Matthew Stevenson Libri

Exploring the rich history of sports writing, this collection features a diverse range of essays from Harper's Magazine's extensive archive, capturing the essence of both professional and amateur sports. With contributions from literary icons like Mark Twain and contemporary voices such as Rich Cohen, the anthology reveals how sports reflect and challenge American character. Edited by Matthew Stevenson and Michael Martin, it includes a humorous preface by Roy Blount, Jr., making it a definitive retrospective on a century of sports narratives.

Acclaimed travel writer Matthew Stevenson, author of Whistle-Stopping America and other books, drives across Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania, in search of the coal industry and forgotten battles of the American Civil War.

From his European home, prize-winning travel writer Matthew Stevenson sets out across the United States by train, rental car, plane, and bike, to reconnect with such celebrated places at the South Dakota Badlands, post-Katrina New Orleans, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Civil War Virginia, and gentrified New York City. Along the way he writes about former President Bill Clinton, Senator George McGovern, private rail cars, Amish Lancaster, and Mount Rushmore. The book is delightful tapestry of American places and history.

Set against a backdrop of easing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, the author embarks on a journey across Iran by train, starting from Geneva. This travel narrative explores the country's landscapes, culture, and people, offering insights into a nation often misunderstood. Through his observations and experiences, Stevenson captures the complexities of Iranian life, blending personal reflection with broader social commentary.

There are countless books written about the wonderful sport of cricket, but not many from the unique perspective of the umpire. Matthew Stevenson's What Was Wrong With That Then, Umps? is an entertaining and amusing insight into the world of cricket. His diary covers five seasons spent as an umpire in recreational cricket, the many grounds he officiated at, the characters he encountered, the decisions he had to make - some right, some wrong - the cricket teas and the after match post-mortems. Whether you are just an armchair cricket fan or an aficionado of the summer game, there is much in this book to interest and amuse you. For a player at any level, it will give you a greater understanding of the level of knowledge and concentration needed by the match officials who are so essential to recreational cricket.