From Booklist
Bad timing was rarely a problem in Jack Nicklaus' golf swing, but it is certainly this book's Achilles' heel. Published the same month as Nicklaus' own My Story , a surprisingly candid, thoughtful autobiography, this first full-length biography of the greatest golfer of all time is destined to be the other Nicklaus book of 1997. Timing aside, Shaw's account is a middle-of-the-road sports bio, offering a solid reprisal of Nicklaus' career and highlighting his best year, 1972. Nicklaus refused to be interviewed for the book, obviously preferring to promote his own volume, and his absence is an obvious shortcoming. Still, Shaw delivers perceptive analysis of Nicklaus' game, and his objective stance nicely complements Nicklaus' own point of view. All but the smallest sports collections should have both volumes on hand. Bill Ott
Nicklaus FROM THE PUBLISHER
This sharp-edged, well-researched biography, the first ever of Jack Nicklaus, delves into its legendary subject with discerning intelligence and dramatic style. Using material gleaned from interviews with more than 100 of Nicklaus's competitors, business associates, friends, and colleagues, author Mark Shaw weaves the events in Nicklaus's life around the golfer's legendary play on the PGA Tour in 1972. As well as examining Nicklaus's early years, his amateur days, and his three decades of play on the PGA Tour, the author provides penetrating analyses of the Nicklaus method, Jack's record-setting play in major tournaments, his accomplishments as a golf course designer and businessman, and his responsibilities as a family man. The book concludes with a sharp assessment of Nicklaus's place in the game's hallowed pantheon, including a comparison with new Tour phenom Tiger Woods. Compelling, illuminating, or just plain amusing items found in the book include the following: Nicklaus's father, Charlie, was a dead ringer for Jack's idol, legendary golfer Bobby Jones; At age eleven, Jack Nicklaus had a problem keeping his head still while swinging. His mentor, Jack Grout, had an assistant professional grab a lock of young Jack's hair and hold it while he swung. The pain brought tears, but the procedure was effective; Although he played superb golf under pressure, Nicklaus fainted after the birth of each of his five children; And, Jack's confidence level was astounding. When he decided to shed some pounds, he went to a New York tailor and had new clothes fitted to his anticipated weight. With these and countless other anecdotes, appraisals, and observations, Nicklaus offers a uniquely perceptive, entertaining insight into the life of golf's greatest champion.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
If it's all in the timing, Shaw's (Bury Me in a Pot Bunker) biography of golf's great player is singularly unseasonable, because Nicklaus's long-anticipated autobiography (Forecasts, March 10) is available. With his own book in the works, Nicklaus declined to be interviewed for this one. Nonetheless, Shaw draws an accurate portrait of his subject, particularly in analyzing the elements that led to so many triumphs on the linksintellect, discipline and focus. The writing is enticing, although there is one disappointment: the book is being promoted as concentrating on the 1972 season, when Nicklaus was at the height of his power, yet such is Shaw's disregard for chronology that this is not apparent. Aficionados will be amused by the concluding chapters, in which the player elected Golfer of the Century is measured against other champions from Harry Vardon to Tom Watson. Shaw's book is a worthwhile supplement to the star's own account of his life. (June)
Art & Photography
Book Info
