MEASURE OF INDEPENDENCE

by John R. Tunis ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 9, 1964

The sports novels of John R. Tunis occupy a sizeable, well-read section of school libraries, reflecting as they do the old American it's-how-you-play-the-game ethic of sport. The same motto pervades his autobiographical reportage; but, like his novels, the high-toned virtues of spirit, rectitude, and independence are admired as they are lived, not as abstract pedantry. He views his own life in this way: his strong, intelligent mother who educated, encouraged and criticized him as he worked slowly in the young journalist's game, accumulating as many rejection slips as kudos. Some two thousand magazine articles eventually confirmed him a winner--many of them devoted to sport, tennis in particular, others expressing his fondly critical interpretations of American life. Closely bound to current events, the politics and the men of this day, Tunis paints the backdrop from 1890 to 1960 as an exciting era--the ""age of reform"" he calls it, although one is not certain why. A story and its moral of a successful writer in the country of success may be most attractive to the same young audience that learned the ""great American adventure of sport"" from his novels. Best suited for the high school library list.

Pub Date: Oct. 9, 1964

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: theneum

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1964

Categories: NONFICTION