Rockne of Notre Dame: The Making of a Football Legend

19,71 $

Relive the electrifying era of Knute Rockne and Notre Dame football with Ray Robinson’s compelling biography, “Rockne of Notre Dame: The Making of a Football Legend.” Discover how Rockne, in just twelve seasons, transformed the Fighting Irish into a national powerhouse and revolutionized the sport itself. More than just wins and losses, this book delves into Rockne’s innovative strategies, his masterful motivational techniques (including the legendary “Win one for the Gipper” speech), and his profound impact on American culture. Explore the life of this complex figure, from his immigrant background to his tragic early death, and understand why he remains an enduring icon. Featuring insights into the legendary Four Horsemen and the intricacies of early 20th-century football, this biography is a must-read for sports history enthusiasts and anyone seeking inspiration from a true American original. Paperback, 304 pages.

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In a mere twelve years, Rockne’s “Fighting Irish” won 105 games, including five astonishing undefeated seasons. But Rockne was more than the sum of his victories–he was an icon who, more than anyone, made football an American obsession.
The book gives us colorful descriptions of such Rockne teams as the undefeated 1924 eleven led by the illustrious Four Horsemen, and the 1930 squad, Rockne’s last and greatest. A renowned motivator whose “Win one for the Gipper” is the most famous locker-room speech ever, Rockne was also football’s most brilliant innovator, a pioneer of the forward pass, a master of the psychological ploy, and an early advocate of conditioning. In this balanced account, Rockne emerges as an exemplary and complex figure: a fierce competitor who was generous in victory and defeat; an inspiring father figure to his players; and a man so revered nationwide that when he died in a plane crash in 1931, at the height of his career, he was mourned by the entire country.
“A solid portrait of one of football’s most solid figures.”–The New York Times Book Review

Dive into the captivating life and legacy of Knute Rockne with Ray Robinson's definitive biography, "Rockne of Notre Dame: The Making of a Football Legend." More than just a recounting of victories and undefeated seasons, this meticulously researched and compellingly written book unveils the man behind the myth, exploring the forces that shaped Rockne into a football revolutionary and national icon. Rockne's impact on American football is undeniable. In a remarkably short span of twelve years, his "Fighting Irish" teams at Notre Dame achieved unparalleled success, winning 105 games and boasting five undefeated seasons. Robinson doesn't simply list the wins; he vividly recreates the atmosphere of those legendary games, bringing to life the key players and pivotal moments that cemented Rockne's place in football history. Readers will be transported back to the roaring twenties, experiencing the thrill of the Four Horsemen charging down the field and the strategic brilliance that defined Rockne's coaching style. But "Rockne of Notre Dame" delves deeper than the gridiron. Robinson paints a portrait of a complex and multifaceted individual. Rockne was a master motivator, capable of inspiring his players to extraordinary feats of athleticism and teamwork. His "Win one for the Gipper" speech remains the most famous locker-room exhortation in football lore, a testament to his ability to connect with his players on a deeply personal level. Yet, he was also a brilliant innovator, a pioneer of the forward pass and a master of psychological tactics. Robinson explores Rockne's groundbreaking strategies, revealing how he transformed the game and laid the foundation for modern football. Beyond his coaching prowess, Rockne was a figure of immense national popularity. He was a beloved father figure to his players, a fierce competitor who displayed grace in both victory and defeat, and a man whose integrity and charisma captivated the nation. His sudden and tragic death in a plane crash in 1931 sent shockwaves across the country, prompting widespread mourning and solidifying his status as a true American legend. Robinson's biography is a balanced and insightful exploration of Rockne's life, accomplishments, and enduring legacy. It goes beyond the highlight reel, offering a nuanced understanding of the man behind the legend. Drawing on extensive research and firsthand accounts, Robinson reveals the challenges, triumphs, and personal complexities that shaped Rockne into the iconic figure he remains today. Discover the story of the immigrant son who rose to become a national hero, forever changing the landscape of American sports and leaving an indelible mark on the nation's cultural consciousness. This paperback edition from Oxford University Press offers a readable and accessible account of Rockne's life, perfect for football enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the story of an extraordinary man who embodied the spirit of American ingenuity and determination. Relive the glory days of Notre Dame football and uncover the secrets of Rockne's success in this captivating biography. As *The New York Times Book Review* stated, this is "A solid portrait of one of football's most solid figures."
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Authors

Binding

Condition

ISBN-10

0195157923

ISBN-13

9780195157925

Language

Pages

304

Publisher

Year published

Weight

247

Edition

1

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