Peter Mallory writes…
In the United States, Black Friday, the traditional beginning of the Christmas shopping season, has come and gone, and the introductory 50%-off sale price for the complete works of the incomparable Steve Fairbairn is about to expire. Don’t delay. Visit Amazon. Remember, it is my personal gift to you. I have donated all the proceeds. It’s also in the Rowperfect store as a pdf ebook.
Fairbairn on Rowing – re-issued
The full 4 volume Fairbairn
Here is the Table of Contents for the four volumes:
- “The Oarsman’s Song”, a poem
- Jesus College Boat Club Rowing Notes (1904)
- Elements of Rowing (1913), by ‘Havvy’ de Havilland
- Rowing Notes (1926)
- Slowly Forward (1929)
- Some Secrets of Successful Rowing (1930)
- Fairbairn of Jesus (1931)
- Chats on Rowing (1934)
- Rowing in Nutshell (1936)
- Don’t Exaggerate (1936)
- The Endless Chain Movement (1937)
- Obituary (1938), by Freddy Brittain
Thanks to Goran of HTBS for this great summary – read his book review of Fairbairn on Rowing
Mallory’s personal rowing story
Peter has also released a new edition of his personal rowing journey “An Out-of-Boat Experience”. On the RP Store and also in Amazon.
So why have I returned to my first rowing book after all these years? Several reasons.
Even after all that time, I was still getting regular feedback from readers, in person and via email, that Out-of-Boat had changed their rowing lives, even changed their entire lives. Fine praise, indeed! Wouldn’t mind at all keeping messages likethat coming!
I would also hear from rowing parents that they finally understood their children, thanks to me and my book. Doesn’t get much better than that!
I would hear from non-rowers that they picked up my book out of boredom or by accident or curiosity or whatever . . . and found they couldn’t put it down. Surprised the heck out of them!
I would hear from readers of all stripes that they found some of my stories laugh-out-loud-in-public, coffee-up-your-nose funny! Sounds like some sort of warning label might be appropriate, but nevertheless the sentiment is always much appreciated.
And since a lot has happened in my life in the last decade, since I have learned a lot about rowing history, a lot about some of the specific people who appear in the book, since initially I had made a few mistakes, got some facts wrong, drew some wrong conclusions, and since I have grown up a bit, thank goodness, since I am a much better writer now, thank more goodness, I found that I had a lot more to say and better ways to say it.
Incidentally, every single sentence in the book has been rewritten, and tons of new stories have been added, so even if you have already read one of the earlier editions back in the day, I have made absolutely sure to give you every reason to read the new version as well. It’s basically a brand new book.
And the images! Three time, four times, five times the number of images! Perhaps that will be the change you will notice first . . . and will stay with you the longest.
Rowing authors LOVE Out of the Boat
“This is a lively, eccentric, joyous, warm-hearted romp through the fascinating life story of an outstanding oarsman and coach.”
So says Daniel James Brown, the author of The Boys in the Boat.
Ron Irwin (Author of Flat Water Tuesday) writes
“Peter Mallory’s memoir is unlike any other rowing book ever written. An Out-of-Boat Experience is an homage to Kurt Vonnegut in its time-tripping structure, with innumerable references to the Odyssey and a sense of humor that owes much to P.G. Wodehouse and the Three Stooges.”
So says Brad Alan Lewis, Olympic Gold Medalist and author of a host of great books, not least Assault on Lake Casitas.
“Something very different has joined the pantheon of rowing literature: Peter Mallory’s An Out-of-Boat Experience. Pete has distilled a lifetime’s worth of rowing experience – as competitor, coach, observer and muse – into a very readable, very interesting treatise on this obsession that continues to capture our hearts and minds. An Out-of-Boat Experience can rightfully take its place on the rarefied shelf of good rowing books.”
I got an email from Alex Henshilwood, coach of Eton College, and it marked the beginning of a fine friendship. (You’ll have to read the book to find out about the discus analogy.)
“After I had finished the book, I was out with my crew, and they were struggling. I used your “discus” analogy, and they immediately went 10 seconds faster. A few days ago, we won the Princess Elizabeth Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta. I thought you’d like to know.”
But I warn you. Back in 2000, Peter got the following email: “I bought your book for my husband for Christmas. He’s a life-long rower. He started reading, and he didn’t stop until he had finished it. I lost him for two solid days. He said it was the best Christmas present ever! Thank you for making him so happy.”
