Courts of Babylon

by Peter Bodo

Book Overview

A true insider's book, this sly, irreverent expose of the personalities, politics, intrigue, and innuendo surrounding the greed-and-ego fueled world of pro tennis leaves no player untouched, from John... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684812967
• ISBN13: 9780684812960
• Release Date: June 1995
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 1.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

women's tennis, from Bodo's rich perspective

This book was so easy to read- the reader is swept into the intrigue invovlved in the women's professional tennis tour. Peter Bodo is not afraid to ask important questions: should players forgo high school and college to attempt to cash in? What sacrifices are called for to produce a champion? Who controls the money in the women's game? More importantly, Bodo interviews his subjects and lets the reader understand something of their personalities as well as their approach to tennis. An exciting, fun book that makes you think.

Outstanding history of tennis in the Open era

This is the best book on this subject. The depth of the sociological analysis of the Open era is unprecedented. The strength of this book is due to Bodo's back and forth dual approach. In one chapter, he will paint a broad and often scathing analytical brush on one aspect of the Open era. He may even focus on the change in character of one Gran Slam tournament (Wimbledon, U.S. Open). But, the very next chapter he will likely focus on one single star and essentially write a biography about them based on his multitude of interviews he had with most of them. Prior to the Open era, Bodo explains how tennis stood for sportsmanship, ethics, and educated well-rounded personalities catering to a sophisticated public. As a case in point, he mentions the many members of the Australian dynasty in the 50s, 60s, and early 70s who were all models of sportsmanship, and humility. They also did well in their tennis after life. These included legendary names like Laver, Rosewall, Emerson, and Newcomb among many others. On the American side, you had a series of college-educated players with mature personalities, including Dennis Ralston, Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell, Stan Smith, and Bob Lutz. Some of them crossed over the Open era. But, they came from an old guard when tennis and its stars stood for something different than after the Open era. The Open era officially started in 1968. But, per Bodo it kicked into gear in 1976 with the advent of Bjorn Borg, and Connors. All of a sudden, the game became corrupted by relentless commercialization. The money got so huge that it killed sportsmanship, humility, education, and well roundedness. The college game disappeared. If you are good enough for the pros at 18, forget college. All of a sudden tennis is manufactured as a sensational show that is becoming more like pro mud wrestling than gentlemanly tennis. The stars have become self-adulating, spoiled, uneducated, neurotic, unbalanced millionaire teenagers who will do anything to win a match. Their conduct is symmetrically opposite to the Australian heroes of yesteryears (Laver, Newcomb, etc...). But, the new stars are considered "colorful" and good for Nielsen ratings. The better-adjusted old guard sportsmanship is considered dull and unmarketable. Pete Sampras is a case in point. He was one of the greatest players of all times. He was also among the very few and ultimate sportsman in his era. But, instead of being adulated and emulated he was criticized by the public and ignored by the sponsors as being too dull. What is really interesting about the mini biographies Bodo writes about the super stars is how unexpected they are. Often, the villains come across so much better once you get to know them better. Connors, Lendl, McEnroe, and Seles all come across as much more balanced, and more interesting than you would expect. They seem much more likeable than their on court persona. Some of their rivalries also make for a fascin

The Best Tennis Book There Is

Bodo's look at the Open Era of tennis (1968-present) is the best in existence. This book is detailed, probing, funny, and has a historical perspective usually missing from books in this genre. I particularly like his psychological analysis of several famous players. Oh, and Bodo knows his tennis, too, and has interesting things to say about the strengths and weaknesses of many of the game's stars. This is really a cut above almost every other book written about the sport.

A Fascinating look at Pro Tennis by an authentic insider!

The author clearly is a knowledgeable insider of long standing and speaks with authority and personal acquaintance with the outstanding figures in the era of professional tennis. A fascinating insight into the personality, motivation, physical and moral strengths and weaknesses of the outstanding players of the modern era. No holds are barred and Peter Bodo offers his personal constructive suggestions to deal with what he views as the major problems on both the men's and women's circuits.A spellbinder and a must for any true tennis buff.I loved it