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Book Reviews of The Redskins EncyclopediaBook Review: A "Must Have" for Redskins' Fans Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
As a fan of football, Michael Richman's Redskins Encyclopedia is a must on my bookshelf. This comprehensive volume is the result of seven years of Richman's extensive and detailed research into his beloved Redskins. Organized chronologically, the volume begins with the birth of the team in 1932 as the "Boston Braves" and follows the history and lore of one of the most storied franchises in all of the National Football League through the 2006 season.
The level of detail in this book is truly extraordinary. Filled with anectodes, stories, data and quotes, The Redskins Encyclopedia is nirvana for any Hog. Hogs, in particular, will revel in the chapters on the George Allen era and delight in reading about the 80's when their beloved Skins become part of the NFL elite under the helm of Joe Gibbs.
For me, however, what makes this volume so special is the most incredible Appendix I have ever come across. It includes "all team records, rosters, coaches, game results, draft picks and players; year-by-year results, Monday Night Lights and the Ring of Fame." In short, Richman has assembled the most comprehensive set of statistics and historical data on the Redskins out there and it is exceptionally user friendly.
If you love the Redskins, you are going to love this book!
Book Review: Fan or Fanatic - This is your book! Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
As a transplant to the Washington DC area (which most people living here are) I can attest that there is little that draws this city together more than the Washington Redskins. With that, many are not aware of the history and heritage of the team.
No need for that now!
Statistics are easy enough to find in this day and age of the internet. While this book does a great job in that department, there's no need to buy it for that. What this book does, is an excellent job of narrating the history and heritage of the team to where the newcomer who wants to enter into the experience can do so.
The season by season narrative with an introduction to the different eras works well and gives a very good feel the different coaches and owners.
The book is attractive and obviously a great coffee table type work. More than most coffee table books however, this one should actually be worth reading or having available next to the chips, dip and beer to refer to during games to better understand and appreciate the commentary on the games.
Not just for newcomers though! Any Redskins fan should be pleased with this book and enhance their watching of the passion that is the Redskins!
Book Review: I'm A Cowboys Fan, But I LOVED This Book! Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Undertaking something as ambitious as an "encyclopedia" of one of the greatest and most storied professional sports franchises in American history takes a very special fan of that team with an eye for detail and meticulous care to make it the best it can be. And that's precisely what Michael Richman has does with this book.
Although I am a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, I was awe-struck by the historical look at the inception of the Washington Redskins, including all the memorable moments from the early years to their move the nation's capital where they have ruled triumphantly for the past seven decades.
Take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the greatest moments in NFL history, including the birth of the Redskins/Cowboys rivalry that still exists to this day. You'll especially enjoy the stats from EVERY SINGLE SEASON as well as an anthology of the greatest Redskins players of all time at the back of the book.
If you or someone you know is a Redskins fan, then you can't let this special REDSKINS ENCYCLOPEDIA slip through your hands. It's a real treasure that needs to be in your sports library.
Now, can somebody write one for the DALLAS COWBOYS? :D
Book Review: THE Book for the Serious Redskins Fan! Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
At this point, some fifteen years after the serious glory days ended, Redskins fans are used to spin. In that light, the Redskins Encyclopedia by Michael Richman is a real breath of fresh air. The simple fact that the final part of the team history section of this book is titled "Mediocrity Redskins Style" should tell you all you need to know about the editorial independence.
Richman tells the stories of triumph, tragedy and (always) hard work with verve. And while he doesn't explicitly engage in discussing what-ifs, his stories invite one to wonder such matters as what would have happened in 2000 if Norv Turner had been allowed to finish the season rather than being fired when the team was 7-6. Add to that biographies on the Redskins' greatest players and coaches and full records of team statistics up through the 2006 season, and the result is a treasure trove for the dedicated Redskins fan.
As I write this, the Redskins are 4-2, and by the time the holiday season rolls around, fans will have a pretty good idea of whether the team is a play-off contender or another also-ran team. Either way, this book belongs in their hands.
Book Review: A Complete Book for the Starter; Great Reference for the Expert Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
This book is not to be taken lightly. From the hardbook presentation it weighs heavily on your hands, and it will weigh heavily on your mind as soon as you open it.
Containing hundreds of photographs, detailed reports, and very interesting anecdotal boxes, plus a fascinating year by year account of each of the Redskins seasons, this will entertain you in a way no other encyclopedia can. After all, it's about football, and football fans expect the thrills.
This book delivers. Whether you want to open a random page and learn how the Redskins fared on any given year, or if you want deep analysis on a particularly successful season, you will be pleased. Everything from the Cowboys-Redskins rivalry to the detailed history on its origins under original owner George Marshall will be described in detail. Perhaps the only mishap is that this is, after all, an encyclopedia, abundant with facts and illustrations, yet short on astonishing pictures to simply glance over. After all, if you want to see colorful pictures, you wouldn't want a football team's encyclopedia.
More Customer Reviews: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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