Product Description
An overview of the events that make up the swimming and diving portion of the Olympic Games, with highlights of great athletes and moments. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides an overview of swimming and diving competitions at the Olympics. ... Read more

Product Description
This book presents stories with interviews and voice tapes taken by more than two dozen mermaids themselves. It is profusely illustrated with glamour photographs from their heyday. The book contains the first in depth interview with Gertrude Ederle in 50 years -- her glamorous yet tragic life as the first woman to swim the English Channel, the single most significant impact on women's liberation. It includes interesting anecdotes and never before published chapters on Esther Williams, Eleanor Holm, Annette Kellerman and Aileen Riggin. America and the world loved these courageous athletes 'Queens of the Rotogravure' who were not afraid to show their feminine side to the camera. While they played hard, they also worked hard to succeed in a man's world. It was the golden age of swimming. These women were the pioneers and role models for today's athletes. These were the first women athletes who dominated women's sport for 50 years (1907-1957) who rose to glory in the Roaring '20's by doing it all; mastering sport in a men's world with grace, beauty and personality. These mermaids made us all want to learn to swim. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Photo Quality
First off, this book is not a hardcover as advertised.It's a legal size paperback.The photos would have made the book but they were blurred and extremely poorly replicated.The photo collection and newspaper shots looked like good choices.I only wish I could have see them clearly.

A fascinating compendium of stories and interviews
Mermaids On Parade: America's Love Affair With Its First Olympic Women Swimmers is a fascinating compendium of stories and interviews with more than two dozen American women who competed in Olympic swimming events and helped to bring the sport to the enthusiastic attention of the sports minded public. Buck Dawson's informative and engaging text is enhanced with a profusion of period photographs of the female athletes who dominated this women's sport event from 1907 to 1957 and rose to excellence in this competitive sport with grace, beauty and personality -- making generations of girls want to learn to swim and to compete. Mermaids On Parade is highly recommended reading for Olympic sports enthusiasts, women's studies supplemental reading lists, and anyone who has every thrilled to a women's swim meet competition. ... Read more