A Great Game
2013 non-fiction book by Stephen Harper
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A Great Game: The Forgotten Leafs and the Rise of Professional Hockey is a 2013 non-fiction book by Stephen Harper concerning the history of professional ice hockey in Canada during the early 20th century.
| |
| Author | Stephen J. Harper |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Ice hockey |
| Published | 2013 (Simon & Schuster) |
| Publication place | Canada |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 320pp |
| ISBN | 978-1476716534 |
| OCLC | 857979705 |
Synopsis
The book follows the development of Toronto's earliest professional hockey teams, particularly the Toronto Professional Hockey Club (1906–09) and the Toronto Blueshirts (from 1911).[1] Prior to this, the development of professional teams was fiercely opposed by the Ontario Hockey Association and by Toronto Telegram publisher John Ross Robertson.[2]
Publication
Harper wrote the book over an eight-year period.[1] It was released on 5 November 2013 by Simon & Schuster.[1] Proceeds from the book's sales support the Canadian Forces Personnel and Family Support Services.[3] The book also covers other aspects of the early-century game such as the development of artificial ice rinks.[4] During the research and writing process of the book Harper was assisted by author Roy MacGregor.[5]
Reception
Perry Lefko's negative review in Quill & Quire deemed that the book "reads like a long-winded essay or thesis from a hockey historian".[6] Globe and Mail reviewer John Allemang noted that "[v]erbal amateurism apart, it's enjoyable to catch traces of a more boyish, playful Stephen Harper".[4] The Toronto Star review of the book also noted the academic style of the book but indicated the presentation of early 20th-century hockey provided a "historical perspective that has received scant attention among all the books devoted to hockey".[1]