Gerry McNeil: Goaltender Under Pressure
Market Considerations
Promotional “Hook” Sentence: A sharp and accurate account of some of the most memorable years of the NHL’s “original six” era, Gerry McNeil: Goaltender Under Pressure (GM:GUP) combines intelligent analysis with personal and critical reflection in such a way that will enthrall the sport enthusiast and cultural critic alike. Companion DVD (historical footage, interviews, etc.) provides true multimedia expereince. Competition: Active: Denault, Todd. Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed the Face of Hockey. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 2009. A well documented biography of the legendary goaltender who replaced Gerry McNeil. Although details of Plante's life have been known for some time, Denault gives us a well-researched and indexed study that will prove useful to readers. Despite his importance in the history of the facemask, Plante was also known for being tight with his money and aloof from his teammates--characteristics that do not make the subject particularly endearing. D'Arcy, Jenish. The Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory. Toronto: Doubleday, 2008. This highly publicized 100-year history of the Canadiens Hockey Club was published to coincide with the centenary. Since it covers a century, no era is dealt with in any great detail. Adds to existing histories of the franchise--e.g., Lions in Winter. Bound to attract the Hab fan and do well in the gift market. Obviously,lacks focus on particular players or seasons. Honored Canadiens. Bolton, Ont.: HB Fenn, 2008. Another glossary coffee-table hockey book from Fenn. Contains biographies of all 55 Canadiens who are in the Hockey Hall of Fame (including 44 players). Aside from the players from the early part of the twentieith century, there is nothing new here, but this book will also attract attention from Habs fans and do well in the gift market. Roy, Michel. Patrick Roy: Winning, Nothing Less. Trans. of "Le Guerrier". Toronto: John Wiley & Sons, 2008. An intimate account of Patrick Roy, one of the game's best goaltenders and former Hab. Surface similarities with Gerry McNeil: Goaltender Under Pressure offset by striking contrasts--i.e., subject's coaching career still very much in progress and marked with controversy, his achievements already widely known among sport fans, written by subject's father rather than son. McNeil's virtually unknown career has the potential to draw interested readers who are already familiar with Hall of Fame members; it can also serve to pay tribute to all those players who are not in the Hall of Fame--something that is long overdue. Brunt, Stephen. Searching for Bobby Orr. Toronto: Knopf, 2007. Easily the best hockey book to be published in the last few years (notes but no index). Tracks the rise and fall of Alan Eagleson and the NHLPA as well as Orr’s hockey career (1963-77). An impressionistic and unauthorized biography; contains some excellent writing and creative chapter formats (e.g., “Star Power”). Takes a wide-angle perspective on the westward expansion of professional sport in North America during the 1960s. Uses some illustrations but otherwise isn’t interested in the history of sport photography. Lacks intimate or personal connection to subject. Maggs, Randall. Night Work: The Sawchuk Poems. London, Ont.: Brick Books, 2008. Ambitious collection of poetry devoted to the hockey career of Terry Sawchuk. Sawchuk is a Hall of Fame NHL goalie who remains somewhat of a mystery (this includes his death after fighting with Ron Stewart). Although McNeil and Sawchuk were both NHL rookie goalies in 1950-51 and faced each other in a number of important games, Sawchuk went on to a long and successful (if troubled) career, while McNeil retired early and has remained in relative obscurity. Also lacks intimate or personal connection to subject. Melancon, Benoit. The Eyes of Maurice Richard [Les yeux de Maurice Richard]. Montreal: Fides, 2006. To be translated into English in 2008 (by Greystone, I believe). A history of the cultural phenomenon or myth of Maurice Richard–not intended to be a biography. This is an organized and sharp analysis of how Richard has been constructed as a national hero both in Quebec and Canada. Contains notes and index. Excellent on general cultural issues, not on sport photography or other Canadiens from the same era. Not strictly speaking, a sport biography. Beliveau, Jean. With Chrys Goyens and Allan Turowetz. My Life in Hockey. Vancouver: Greystone, 2005. The first edition of this autobiography was published in 1994. Beliveau is the classiest ex-NHL player still alive so this work has obvious appeal. There are a few references to Gerry McNeil as the careers of the two players did overlap one year (1953-54). The new edition reads on the cover, "Revised and Updated: New Material on a Decade of Personal Challenge and a Troubled Game." This is a reference to Beliveau's battle with cancer and the NHL labor disputes. Beliveau's accomplishments are well-known, and there isn't much in the way of controversial interest or analytical insight in his opinions. A good example of how the long, successful career of the Hall of Famer can become a tad boring. Relatively Inactive (or out-of-print) Brown, William. Doug: The Doug Harvey Story. Georgetown: Véhicule Press, 2002. Some overlap with events covered in GM:GUP (wherein the perspective of the goaltender is original for 1950-54). Excellent for historical detail (probably too much detail). Less critical, personal and reflective than GM:GUP. In short, too much the predictable “whitewash” of a sports personality by the authorized family friend. Dryden, Ken. The Game: A Thoughtful and Provocative Look at Life in Hockey. 