Awards
- Short-listed for William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2009
- Shortlisted for William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2009.
- Shortlisted for William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2009.
- Winner of British Sports Book Awards: Best New Writer 2010
- Winner of British Sports Book Awards: Best New Writer 2010.
Overview
Epsom Downs, 3rd May, 1769- a chestnut with a white blaze scorches across the turf towards the finishing post. His four rivals are so far behind him that, in racing terms, they are nowhere . Awestruck, his spectators know they are in the presence of greatness. Among the crowd are two men who, according to the tradition of the Sport of Kings, should not be associated with the horse who will become its greatest exponent. One, Eclipse s owner, is a meat salesman. The second, who wants to own Eclipse, is an adventurer who has made his money through roguery and gambling. He is also the companion of the madam of one of London s most notorious brothels. While this man will remain an outcast to the racing establishment, Eclipse will go on to become the undisputed, undefeated champion of his sport. He will found dynasties that will dominate the bloodstock market not only in Britain, but in every other country where Thoroughbreds race. His influence will be such that ninety-five per cent of horses racing today are his male-line descendants. This is a vivid portrait of high and low life; of princes, paupers and prostitutes; an era of passionate sport, ferocious gambling, and uninhibite
Full Product Details
Author: Nicholas Clee
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd
Imprint: Bantam Press
Dimensions:
Width: 15.30cm
, Height: 2.70cm
, Length: 23.20cm
Weight: 0.500kg
ISBN: 9780593059845
ISBN 10: 0593059840
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 05 February 2010
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Out of Print
Availability: In Print
Limited stock is available. It will be ordered for you and shipped pending supplier's limited stock.
Reviews
A compelling and brilliantly researched reflection of the era which featured one of racing's most renowned equine heroes. -- Sir Peter O'Sullevan Nicholas Clee has taken one of the greatest of all racing stories and brought it wonderfully back to life -- Brough Scott There have been several previous books about (Eclipse), but none that sets him so vividly in context as this study by Nicholas Clee. DAILY TELEGRAPH Clee does a brilliant job of conjuring up the rollicking Georgian London inhabited by Dennis O'Kelly and his brothel-keeping mistress. SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 20090315 Clee knows how to tell a gripping story: he weaves the halves together into a well-written narrative of social change... fascinating. -- Independent 20090327
Author Information
Nicholas Clee is a journalist, cookery writer, and racing enthusiast. He lives in north London with his wife (also an author) and two daughters.
