The Era 1947-1957: When the Yankees, the Giants, and the Dodgers Ruled the World

Rating:
Summary: New York's Monopoly
Review: Roger Kahn has once again pulled a fresh reading of what could've been a nostalgic mess from a less skilled writer's pen. "The Era 1947-1957: When the Yankees, the Giants, and the Dodgers Ruled the World" is able to tread that fine line between admiration and hagliography, and presents us with an engaging history of the decade during which New York's baseball teams (yes, Brooklyn is technically part of New York City) dominated first place in their leagues.

Many of the anecdotes tread familiar paths, but it's worth hearing them again in Kahn's distinct voice. There are some funny, some grim stories that are not so well known. Unlike most baseball books, this one doesn't bog the reader down with buckets of stats which are usually included so that the author can impress you. Kahn is on a different level. Keep this book alongside your copy of "Boys of Summer" for a complete view of New York's baseball dominance during this era.

Rating:
Summary: Embarrassing
Review: Roger Kahn has once again pulled a fresh reading of what could've been a nostalgic mess from a less skilled writer's pen. "The Era 1947-1957: When the Yankees, the Giants, and the Dodgers Ruled the World" is able to tread that fine line between admiration and hagliography, and presents us with an engaging history of the decade during which New York's baseball teams (yes, Brooklyn is technically part of New York City) dominated first place in their leagues.

Many of the anecdotes tread familiar paths, but it's worth hearing them again in Kahn's distinct voice. There are some funny, some grim stories that are not so well known. Unlike most baseball books, this one doesn't bog the reader down with buckets of stats which are usually included so that the author can impress you. Kahn is on a different level. Keep this book alongside your copy of "Boys of Summer" for a complete view of New York's baseball dominance during this era.

Rating:
Summary: Embarrassing
Review: This book was just a major disappointment. The subject is superb, perhaps the true golden age of baseball, but Roger Kahn ruined it with his windy political opinons. Mr. Kahn seems almost confrontational with his political views, and seems unable to present any baseball history without them. I finally stopped reading it about a fifth of the way through and am very sorry I bought it. Read "Dynasty" and "Bums" by Peter Golenbock for real history. Don't waste your money on this stinker.