Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #43631 in Books
• Published on: 1993-06-17
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Synopsis
Charles Sprawson - himself an obsessional swimmer and diver - explores the meaning that different cultures have attached to water. He gives the reader glimpses of the great swimming heroes: Byron leaping dramatically into the surf at Shelley's beach funeral; Hart Crane, swallow-diving to his death in the Bay of Mexico; Ulysses, Leander, Weismuller, Spitz and a host of others.

Customer Reviews

Delicious, erudite study of swimming and culture
Sprawson's book has deservedly become a classic. He takes us on a watery journey through the history and culture of swimming. The book helps us to historicize our attitude to swimming: we see how a love for swimming has emerged in particular places and at particular times. A lot of fascinating information emerges: the history, for instance, of the different strokes, and of the swallow dive. However, one of the great strengths of the book is the way the book is personal enough for Sprawson's own love for swimming to animate it. If you love swimming and are interested in culture, read this book. It will have you dashing off to your local pool and then running straight to your library, before you are even dry, to chase up some of the recommendations in the literature of swimming that the author makes.