2nd Ed. Toronto: Macmillan, 2003; orig. pub. 1983. Considered by many to be the best intellectual analysis of the game. Reissued in 2003--20th anniversary--with new Chapter"Overtime." Its enduring popularity (despite the condescending tone of the subtitle) indicates that hockey enthusiasts will buy an intellectual book. Dryden is another Hab goalie, yet this book is a day-by-day autobiographical journal of one season from the late 1970s. This is not an“original six” history of the NHL, and, with the exception of the new chapter, the reflective passages lack a sense of historical perspective. Shea, Kevin. Barilko: Without a Trace. Bolton: Fenn, 2004. Contains a chapter on GM based on a telephone interview (which I facilitated). While some of GM’s highlights are mentioned, the chapter is an awkward part of the book (GM’s story not being Barilko’s). Rather than competition for GM:GUP, it might be argued that the two books would complement each other (i.e., readers/buyers of one–“original six” aficionados--would be potential buyers of the other). The Leaf (Blue) Barilko complemented by the Hab (Red) McNeil (both relatively unknown players). Otherwise, Barilko is too packed with uninteresting detail and lacks reflection/analysis. Also lacks notes and index. Geoffrion, Bernard and Stan Fischler. Boom Boom: The Life and Times of Bernard Geoffrion (Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1997). Although more than 10 years old, I include this item because “remainders’ still surfaced at bookstores as recently as a few years ago. It is typical of most sport-biographies/autobiographies insofar as it is an uncritical account of the Habs in the early 1950s by a well known hockey ghostwriter (Fischler). It has some raconteur charm but little less to recommend it. Picture Books: Leonetti, Mike. The Game: Hockey in the Fifties. Vancouver: Raincoast, 1997. Pictures from the Harold Barkley archives; GM: GUP contains other Barkley photos not included in this collection. _____. Canadiens Legends. Vancouver: Raincoast, 2004. Contains a page on Gerry McNeil, which should only raise curiosity about the details of his career. Podnieks, Andrew. Portraits of the Game: Classic Photographs from the Turofsky Collection at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Toronto: Doubleday, 1997. Contain some good background on Turofsky and his studio, some information behind the images, but no analysis of the cultural importance of large-format (5x4) sports photography of the 1940s and 50s. While the above Picture Books have content that overlaps with GM: GUP: picture books are generally short on analysis and historical narrative. On the Canadiens' Centenary: Publishers will no doubt be looking for a Canadiens book to mark the 100-year history of the hockey club in 2009. GM:GUP promises to be that book. It takes a close look at the NHL during the first half of the 1950s--as much neglected as the second half has been over-written. (Although the 5-Cup streak of 1956-61 is legendary, the game-to-game history of those playoffs is dull.) GM:GUP will appeal to sport enthusiasts (hockey and Canadiens fans in particular) and more critical readers of popular culture, and, as such, has real cross-over potential (popular trade and scholarly audiences). It is the first examination of the sports photography that gave us the best visual record of the NHL during the post-World War II decade. Promotional Ideas: Solicit the help of the Canadiens Hockey Club and NHL whose marketing strengths are significant. A series of readings can be set up in conjunction with a small, portable exhibit of hockey photography from 1945-55. Special hockey-card giveaways--I have over 500 such cards printed by Molsen in the 1990s--could be used to encourage people to attend readings. Both academic (Congress of Societies & other conferences) and sport (Hockey Hall of Fame,various Sport Halls of Fame) venues can be used for such readings to reach the cross-over audience. As an academic and hockey researcher, I have extensive contacts in both these areas. To publicize the book further, use can be made of the participant-lists for four major, international conferences devoted to the study of hockey and hockey literature. Then there are existing blog sites. I also teach a class on hockey literature, which currently has an enrolment of 50-75; this will surely go up when the class goes online, which it will in a year or two. All of these forums can be used to draw attention to GM:GUP. Finally, I would suggest that $1 from every sale (cost to be built into pricing) be donated to KidSport (non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged children participate in sport. Return to Goaltender Under Pressure - Manuscript Description
Promotional “Hook” Sentence:
A sharp and accurate account of some of the most memorable years of the NHL’s “original six” era, Gerry McNeil: Goaltender Under Pressure (GM:GUP) combines intelligent analysis with personal and critical reflection in such a way that will enthrall the sport enthusiast and cultural critic alike. Companion DVD (historical footage, interviews, etc.) provides true multimedia expereince.
