- Paperback: 212 pages
- Publisher: McFarland & Company (June 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0786447699
- ISBN-13: 978-0786447695
- Product Dimensions: 22.6 x 15 x 1.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 318 g
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,027,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.8 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews)
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Thoroughly Enjoyable Read, Jun 18 2010
By Kelso - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: They Call the Horses: Eleven Race Announcers at American Thoroughbred Tracks (Paperback)
I have read many books about horse racing, but this was the first I had ever seen on an often ignored facet of the sport, the track announcer. I found each and every chapter to be full of interesting facts about each announcer, and discovered food for thought the next time I happened to listen to the calls made by these wonderful gentlemen. Eleven very distinct personalities emerged from the book, but all men had one thing in common, a passion for The Sport of Kings. It was clear that they do not announce for the money, but for the love of the game. The book moves along at a quick pace, and remains interesting to the very end. It certainly inspired me and gave me an even greater respect for the work these men do. The book was obviously well thought out, and it's clear that Ms. Dickenson is a true fan of racing and of the men who verbally illustrate the races so lovingly.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Even a Non Horse Racing Enthusiast Can Be Enticed, Jun 14 2010
By K. I. Green "greenmath" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: They Call the Horses: Eleven Race Announcers at American Thoroughbred Tracks (Paperback)
Reading this book about the men who call the races was a journey into the field of horse racing as seen through the eyes and voice of the men who are linked by a common passion....horse racing. The author's research of the men is evident and their brief biographical sketches of what makes each announcer unique are interesting. Even a non horse-racing person such as myself, can appreciate the excitement and enthusiasm each has towards the sport. Terms unique to the sport are also explained for us novices. The author has made each man's childhood to adulthood story focus mainly on how they come to the position of announcer, but sprinkled with words of wisdom, techniques of their craft, and family anecdotes to make each story a lively and often humorous account. I found myself wanting to youtube the various races to hear the calls for myself to appreciate the choice of words, the cadence, or accent unique to each caller. I found it interesting how many of them would practice calling a race into a recorder when very young, much like a youngster might hold a pretend microphone or dance in front of a mirror to satisfy a desire to perform. I came away appreciating the preparation, and work ethic of these unique "performers" that bring each race alive for the rest of us. Ms Dickenson has a nice appendix at the end with some questions for the 11 announcers to answer....such as "Will there ever be another triple crown winner?" I found the comparison of answers a great way to end the book with each man's perspective side by side. I would like to ask the author if the ceiling has been broken by a woman caller....and that would be an interesting story to write next! I am sure that horse racing enthusiasts, and especially ones that visit the tracks that feature the announcers written about would be both informed and entertained. The writing itself flows easily and makes use of great metaphors and similies. There are many photos as well, of announcers, jockeys, and of course horses, including this amazing Zenyatta who now is 17 wins for 17 starts. This is a quick read, and though some of the stories overlap a bit, one would not need to be sequential in reading it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's As Good As The Calls, Sep 1 2010
By Dale Hargrave - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: They Call the Horses: Eleven Race Announcers at American Thoroughbred Tracks (Paperback)
You are enjoying a day at the races: the excitement, the beauty of the horses, the colors of the silks and, of course, the chance to make some money. The gates open and the race starts. As the horses and jockeys circle the track you hear the announcer call the race.Did you ever wonder about the person behind that disembodied voice? Edie Dickenson did and decided to write a book about it. And I am happy she did. Choosing eleven of the top race callers in the country, she has given us an insight into each of them: how they got the "calling" (yes, the pun is intended), how they followed their dream, and how chance often played as much a factor as talent in their rise to the top. Each announcer has his own chapter. I've always admired them but now have an even greater appreciation for what they do. Well researched and full of interviews and anecdotes, it is not only an interesting and informative read, but a fun one. There are lots of books on the various aspects of horse racing, but precious few on this subject. Whether it's a warm summer day or a cold winter night, this is a book you'll want to reread.
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