CROQUET BOOK REVIEWS:             

        Overview:
        Books are used both for reading enjoyment and education - of this there is no doubt. Sometimes it is hard to do both at the same time. School text books fall into this category and sometimes people are reluctant to go back to text books in later life.
          (Would you fancy reading the "Australian Master Tax Guide" even with the knowledge that it could make you rich and wealthy or at least minimise your tax. Strangely, I find it intriguing how it all works - but then I play Croquet)
    `    Fortunately, some of the best things in life are learnt from books that not only tell an enjoyable story but also teach a lesson in life.
           For those who seek wisdom to overcome some of life's failings try the following books that may be in the local Library or might be bought from second hand bookshops like "Sallys Boutique" Salvation Army Stores,  "Vinnys Emporium" St Vincent de Paul Op Shops, Red Cross, Life Line Shops - or might even be still in print.

  "JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL":
                     By Richard Bach.
         This favourite of a generation past is the story of the Freedom of Choice through the eyes of a beach side seagull. John L. did not wish to live his life as the others of his flock. He preferred to have a goal - to fly at Mec 1 - but he was continually warned by his so called superiors to get back into line or else.
        He succeeded - and joined a heavenly troupe of similar minded Seagulls - and lived happily ever after.

       The Book  was made into a relaxing movie and can be found on video. Neil Diamond sings and you might even find that some of his favourites - and yours - are from the sound track.

       From the same author, Richard Bach:

 "ILLUSIONS - THE RELUCTANT MESSIAH":
        Richard Bach is an Aviator - a Pilot - and tells his stories from the point of view of a pilot. In this case one of the pilots, Don Shimoda, is the Messiah returned in the guise of a Caterpillar Dozer Driver and part of the story is written in a Dozer Driver's Diary to make it more down to earth.
        No where else is written a better idea of "Hurt" and it's psychological ramifications than in the Chapter with the "Vampire"     and the idea of "hurt". If you link to it for a moment (5 Minutes) perhaps you to can learn to be "Free" of hurt, too.
        Better still - buy and read the book.


        "THE POWER of ALPHA THINKING"
                           By Jess Stearn
         Using Alpha Thinking one can learn to eventually overcome our conscious sensors and let the subconscious mind do the work that it has been trained to do. This is the basis of Sport Psychology

          With our brain into gear we can now appreciate the technical books on Croquet.

         NB. When you read these books and including the Australian Croquet Gazette, State, and Regional NewsLetters etc. you get to know, not only about the fantastic sport that Croquet is, but also about the wonderful people who have played the game and those who continue to play.


         You might then fall in love with it as many of us have done.
        This enthusiasm will show in your playing capability - and the reduction of your handicap.

       All Croquet Clubs are able to supply members either the loan or the sale (preferably) of:-

                  (Continued next Column)

  {Next}  {Back}  {Index}  {Comment} {E-mail}  

     The Accepted Training Handbooks for Association Croquet:
 
        John Riches Series:
        Techniques:    A must for beginners starting on a handicap of 22.
        Lessons in Tactics:  Must reading for handicaps of 15 and below.
        The Mental Approach:  Anytime reading.
        Next Break Strategy: Getting into it with the thinking gear.
        Error Correction:  It will come.
        Orientation Course: Come it will.
        Finer Points: Will it come?

 The John Prince Series  (New Zealand)
       Practice with a Purpose:
       The Delayed, Straight & Triple Peel:
       The Standard Opening & Variations:
       Standard Leaves:
      

 Specialists Books:


       Kev Brereton:
      "Coaching Handbook"
                                         This is must reading - particularly for two ball take off and split angles.

       Nell Hass:
       "Take a Bisque"   This is a must for those who have reached a handicap of about 15.

         Bill Lamb:   (New Zealand)
       "Skills of the Game"

         C.R. Sloane 
        "The Australian Croquet Manual"
          This is a must for those who wish to compete at top level.

          John Solomon    (obtainable from New Zealand)
         "Croquet"   John Solomon was and is a Master of the Mallet.
                   Will get your handicap down by 2.


     Beg, Borrow or Steal if You Can Find Them:
 

       "The History of Croquet"
        by D.M.C. Prichard
        This great book takes us from the start of it to 1980. All of the English big game hunters are listed together with outcomes of those big games - including the Australian International Mac Robertson Shield.

       "Croquet and How to Play It"
        by Arthur G. F. Ross      (New Zealand)
        This is a beautiful old book printed in New Zealand in 1947. Other books by this distinguished (eight times New Zealand Open Champion) are worth killing for.

         More Croquet Techo books to come - when we find them. Anyone care to help?
 

        "Croquet Australia"  Editor: Wendy Davidson           Best reading to keep up to date.
       Organ of the Australian Croquet Association Inc.
          Rates: Within Australia  $15 (4 issues) from:-
                                        Subscriptions Manager
                                        Mr George Bradley
                                        13 Boord Court
                                        DERNANCOURT 5075  SA