Tennis Players as Works of Art - Paperback

by David Linebarger (Author)

Named one of eight Outstanding Books of the Year for its originality (Original Concept) at the 29th annual IPPY Awards in 2025.

Inside Tennis Magazine: Inside Tennis Magazine named Tennis Players as Works of Art its Book of the Year: "Tennis Players as Works of Art takes us on an inventive journey that touches religion, culture, psychology, and history. Full of lovely art and lyrical vignettes, the new volume is a must-read treat that tennis lovers will relish."

Imagine Roger Federer's tennis as a classic Greek sculpture and Rafael Nadal's as prehistoric cave paintings. Picture Lady Pink, the first lady of graffiti, painting Serena Williams. How many ways can a tennis player be a work of art?

Drawing on expertise as a Professor of Humanities and a nationally ranked tennis player, David Linebarger delves into this intriguing question. In his exploration through art, literature, music, religion, and mythology, Linebarger examines the boundaries between athleticism and artistic expression. Over forty contemporary artists contribute their unique perspectives, adding depth and diversity to the discussion.

Each short piece in this collection is creative, lyrical, insightful, and occasionally surprising. Through Linebarger's narrative and the artists' visions, readers will discover a new lens through which to view tennis-a sport elevated to the realm of cultural and artistic significance.

Tennis Players as Works of Art promises to transform your understanding of tennis, revealing the sport as a canvas where athleticism and creativity converge in unexpected and profound ways.

Independent Book Review: Independent Book Review named Tennis Players as Works of Art one of "The Best Books We Read in 2024" "This book packs in a lot. Facts and biographical information mix comfortably with emotions spanning joy, anger, sadness, frustration, and even pathos...Tennis Players as Works of Art is as rewarding as an absorbing museum exhibit, without having to leave your sofa or armchair. And not just for tennis aficionados."

Kirkus Reviews: "Over a seven-year period, the author compiled a remarkable assemblage of creative pieces by a wide range of artists-paintings, photographs, and images of sculptures that represented the athletic dynamism of tennis as a sport...Each of the dozens of pieces here are accompanied by the author's commentary, and just as often composed in a soaring, lyrical manner."

Reader's Favorite: "Tennis Players as Works of Art celebrates human creativity, athleticism, and ingenuity through a combination of art, sports, and poetic storytelling...As a casual tennis watcher, I honestly had never even heard about most of the players featured in this book, yet I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a book for tennis fans, poetry lovers, and art enthusiasts alike."