Way We Played the Game: A True Story of One Team and the Dawning of American Football

by John Armstrong

Book Overview

Football in 1903 was vastly different from the slick spectacle we watch every Sunday afternoon on TV in the fall. It was a brutal, nonstop war fought by young men and boys on muddy high school and college fields across America. Bloody faces, broken bones, concussions and the shockingly high risk of death were the main attraction for hometown fans. The level of violence nearly got the sport banned in 1902, were it not for the intervention of President...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570719411
• ISBN13: 9781570719417
• Release Date: September 2002
• Publisher: Sourcebooks
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A great read for all ages, especially if you like football and/or history!

I first heard this book read on National Public Radio's "Radio Reader" program. I was enthralled with the history of high school football. I've since given a copy to my 14 year old son, 45 year old brother in-law, and 80 year old aunt, and ALL have greatly enjoyed the book!! The descriptions of the game as told by the quarterback are vivid...one hangs on every word rooting for the home team. It was great to read of teams in familiar places like Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Ann Arbor, as well as the intimidation felt towards the U.P. powerhouse teams (they were a bunch of miners' sons!) from Ishpeming and Escanaba.

Exciting, authentic read

This is a beautifully written, exciting football story with well-researched background of the town, the state, and the 1903 period. (I graduated from the High School featured in the book.)

Excellent Book, I can't put it down

This is an excellent book for all ages. John Armstrong pulls you right in to a classic story about the 1902 Benton Harbor football team as they struggle through every dangerous, harsh game after another. This book is an excellent gift for football fans and even people who just share our passion and the love of the game. Football fan or not, this is an excellent novel and an excellent piece of culture. After you read this book, the games will never end.

A Wonderful Read

This book is fantastic, especially for someone who understands football. It is technical regarding football, but the story, which is true, develops beautifully. I couldn't put this book down, and I absolutely fell in love with the characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves great books and great football.