Lost Sundays: A Season in the Life of Pittsburgh and the Steelers

In the 1970s the Pittsburgh Steelers built the most formidable dynasty in pro football history, winning four Super Bowls. But, as the author shows, the team's performance in the '80s has been generally mediocre, a decline that has paralleled the city's steel industry. In 1988 the Steelers had a record of 5 and 11, and it is that season which freelancer Toperoff covers here. But the book is not a dreary game-by-game recap, for the author is interested in the mystique of Pittsburgh, where the blue-collar, shot-and-a-beer-drinking fans retain a steadfast loyalty to their team and to football in general, conditioned by the 40 years when they had no winner. More than a sports book, this is a bit of Americana. Photos not seen by PW. (Nov.)