Hockey Hall of Fame Treasures

The perfect holiday gift for any hockey fan, this presentation of more than 800 artifacts from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto is so beautifully organized and printed that it should be irresistible to any sports fan—even one who doesn’t much like hockey. Bowman, a former hall president, once said that the hall is “the cathedral of the icons of hockey,” and the book’s chapters present its treasures in great detail. “Celebrating the Game,” for example, showcases a trove of trading cards, pennants, even a late 1970s Andy Warhol silkscreen portrait of New York Ranger star Rod Gilbert (the first player in Ranger history to have his number retired). And a chapter on “Playing the Game,” which focuses on equipment, also features some fantastic 1950s-era black & white photos of players—posing and fighting—that are reminiscent of the best work of urban photojournalist Weegee. Interspersed are various essays by sports writers and hockey professionals, which add depth to many of the chapters. Best of all is an essay by journalist Adrienne Clarkson, whose essay on the birth of the Clarkson Cup, given to the champion of North American women’s professional hockey, adds an essential element to the sport. (Dec.)