School Library Journal Review
Gr 7-10-Solid historical overviews with particular emphasis on off-the-field developments. Each book offers a wealth of information for even the most knowledgeable fans, especially about the game's early days. Stewart does an excellent job of demonstrating how social, financial, and organizational issues influence sports. In Baseball, he examines the labor-management conflicts that have been an important part of the game from its earliest days and shows how profoundly free agency has altered the sport. Soccer takes a candid look at the failure of this sport to flourish in the U.S. and lays much of the blame on organizational problems and petty squabbling. Both offerings are chock-full of outstanding full-color and black-and-white photos. There is strong coverage of memorable contests and individuals and the statistical appendixes are useful. The books' main value, however, lies in the exploration of the ways the sports both mirror and respond to changes taking place in the larger society.-Richard Luzer, Fair Haven Union High School, VT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Illustrated with reproductions of trading cards, team photographs, and other memorabilia, two very readable volumes detail the history and evolution of these sports. Both books highlight illustrious players, memorable games, and important events such as baseball strikes and the collapse of the U.S. pro soccer league. 'Baseball' focuses solely on North American teams, while 'Soccer' tracks the international appeal of the sport. Time lines and statistics are appended. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