Competition:
Active:
Denault, Todd. Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed the Face of Hockey. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 2009.
A well documented biography of the legendary goaltender who replaced Gerry McNeil. Although details of Plante's life have been known for some time, Denault gives us a well-researched and indexed study that will prove useful to readers. Despite his importance in the history of the facemask, Plante was also known for being tight with his money and aloof from his teammates--characteristics that do not make the subject particularly endearing.
D'Arcy, Jenish. The Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory. Toronto: Doubleday, 2008.
This highly publicized 100-year history of the Canadiens Hockey Club was published to coincide with the centenary. Since it covers a century, no era is dealt with in any great detail. Adds to existing histories of the franchise--e.g., Lions in Winter. Bound to attract the Hab fan and do well in the gift market. Obviously,lacks focus on particular players or seasons.
Honored Canadiens. Bolton, Ont.: HB Fenn, 2008.
Another glossary coffee-table hockey book from Fenn. Contains biographies of all 55 Canadiens who are in the Hockey Hall of Fame (including 44 players). Aside from the players from the early part of the twentieith century, there is nothing new here, but this book will also attract attention from Habs fans and do well in the gift market.
Roy, Michel. Patrick Roy: Winning, Nothing Less. Trans. of "Le Guerrier". Toronto: John Wiley & Sons, 2008.
An intimate account of Patrick Roy, one of the game's best goaltenders and former Hab. Surface similarities with Gerry McNeil: Goaltender Under Pressure offset by striking contrasts--i.e., subject's coaching career still very much in progress and marked with controversy, his achievements already widely known among sport fans, written by subject's father rather than son. McNeil's virtually unknown career has the potential to draw interested readers who are already familiar with Hall of Fame members; it can also serve to pay tribute to all those players who are not in the Hall of Fame--something that is long overdue.
Brunt, Stephen. Searching for Bobby Orr. Toronto: Knopf, 2007.
Easily the best hockey book to be published in the last few years (notes but no index). Tracks the rise and fall of Alan Eagleson and the NHLPA as well as Orr’s hockey career (1963-77). An impressionistic and unauthorized biography; contains some excellent writing and creative chapter formats (e.g., “Star Power”). Takes a wide-angle perspective on the westward expansion of professional sport in North America during the 1960s. Uses some illustrations but otherwise isn’t interested in the history of sport photography. Lacks intimate or personal connection to subject.
Maggs, Randall. Night Work: The Sawchuk Poems. London, Ont.: Brick Books, 2008.
Ambitious collection of poetry devoted to the hockey career of Terry Sawchuk. Sawchuk is a Hall of Fame NHL goalie who remains somewhat of a mystery (this includes his death after fighting with Ron Stewart). Although McNeil and Sawchuk were both NHL rookie goalies in 1950-51 and faced each other in a number of important games, Sawchuk went on to a long and successful (if troubled) career, while McNeil retired early and has remained in relative obscurity. Also lacks intimate or personal connection to subject.
Melancon, Benoit. The Eyes of Maurice Richard [Les yeux de Maurice Richard]. Montreal: Fides, 2006.
To be translated into English in 2008 (by Greystone, I believe). A history of the cultural phenomenon or myth of Maurice Richard–not intended to be a biography. This is an organized and sharp analysis of how Richard has been constructed as a national hero both in Quebec and Canada. Contains notes and index. Excellent on general cultural issues, not on sport photography or other Canadiens from the same era. Not strictly speaking, a sport biography.
Beliveau, Jean. With Chrys Goyens and Allan Turowetz. My Life in Hockey. Vancouver: Greystone, 2005.
The first edition of this autobiography was published in 1994. Beliveau is the classiest ex-NHL player still alive so this work has obvious appeal. There are a few references to Gerry McNeil as the careers of the two players did overlap one year (1953-54). The new edition reads on the cover, "Revised and Updated: New Material on a Decade of Personal Challenge and a Troubled Game." This is a reference to Beliveau's battle with cancer and the NHL labor disputes. Beliveau's accomplishments are well-known, and there isn't much in the way of controversial interest or analytical insight in his opinions. A good example of how the long, successful career of the Hall of Famer can become a tad boring.
