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The Tennis Book

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of World Tennis
by John Parsons
with Henry Wancke. The Tennis Book: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of World Tennis. Carlton, dist. by Sterling. May 2012. 224p. illus. ISBN 9781780970127. $34.95. SPORTS
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There's plenty to celebrate in this book's fourth edition by veteran tennis journalists Parsons and Wancke. Originally authored by Parsons in 1998, with subsequent versions updated by Wancke (Parsons died in 2004), the work covers much ground, with a clear focus on the Australian, French, Wimbledon, and U.S. championships. Parsons and Wancke score points with their narratives; the player profiles, especially the past and present "Legends of the Court" section, are thoroughly engaging. Also noteworthy: the excellent coverage and analysis of the greatest matches ever played. Rounding out the book, the authors examine the history, business, and politics of tennis as well as the controversies and oddities of the game.
VERDICT For a broader view, check out the ultimate reference book: The Bud Collins History of Tennis: An Authoritative Encyclopedia and Record Book, 2d ed., with its 1919–2009 year-by-year reports and far more comprehensive singles, doubles, and mixed doubles listings of stats, scores, and records of the four Grand Slam events and beyond. Still, despite a few minor inaccuracies (e.g., Novak Djokovic's run at the 2011 French Open was in fact halted by Roger Federer, not Rafael Nadal), this richly illustrated volume is recommended for tennis fans and all sports collections.
Reviewed by Howard Katz, Library Journal , Apr 15, 2012
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