Skip to main content

The Glory Years: Memories of a Decade, 1955-1965 by Billy Harris

I have thoroughly enjoyed Billy Harris' autobiography The Glory Years: Memories of a Decade, 1955-1965.

Published by Prentice Hall Canada back in 1989 Harris gives an insider's view on the Leafs of that era. Harris of course was a utility player on the Leafs in those days, so he definitely qualifies as an insider. He presents the story of his team, coaches and teammates candidly and articulately with a mixture of criticism and wry humor. It is an excellent history of the Leafs of that time frame, with some neat insight on the likes of Punch Imlach, Dick Duff, Bobby Baun, Tim Horton and Frank Mahovlich.

Harris also tells his story from his youth to his years beyond the Leafs. He is a fascinating individual. An academic with many interests and a hockey man who embraced international hockey in a time where it was almost taboo for Canadians to do so, Harris was not your typical jock.

All hockey book enthusiasts know there is a glut of Toronto Maple Leafs books about their glory days. I enjoyed this book so much I would put right near the top of my recommend Leafs history books list.

The book contains many black and white photos, most taken by the author himself. Many of them are humorous as they reveal the hi-jinx and antics of life on a pro sports team back in the 1960s.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Free Patrick Roy Books

Wiley is giving away two copies of Patrick Roy: Winning, Nothing Else . This offer is exclusive to readers of HockeyBookReviews.com ! All you have to do is email me the names of three other 2008 Wiley hockey book releases. Here's a helping hint - there are currently 5 2008 Wiley titles reviewed at HockeyBookReviews.com . It's just that easy! Then email your answers to hockeybookcontest@hotmail.com . As always, those with the correct answers are put into a draw, with two lucky winners being selected randomly. One entry per person. Contest is open to North American mailing addresses only. Winners will be announced on October 15th .

Interview With The Author: Kirstie McLellan Day

A couple of weeks ago I named Theo Fleury's book Playing With Fire as the Hockey Book Reviews.com 2009 Book Of The Year . It was a pretty easy choice this year, due to Theo's tragic story, the book's impact and bestselling status. But I was also full of praise for the book's authorship. It is Theo's story, but Kirstie McLellan Day is the book's unsung hero. She understood her subject probably more than she wanted to. By doing so, she kept the emotion and the anger in the text brilliantly. I recently had the chance to chat with Kirstie McLellan Day, seen below with Theo Fleury at a recent book signing. Here's the interview: From one author to another, what is it like to wake up in the morning, look at the bestselling books list in a variety of newspapers/media sources and see your book at the very top?! As you know Joe when you are a storyteller, your main goal is to have people listen to your stories. So it is really gratifying to hear that someone is tou...

Net Worth: Exploding The Myths of Pro Hockey

Net Worth delves deep into the intricate web of professional hockey, dissecting its myths, realities, and the complex interplay of economics, politics, and culture that shape the sport. Written by Allison Cruise and David Griffith, the book offers a comprehensive exploration that is as enlightening as it is engaging. From the outset, Cruise and Griffith shatter the romanticized notions surrounding professional hockey, peeling back the layers to reveal the stark realities beneath the glitz and glamour of the sport. Drawing on extensive research and insider insights, the authors confront prevalent myths head-on, challenging readers to reconsider their perceptions of what truly defines success and worth in the hockey world. One of the book's strengths lies in its meticulous examination of the economic forces driving professional hockey. Cruise and Griffith provide a nuanced analysis of the financial dynamics at play, exploring the intricate balance between player salaries,...