The Bowling Chronicles: Collected Writings of Dr. Jake

Bowling historian J.R. Schmidt has been writing a monthly column for Bowlers Journal since 1990. He has combined a Ph.D. in history with a passion for bowling to produce an outstanding collection of 90 of his columns in The Bowling Chronicles.The columns, most of which can be read in a few minutes, represent a cross section of bowling history--from the game's earliest pioneers to PBA stars who enthralled millions on the PBA Tour on ABC-TV.Some of the bowlers featured include Joe Kristof (who graces the cover of the book),Hank Marino, Jimmy Smith, Ned Day, Eddie Kawolics, Buddy Bomar, Marion Ladewig, Andy Varipapa, Dick Weber, Don Carter, Earl Anthony, Billy Hardwick, Billy Welu and more.Besides being a historian, Schmidt has an eye for colorful personalities and amusing anecdotes.You can read about television personality Chief Halftown; Candy Mac, the world's greatest bowling fan; Therm Gibson, who won more money ($75,000) in four minutes on Bowling Jackpot than Mickey Mantle made in an entire year; the mysterious John "The Count" Gengler; and others.Learn about the 299.5 game, the 301 game, the perfect game that took a week to bowl and how a bowler rolled 27 consecutive strikes without registering a perfect game. Did you know Don Carter bowled on stage as part of the St. Louis Symphony concert at Kiel Auditorium?The collection of columns is a treat for anyone interested in bowling history.

An enormously entertaining read that provides detailed information not available from any other source. Dr. Jake really brings the legends of bowling's bygone era to life. I grew up watching many of these bowlers on black and white television during the sport's "glory days" in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and this book provided terrific insights concerning how they developed their games and how they coped with the hardscrabble business of professional bowling. A must-read for any bowling fan who appreciates the sport's rich and colorful history.

Provides an interesting history of the sport. Also, it could provide the basis for a bowling version of Trivia Pursuit.

My old man could not put it down!

Great