First Hockey Book Of The Season

While there have been a few hockey titles out already in 2009, the hockey book season really is from October through Christmas.

One major entry is already on store bookshelves. Greystone Books and author Benoit Melancon released The Rocket: A Cultural History of Maurice Richard.

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The book was first published in French only and released in Quebec back in 2006. The English version was translated by Fred A. Reed. There is a moving foreword by the eloquent Roy MacGregor and a touching afterword by the elegant Jean Beliveau.

I got my review copy last week. It is a real promising title, with some unique imagery inside. This is a look at Rocket Richard, not so much the man or even the hockey player, but the myth and cultural legend that we made him up to be.

I am off to Penticton for a soccer tournament and will be reading the book while travelling. I'll be sure to let you know what I think when I return.