Almanac Book Reviews: ‘On Sport: Reviews 1995-2023’ by Bernard Whimpress – Reviewed by Barry Nicholls

Bernard Whimpress has written on sports for over fifty years. Barry Nicholls reviews one of Bernard’s many books, ‘On Sport: Reviews 1995-2023’ – a collection of sporting books reviewed by Bernard over many years.

Almanac Book Reviews: Knuckles, The Don, and Ernie Sigley: Michael Sexton’s ‘Stories for Harry & Ray’

Mickey Randall has great joy reviewing ‘Stories for Harry and Ray’ a magnificent collection of stories by much loved Adelaide author Michael Sexton.

Almanac Book Reviews: ‘Harry Hodgetts: The flawed broker behind Don Bradman’s move to Adelaide’ by John Davis

Barry Nicholls reviews ‘Harry Hodgetts:  The flawed broker behind Don Bradman’s  move to Adelaide’ by John Davis. Barry provides a fascinating insight into the rise and fall of business man Harry Hodgetts and his role regarding the business and cricketing interests of Australia’s greatest batsman.

Almanac Book Review: ‘The Fox: Harry Hopman and the greatest dynasty in tennis history’ by Michael Sexton

Bernard Whimpress has reviewed Michael Sexton’s recent release, ‘The Fox: Harry Hopman and the greatest dynasty in tennis history’.

Almanac Book Review – ‘Merger’ (Part 3): The Supporters

Raging Bull offers Part 3 of his review of William Westerman’s ‘Merger: The Fitzroy Lions and the Tragedy of 1996’ with a particular focus on the club’s fan base.

Almanac Books: Review – ‘The Conquerors’ by John Craven

Roger Lowrey reviews John Craven’s epic work ‘The Conquerors’ a tour de force tracing the careers of 100 local Geelong and district sports stars who competed in a total of 33 different sports over the past 150 years.

Almanac Book Review – ‘Merger’ (Part 1: Background)

In response to William Westerman’s ‘Merger’, Callum Quirk has taken a fine-toothed comb to the events of Fitzroy in 1996 and the environment in which they occurred. First up he sets the scene at a macro level, by looking at the emerging philosophical trends.

Almanac Football: Vale Barry Davis – Essendon great

Ken Davis has written a wonderful biography of his brother, Barry Davis, former Essendon and North Melbourne champion. Col Ritchie has written a review of the book. [With the death of Barry Davis announced today we reprise a review of Barry’s biography – ED]

Almanac Books: ‘1989 – The Great Grand Final’

The 1989 Grand Final between Hawthorn and Geelong was one the great Grand Finals of all time. Raging Bull adds his thoughts about the game.

Almanac Poetry: ‘Please Feed the Macaws … I’m Feeling Too Indolent’ – Book Review

Well known and respected poet Kevin Densley recently released his latest collection of poetry, ‘Please Feed the Macaws … I’m Feeling Too Indolent’. Col Ritchie presents his review of this wonderful collection of verse.

Almanac Book Review: ‘The One Indiscretion of His Life’ by Gideon Haigh

The inimitable Roy Hay has reviewed Gideon Haigh’s latest book which looks at the life and times of William ‘Barlow’ Carkeek.

Almanac Books: Best Sports Books I Read This Year

Peter Baulderstone nominates and reviews the best sports books he read in 2023. Add your own suggestions for Almanacker’s reading lists.

Almanac Books: Best Fiction Books I Read this Year

Peter Baulderstone found the world dispiriting in 2023, but never waste a good crisis. It rekindled a love of fiction. Additions to the reading/listening list are welcomed.

Almanac Book Review: Daniel James Brown, The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Quest for Gold at the 1936 Olympics.

With the opening of ‘The Boys in The Boat’ directed by George Clooney in January 2024, Braham Dabscheck reviews the 2014 book by Daniel James Brown the film is based upon.

Almanac Book Review: Nicky Winmar with Matthew Hardy, Nicky Winmar My Story: From Bush Kid to AFL Legend.

Avid Saints supporter Braham Dabscheck reviews Nicky Winmar’s incredible story written in conjunction with Matthew Hardy, ‘Nicky Winmar My Story: From Bush Kid To AFL Legend’.

Almanac Book Reviews: ‘Green and Golden Boots: Australia’s Overseas Golden Boot Winners’ – Jason Goldsmith

Roy Hay reviews the new soccer book by Jason Goldsmith, ‘Green and Golden Boots: Australia’s Overseas Golden Boot Winners’, a book that reflects upon Australian soccer players who were leading goal scorers for their overseas league.

Almanac Book Review: The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present by Paul McCartney

With Paul McCartney touring locally (for possibly the last time) Kevin Densley’s review of the music man’s monumental, two-volume boxed set, The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present is being reprised. Get Back to the words behind the songs before Macca and friends become a Band on the Run home.

Almanac Book Review: ‘Australian Soccer from the Beginning’ – Ted Simmons OAM

Ted Simmons OAM has always been the go to person for those seeking historical information about Australian Soccer. This historical information he gathered over many decades is now recorded in his book, ”Australian Soccer from the Beginning’ which has been reviewed here by Roy Hay.

Almanac Book Review: ‘Football Fans: in their own write’ – David Picken

Roy Hay reviews ‘Football Fans: in their own write’ by David Picken, a book about prominent football supporters discussing their allegiance to the game and specific football clubs, and according to Roy, the book is “a bloody good read”.

Almanac Book Review: ‘Jack Gibson’s Fur Coat: Rugby League Oddities and Artefacts’ by Glen Humphries

Rugby league raconteur Matt O’Hanlon reviews Glen Humphries’ latest book, ‘Jack Gibson’s Fur Coat: Rugby League Oddities and Artefacts’. (Here’s a conundrum: Is MOH an oddity or an artefact? – Ed.)