The Moscow Playbook: How Russia Used, Abused, and Transformed Sports in the Hunt for Power
An eye-opening account of how Russia’s leaders have used sports as a political tool to solidify their global power
The first book to fully examine the intersection of Russian sports and geopolitical power, from the dominant Soviet teams of the past to recent doping scandals and international sanctions. With new research from Olympic archives, records of the Soviet bloc and current Russian media, The Moscow Playbook shows how the Kremlin’s leaders defied the rules of the game for decades as the world’s governing bodies turned a blind eye.
Featuring oligarchs, sportocrats, and famous athletes from Olga Korbut to Alex Ovechkin, this is a timely investigation into the gears of power, nationalism, and money that drive the Russian sports machine.
“Berglund turns the story of Russia’s sporting geopolitics into a narrative as fast-paced and strategic as the contests he describes. Riveting reading for fans of sports and politics alike.” – Ian Garner, author of Z Generation: Into the Heart of Russia’s Fascist Youth
“A vibrantly written account of the former Soviet Union’s calculated dominance in the world of sports, from Stalin to Putin.” – Natasha Lance Rogoff, author of Muppets in Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia
“The definitive work on sports in Putin’s Russia.” – Ethan Scheiner, author of Freedom to Win
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The Fastest Game in the World: Hockey and the Globalization of Sports
The untold story of hockey's deep roots in different world regions and its current global impact.
A global history of a global sport, drawing on research conducted around the world in a variety of languages. From Canadian prairies to Swiss mountain resorts, Soviet housing blocks to American suburbs, The Fastest Game in the World brings readers to the world’s frozen ponds, neighborhood rinks, and storied arenas. Written in a lively style with wide-ranging breadth and attention to telling detail, this is a hockey book that will thrill both the lifelong fan and anyone who is curious about how our games intertwine with politics, economics, and culture.
“A groundbreaking book that all sports fans will enjoy.” –Don Van Natta Jr., ESPN
“Impeccably researched and very well written, this book covers everything from climate to cost, Lake Placid to Perestroika, Gretzky to Wickenheiser. . . . Readers, prepare to start your stick taps." –Roy MacGregor, author of Wayne Gretzky's Ghost
“An exceptional read. . . . Berglund’s prose is accessible and engaging and entices the reader into wanting to know more.” –Journal of Sport History
Shortlisted for the 2022 book prize of the North American Society for Sport History
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Books for Kids
Sports Illustrated Kids: The Greatest Athletes of All Time
Who is the greatest running back? Attacking midfielder? Shooting guard? Winter Olympian?
Sports Illustrated Kids series of GOATs books introduces young readers to the greatest athletes in a variety of sports – and to the debates fans love to have about who is the Greatest of All Time. Covering baseball, soccer, football, hockey, basketball, the Olympics, and more, each book is packed with action photos, interesting stats, and fascinating trivia. Featuring the Babe and Shohei, Jesse Owens and Simone Biles, Messi and Marta, these books introduce the all-time greats to fans of all ages.
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Togo Takes the Lead: Heroic Sled Dog of the Alaska Serum Rum
In January 1925, the children of Nome, Alaska, were dying from an outbreak of diphtheria. The nearest supply of medicine was hundreds of miles away, and the only way to get it to Nome was by dogsled. Ride along with the heroic sled dog Togo and his owner, Leonhard Sepalla, as they make a dangerous journey across Alaska’s unforgiving wilderness to save the children of Nome. With thrilling illustrations by Dante Ginevra, the graphic nonfiction tells the true story of the famous Alaska serum run and the heroic dog who covered the most miles.
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