Breaking the slump - Charles Alexander

[Craig S.]

This one just came out in May, and I'm wondering if anybody's had a chance to read it yet. I'm trying to decide whether to add it my Amazon order, and the reviews I've seen are mixed.

Any opinions?

[sweaver]

Presumably Rob Neyer will be reviewing it soon.

Alexander's books tend to be long and somewhat scholarly, but usually good reads.

[Craig S.]

Originally posted by sweaver
Presumably Rob Neyer will be reviewing it soon.

Alexander's books tend to be long and somewhat scholarly, but usually good reads.

I got the impression it would be more academic than anecdotal, since it was from Columbia U. Press. Thanks for the info on his style and ability. I think I'll go ahead and buy it, and hopefully I'll actually get a chance to read it soon enough.

[Skip]

His book on John McGraw is buried somewhere on my "Books to get when I get the time" list.

[Craig S.]

I got around to reading this one over the weekend. It was excellent - a nice combination of formal history and colorful people and happenings.

Since it was about the game during a serious downtime in the economy, there was quite a bit of discussion about finances. However, Alexander manages to maintain a connection to the game itself, relating the numbers in an easy and accessible manner that makes clear their impact.

A great read for anyone interested in a closer look at baseball during that period.