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THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED: HARRY VARDON, FRANCIS OUIMET AND THE BIRTH OF MODERN GOLF | 
 enlarge | Author: Mark Frost
Publisher: Hyperion
Category: Book
Buy Used: $47.61
Avg. Customer Rating:  71 reviews
Sales Rank: 465900
Format: Import
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 480
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.9
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.8
ISBN: 0316860964
EAN: 9780316860963
ASIN: 0316860964
Publication Date: 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Great condition
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| Also Available In:
| • | Hardcover - The Greatest Game Ever Played: Harry Vardon, Francis Ouimet, and the Birth of Modern Golf | | • | Paperback - The Greatest Game Ever Played | | • | Paperback - Greatest Game Ever Played, The: Harry Vardon, Francis Ouimet, and the Birth of Modern Golf | | • | Hardcover - The Greatest Game Ever Played: Harry Vardon, Francis Ouimet, and the Birth of Modern Golf | | • | Kindle Edition - Greatest Game Ever Played: Harry Vardon, Francis Ouimet, and the Birth of Modern Golf | | • | Paperback - The Greatest Game Ever Played: A True Story | | • | Paperback - The Greatest Game Ever Played: Harry Vardon, Francis Ouimet, and the Birth of Modern Golf | | • | Paperback - The Greatest Game Ever Played: A True Story |
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| Customer Reviews: Read 66 more reviews...
 Good 1st Effort -- Style Later Perfected in "The Match" July 25, 2008
This I believe was Frost's 1st golf history book and previously all his other work had been fiction. Which explains the fictional feel of this book. Frost cites conversation and internal thoughts from the characters to an exent that he can't possibly know if that's what happened. In addition to compromising accuracy, it also makes for a book that's about 2x as long as it needs to be. I found myself often scanning large sections rather than reading every word.
Even with that flaw he still produced a must-read golf history book, that many non-golfers will also enjoy. He excels at putting things in historical and social context, and building fiction-like edge of your seat tension. He's also a master at researching the lives of the main characters, from their beginnings to their endings in the must-read "Afterward" section.
In this case the main characters are British legendary professional golfers Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, US amateur golfer Francis Quimet and his young caddie Eddie Lowery. Although Mr. Quimet's story is reasonably well known in golf circles, Eddie's isn't. And in some ways Eddie is actually the most interesting character, if not the most important. The story goes that young Eddie escaped the grade school truant officer every day so he could caddie for Quimet. And it was Eddie's inspiration, tenacity and timely advice that pushed the young unaccomplished amateur Quimet to an historic conquest over then golfing titans Vardon and Ray.
In Frost's 3rd golf book "The Match" released last year, Eddie would again enter the picture. Now a middle aged successful businessman, he sets up a historic match between the 2 best amateurs of the day (Ken Venturi and Harvey Ward) and the 2 best Pros (Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson). At stake is a presumed $10,000 personal bet (if not more) but even more importantly a seminal event in the future direction of American golf: would the essence of the game remain in the hands of high-minded amateurs who played for pride and honor, or pros who at the time carried the stigma that playing for money compromised their golfing integrity?
In this 2nd effort, Frost clearly refines his style by eliminating much of the characters' internal and external "filler" dialogue, and the result is a book with better momentum and few if any question marks on accuracy. Not coincidentally, "The Match" is about 1/2 the page count of "Greastest Game."
In any case, both of these books are clearly "can't miss" and go together like Godfather's I & II.
If you liked this book, you MUST read this interview July 24, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I found this incredible interview regarding how the game of Golf has changed over the years. You wouldn't believe the evolution! If you have any interest in the history of Golf, this is a must read. If you want to become even more knowledgeable on the subject, scroll to the bottom of the interview and get in touch with the author. After reading, I guarantee you will be able to lead the most interesting discussions and impress your friends!
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/interviewroden.html
Not Just a Great Game! May 17, 2008
I loved the movie so I thought I'd try the book. I was not disappointed. In fact, I believe a second movie based on this book, focussing on the early career and post "Greatest Game" highlights of Harry Vardon, would produce an excellent movie, as well.
My older brother recently retired. My gifts to him were a Caribbean Cruise and a copy of this book to read as he suns on the deck of the cruise ship. When presented with both (gifts), he noted that he too had seen the movie and seemed just as excited to have received a copy of the book, as he was the cruise.
Great read even for a non-golfer! March 22, 2008
This is a terrific book and I'm not even a golfer. I didn't care much for the movie; a buddy of mine recommended reading the book and WOW, it's so much better. I'm not sure who wrote the movie but Frost does a great job of telling the story and holding on to your interest. I loved the biographical background and personality insights he offers. He's a terrific writer.
Wonderful account of the times. February 11, 2008
Great detail is setting the stage of how society viewed golf and its champions and how this tournament took that to the next level in popularity. Gives great detail intothe lives of Vardon, Ray, Francis and even Walter Hagen at the beginning of his career. Great for anyone who loves the history of golf and a good old fashion underdog story.
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