George Plimpton was perhaps best known for Paper Lion, the book that set the bar for participatory sports journalism. With his characteristic wit, Plimpton recounts his experiences in talking his way into training camp with the Detroit Lions, practicing with the team, and taking snaps behind center. His breezy style captures the pressures and tensions rookies confront, the hijinks that pervade when sixty high-strung guys live together in close quarters, and a host of football rites and rituals.
One of the funniest and most insightful books ever written on football, Paper Lion is a classic look at the gridiron game and a book The Wall Street Journal calls "a continuous feast...The best book ever about football -- or anything!"
I cover baseball for the Wall Street Journal
Very pleased to hear Michael Pollan speak tonight of the way George Plimpton’s Paper Lion influenced him from a young age. Same, dude. Big same.
Laurie Hertzel is a book critic.
@vtuss Sort of like George plimpton’s paper lion. One of the funniest books I ever read
Accidental sportswriter, index card enthusiast. Clips: NYT, GQ, Philly Mag, etc.; author, FROM HANG TIME TO PRIME TIME. He/him. Inquiries: pscroatto at gmail.
If you get a chance to pick up a George Plimpton anthology or PAPER LION, do so. The man was a wonderful writer. https://t.co/Ikul6tcnOK