Relatively Inactive (or out-of-print)
Brown, William. Doug: The Doug Harvey Story. Georgetown: Véhicule Press, 2002.
Some overlap with events covered in GM:GUP (wherein the perspective of the goaltender is original for 1950-54). Excellent for historical detail (probably too much detail). Less critical, personal and reflective than GM:GUP. In short, too much the predictable “whitewash” of a sports personality by the authorized family friend.
Dryden, Ken. The Game: A Thoughtful and Provocative Look at Life in Hockey. 2nd Ed. Toronto: Macmillan, 2003; orig. pub. 1983.
Considered by many to be the best intellectual analysis of the game. Reissued in 2003--20th anniversary--with new Chapter"Overtime." Its enduring popularity (despite the condescending tone of the subtitle) indicates that hockey enthusiasts will buy an intellectual book. Dryden is another Hab goalie, yet this book is a day-by-day autobiographical journal of one season from the late 1970s. This is not an“original six” history of the NHL, and, with the exception of the new chapter, the reflective passages lack a sense of historical perspective.
Shea, Kevin. Barilko: Without a Trace. Bolton: Fenn, 2004.
Contains a chapter on GM based on a telephone interview (which I facilitated). While some of GM’s highlights are mentioned, the chapter is an awkward part of the book (GM’s story not being Barilko’s). Rather than competition for GM:GUP, it might be argued that the two books would complement each other (i.e., readers/buyers of one–“original six” aficionados--would be potential buyers of the other). The Leaf (Blue) Barilko complemented by the Hab (Red) McNeil (both relatively unknown players). Otherwise, Barilko is too packed with uninteresting detail and lacks reflection/analysis. Also lacks notes and index.
Geoffrion, Bernard and Stan Fischler. Boom Boom: The Life and Times of Bernard Geoffrion (Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1997).
Although more than 10 years old, I include this item because “remainders’ still surfaced at bookstores as recently as a few years ago. It is typical of most sport-biographies/autobiographies insofar as it is an uncritical account of the Habs in the early 1950s by a well known hockey ghostwriter (Fischler). It has some raconteur charm but little less to recommend it.
Picture Books:
Leonetti, Mike. The Game: Hockey in the Fifties. Vancouver: Raincoast, 1997.
Pictures from the Harold Barkley archives; GM: GUP contains other Barkley photos not included in this collection.
_____. Canadiens Legends. Vancouver: Raincoast, 2004.
Contains a page on Gerry McNeil, which should only raise curiosity about the details of his career.
Podnieks, Andrew. Portraits of the Game: Classic Photographs from the Turofsky Collection at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Toronto: Doubleday, 1997.
Contain some good background on Turofsky and his studio, some information behind the images, but no analysis of the cultural importance of large-format (5x4) sports photography of the 1940s and 50s.
While the above Picture Books have content that overlaps with GM: GUP: picture books are generally short on analysis and historical narrative.
On the Canadiens' Centenary:
Publishers will no doubt be looking for a Canadiens book to mark the 100-year history of the hockey club in 2009. GM:GUP promises to be that book. It takes a close look at the NHL during the first half of the 1950s--as much neglected as the second half has been over-written. (Although the 5-Cup streak of 1956-61 is legendary, the game-to-game history of those playoffs is dull.) GM:GUP will appeal to sport enthusiasts (hockey and Canadiens fans in particular) and more critical readers of popular culture, and, as such, has real cross-over potential (popular trade and scholarly audiences). It is the first examination of the sports photography that gave us the best visual record of the NHL during the post-World War II decade.
Promotional Ideas:
Solicit the help of the Canadiens Hockey Club and NHL whose marketing strengths are significant. A series of readings can be set up in conjunction with a small, portable exhibit of hockey photography from 1945-55. Special hockey-card giveaways--I have over 500 such cards printed by Molsen in the 1990s--could be used to encourage people to attend readings. Both academic (Congress of Societies & other conferences) and sport (Hockey Hall of Fame,various Sport Halls of Fame) venues can be used for such readings to reach the cross-over audience. As an academic and hockey researcher, I have extensive contacts in both these areas. To publicize the book further, use can be made of the participant-lists for four major, international conferences devoted to the study of hockey and hockey literature. Then there are existing blog sites. I also teach a class on hockey literature, which currently has an enrolment of 50-75; this will surely go up when the class goes online, which it will in a year or two. All of these forums can be used to draw attention to GM:GUP. Finally, I would suggest that $1 from every sale (cost to be built into pricing) be donated to KidSport (non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged children participate in sport.