Andrew Luke

The World Cup started more than 80 years ago as a 13-team event that had to beg for teams to play. Today, it is the most popular sporting event on the planet, and almost every country in the world plays for its chance to participate every four years. History of the Cup takes readers through the struggles of the early years and describes the players and the matches that brought the tournament, and the sport, to greatness. From the Maracanazo to the...

Every four years, the biggest stars in soccer play for the chance to shine on the largest stage in the sport. Club team rivalries melt away when the world s best players pull on their national colors to battle for the right to represent their country and go for the Cup. World Stars examines the best of the best players in the sport and highlights the stars you should be watching when the battle for the Cup begins. From Ronaldo to Messi and Neuer to...

More than 200 countries in the world have national soccer teams. History has shown, however, that when it comes to playing for soccer s ultimate prize, all countries are not created equal. Every four years, the world s teams come together to see which will lift the gold trophy as the world s best, and inevitably, the same teams rise to the top. Top Teams takes a close-up look at the teams that perform best when the Cup is on the line. There is Messi...

Provides the history of football, including some of the greatest moments, iconic athletes, and what the future holds for the game.

"The game of golf originated, grew and thrived in 18th and 19th century Scotland. Wooden clubs were used to hit wooden balls across the natural dunes and valleys of the Scottish coastline. The game spread across to the United States in the late 1800s. Today, a new generation of players from Jordan Spieth to Inbee Park is leading the way into the future. Golf faces its challenges in modern day America, as it booms in places like Asia. Inside these...

Baseball is known as America's national pastime, but its popularity did not happen overnight. The modern game evolved in the late 1800s in the Midwest, and by the turn of the century, Americans were telling stories about heroic exploits on the baseball diamond. Players from Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth to Andrew McCutchen and Albert Pujols have thrilled fans with dramatic late-inning plays and thrilling World Series winning hits. The constant simplicity...

If winter storm warnings fill you with excitement rather than dread, then Snow Sports will do the same as it looks at several of the ways people turn snowy weather into opportunities for cool adventures. From snowmobiling and skiing to snowboarding and snowshoeing, Snow Sports examines a wide range of snow-covered exploits and the people who enjoy them. Every book in the Adventurous Outdoor Sports series takes you inside your favorite outdoor activities,...

Provides the history of basketball, including some of the greatest moments, iconic athletes, and what the future holds for the game.

Discusses sports that take place off-road on all-terrains, including BMX, motocross, and supercross.

Whether it involves soaring through the sky or falling from it, Air Sports explores the ups and downs of the most adventurous activities for those not afraid of heights. From skydiving and hang gliding to hot air ballooning and gliding, Air Sports examines a wide range of gravity defying exploits and the people who enjoy them. Every book in the Adventurous Outdoor Sports series takes you inside your favorite outdoor activities, and shows you where...