All-Around Men: Heroes of a Forgotten Sport

Can't explain how good this book is and how valuable the information in the book is.

This book might not strike a chord with non-track people, but it is a fantastic, historical look at the origins of American track and field as well as the decathlon. Quite a good read.

ALL-AROUND MEN is a wonderful work of sports history and American history. I grew up idolizing Bob Mathias, Jim Thorpe, and Rafer Johnson. Now I can add Martin Sheridan, Fred Thomson, and Charlie Stevenson to my list of track heroes. Frank Zarnowski has long been recognized as the foremost authority on the decathlon. He has a gift for detail and story-telling that made this book a treat to read.