The ultimate guide to the sport of figure skating offers diagrammed instructions for more than forty skating moves; profiles of renowned skaters including Sonja Henie, Scott Hamilton, and Michelle Kwan; and striking photos of talented skaters in motion. 75,000 first printing.

Review

The cover photo of a swanlike Michelle Kwan sets the tone for the sweeping, beautifully illustrated volume behind it. It is as attractive as it is skillful, as balanced as it is smart, as seemingly effortless as it is hard-working. There's a helluva lot happening beneath its cool, glittery surface.

The Official Book does duty on several fronts. It offers an authoritative illustrated history of the sport; short biographies of the most influential and important skaters; lists of U.S., Olympic, and world champions in all categories; and an extensive directory of figure-skating clubs around the country. Chapters glide easily from the evolution of the skate itself to a primer--with helpful line drawings--on how to use those skates, from simple forward "stoking" to the complex jumps and spins that enthrall audiences everywhere. There's a hilarious tour of skating's changing and fickle fashions and sections that explain how skaters create routines and exactly what they are required to put into them, the rigors of actual competition (and how best to watch it), and even one on how the often mysterious judges arrive at their often mysterious scores.

As a reference book, it's useful and conclusive. As a history, it's enjoyably informative. And--most alluringly--as a celebration, it is every bit as exquisite as the sport it celebrates. --Jeff Silverman

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

South Carolina's largest internet antiquarian bookshop with specialties in Southern Literature and South Caroliniana history. Our inventory contains a general stock in most fields of interest, including first editions, modern & hyper modern, mysteries, the law, medicine, Americana, sheet music and art. Other services include: appraisals, search service, catalogues, brochures collection building and mail order. Visit our store in the Red Lion Antique Mall in Columbia, SC Monday - Friday: 10:30am to 5:30 pm Saturday: 10:00am to 4:30pm Sunday: 12pm to 4pm

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Gumshoe Books
SC, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it�s described on the Abebooks web sites. If you�re dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn�t arrived, you�re eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you�ve changed your mind about a book that you�ve ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us and we�ll respond within 2 business days.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 5.50	US$ 13.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.