Theater in a Squared Circle

Rating:
Summary: This may be the best book ever done on wrestling...
Review: A human-interest perspective and overall view of the wrestling industry.This look at the business is unique in that it not only looks at various legends and superstars (i.e. Bob Backlund, Killer Kowalski, Psycho Sid, etc.), but it also delves into writers, referees, photographs, journeymen and those trying to break into the industry. I can emphasize that as a fan of the business for some 25 years, most books are just photo collections that perpetuate ridiculous myths and angles. This is a true insider book that admits wrestling is worked, but treats it with respect, love and a sense of history. Rare clips, photos, and artwork enhance this volume. A few too many typos are my only criticism, although this will most likely be cleaned up in subsequent editions. I recommend this book for casual fans as well as hardcores. Bravo to a book that has a lot of heart and really gets you into this once secret industry.

Rating:
Summary: Wrestling Star Evan Ginzberg Picked A Winner Here
Review: After reading about this book from world famous editor of Wrestling Then And Now, Evan Ginzberg, I was curious enough to see if it was hype or really a great book.

Well, it is a great book. If you are a mark or kay fabe (not in on the inside goings on) then this book may bore you or educate you in a fascinating sort of way.

Evan is so right, that if a star like Tanaka who once sold out arenas, and later got into films,...if a guy like that can die and not hear a mention of it anywhere; just find out from an email a few weeks later that what was bigger than life had died quieter than the night, that a book like this can reach that part of your mind that remembers and does not want to forget.

This book also has many photographs in glorious black and white. Not only a great item for yourself, but certainly a fine choice for a gift item as well. Years ago promoter Evan Ginzberg wanted to tag team with fellow star Roddy Piper, but that was never to be, and this is all for the best because now he serves a much more important function such as running a fabulous wrestling magazine, and promoting great books like this one. Thanks for tipping me off to a great book. EG is RP. There is a rumor that other volumes may yet come in this line, perhaps with a special section on Sgt. Slaughter. And I for one, can't wait for another book as great as this one.

Rating:
Summary: Wrestling Star Evan Ginzberg Picked A Winner Here
Review: As a fan of old time wrestling (i.e., 1970's), I was very much looking forward to this book, with its promise of stories on stars from yesteryear. What I got was a three hundred page tome devoted to obscure figures like Mike Lano and Louie Spiccoli. Fine people all, I'm sure, but hardly seminal. A previous reviewer, in a glowing five star review, stated effusively that the book gives the lowdown on Sammartino, Morales, Kowalski, Flair, etc. Only Kowalski gets any major coverage in what is, admittedly, a very good and entertaining piece(Kowalski's recollections of the massive Haystacks Calhoun's defecatory dilemmas are both hilarious and gruesome). Hardly any mention of the great managers of the past, Albano, Blassie, and The Grand Wizard of Wrestling (now that was a character)or the great lady wrestlers is made. Archer admits the limits of the book himself in an epilogue, but these lapses, and others, are still inexcusable.

Avoid this one if you're looking for a truly in-depth study of the sport's reigning personalities. That book has yet to be written.

Rating:
Summary: Finally . . . a book that covers it all!
Review: Great book! It covers all the major aspects of pro wrestling. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in wrestling, whether you're a newcomer or a long-term fan. The July '99 issue of "Wrestling World" magazine sums it up by saying that this book is "the one-and-only book for everyone who appreciates the sport of professional wrestling!" I love all the photos, too.

Rating:
Summary: Very funny book! I laughed til I stopped....
Review: Professional wrestling is a part of the American Culture like baseball, basketball, mom and apple pie. Theater in a squared circle is a look into the "sport" many people either love or hate. The book delves into and tries to uncover the mystique of the sport.

Read along through the 450 pages and see how professional wrestling got it start. Take a look at the who's who in the sport from the past to the present. The book is laced with photos and stories of those who have made their living at a sport that most believe is fake.

You'll uncover the real inside story about people like Bruno Sammartino, Pedro Morales, Ric Flair, Killer Kowalski, Dick the Bruiser, Dusty Rhodes and so many more. You'll be treated to a whole new look and a totally different side of the wrestling profession.

Along with the stories is appendices filled with past wrestling singles and tag team champions, a list of wrestlers real names and a listing of the true identities of those masked grapplers. The book is tailor made for the true wrestling fan and the price is meager. Archer has scored a pin fall with this book!

Rating:
Summary: This book blew a hole in my stereotype about wrestlers!
Review: When I picked up a copy of this book I was expecting the usual gossip on superstars that seems to ruin most written works on professional wrestling. But I was happy to find this book goes far beyond gossip and explores those avenues of professional wresling that are most often left out. If you want to learn about the refs, the journalists, the fans, the photographers, or anyone else who makes professional wrestling possible, I highly recommend this book. Wrestling fan or not, there's something in this book for everyone. I suggest the sections on "Killer" Kowalski, Brian Walsh, and Honky Tonk Man.