'The Control of Nature,' and 'Annals of the Former World,' which won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in 1999. McPhee's writing often emphasizes detailed research, vivid prose, and a deep sense of place, reflecting his keen interest in human interaction with the natural world. His ability to merge personal narrative with larger themes has made him a significant figure in contemporary literature.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- John McPhee
- Published
- November 1979
- Publisher
- Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- ISBN
- 0374515263
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 166
- Genres
- Sports TrainingSocial CommentaryLiteratureSports and Fitness
Purchase Options
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Levels of the Game
By John McPhee
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