Description
Book Synopsis: Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey, Bobby Jones, and Bill Tilden were the legendary quartet of the “Golden Age of Sports” in the 1920s. They transformed their respective athletic disciplines and captured the imagination of a nation. The indisputable force behind the emergence of professional tennis as a popular and lucrative sport, Tilden’s on-court accomplishments are nothing short of staggering. The first American–born player to win Wimbledon and a seven–time winner of the U.S. singles championship, he was the number 1 ranked player for ten straight years. A tall, flamboyant player with a striking appearance, Tilden didn’t just play; he performed with a singular style that separated him from other top athletes. Tilden was a showman off the court as well. He appeared in numerous comedies and dramas on both stage and screen and was a Renaissance man who wrote more than two dozen fiction and nonfiction books, including several successful tennis instruction books. But Tilden had a secret—one he didn’t fully understand himself. After he left competitive tennis in the late 1940s, he faced a lurid fall from grace when he was arrested after an incident involving an underage boy in his car. Tilden served seven months in prison and later attempted to explain his questionable behavior to the public, only to be ostracized from the tennis circuit. Despite his glorious career in tennis, his final years were much constrained and lived amid considerable public shunning. Tilden’s athletic accomplishments remain, as he is arguably the best American player ever. American Colossus is a thorough account of his life, bringing a much-needed look back at one of the world’s greatest athletes and a person whose story is as relevant as ever.
Details
American Colossus: Big Bill Tilden and the Creation of Modern Tennis is the captivating story of one of the most influential athletes of all time. Tilden was more than just a tennis player; he was a true icon of his era, transforming the game and captivating the nation with his unmatched talent and charisma.
What sets Tilden apart from other athletes of his time is his incredible on-court accomplishments. He was the first American-born player to conquer Wimbledon and a seven-time winner of the U.S. singles championship. With a remarkable track record, Tilden dominated the tennis circuit as the number 1 ranked player for an astonishing ten consecutive years.
Not only was Tilden a force to be reckoned with on the court, but he was also a showman off the court. His striking appearance and flamboyant style made him a standout among his peers. Tilden's talents extended beyond tennis, as he ventured into the worlds of stage and screen, appearing in numerous comedies and dramas. He even wrote several successful tennis instruction books, showcasing his versatility as a Renaissance man.
However, Tilden's life took a tragic turn that captured the attention of the public. A secret that he himself didn't fully comprehend eventually led to a fall from grace and a period of public shunning. Despite this, his athletic achievements remain indisputable, making him arguably the best American player in tennis history.
American Colossus sheds light on the life of this remarkable athlete, providing a comprehensive account of his journey and the impact he had on the world of tennis. Tilden's story is as relevant today as it was in his time, serving as a reminder that even the greatest icons can face adversity.
To delve into the life of Big Bill Tilden and discover the fascinating world of tennis in the 1920s, order your copy of American Colossus today.
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