Sports and Athletics: Home

"Despite all that has changed since sexual and social identity became hot-button topics in art production and discourse in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, one American stereotype still remains particularly entrenched--that of the aggressive, hypercompetitive, emotionally undemonstrative, heterosexual male athlete. Mixed Signals focuses on artists from the mid-1990s to the present who have questioned the notion of the male athlete as the last bastion of uncomplicated, authentic identity in American culture during the preceding decades. The works presented here, made by artists who have appropriated, riffed on, complicated and variously represented athletic imagery, demonstrate that the male athlete is a far more ambiguous, polyvalent figure in our collective cultural imagination than ever before." -- From the publisher.

"Published in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution, Diamonds Are Forever collects paintings, drawings, photographs, and literary excerpts, illuminating every aspect of the game-the plays, the parks, the players, the fans. Work from John Updike, Andy Warhol, Stephen King, Edna Ferber, Neil Simon, Jacob Lawrence, Roger Angell, and dozens more make this volume an artistic tribute to the quintessentially American game." -- From the publisher.

"For the artist Carlos Rolon (born 1970), aka Dzine, boxing loomed large in his childhood household; he recalls watching a young Howard Cosell on ABC's Wide World and the infamous No Mas fight with Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard--occasions that also provided opportunities to bond with his father. On the heels of Dzine's previous publication Nailed, Boxed looks at how artists have used boxing as a metaphor or have been otherwise inspired by the sport. Alongside new work from Dzine, it includes art by Andreas Gursky, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Gary Simmons, Satch Hoyt, Rashid Johnson, Christopher Wool, Cheryl Dunn, David Hammons, Ed Ruscha, Jeff Koons, George Bellows, Yoshitomo Nara, Jules De Balincourt, Paul Pfeiffer, Claes Oldenburg, Glenn Ligon, Lyle Owerko, Chris Mosier and Ed Paschke, among others." -- From the publisher.

"During the 1870s, rowing became a tremendously popular sport in the United States. An enthusiastic rower, the young Philadelphia-born Thomas Eakins painted, sketched, and drew an extraordinary series of rowing pictures that were the most ambitious project of his early career. He brought to the theme his personal experiences as an avid amateur rower on his beloved Schuylkill River, and a scientific understanding of the physical effort involved. His 24 rowing works, which include some of the most celebrated and recognized images in the history of American art, are brought together and examined as a group for the first time in this beautiful book." -- From the publisher.

"For the World Cup, Rirkrit Tiravanija, the Thai artist known for works that incorporate the provision of ingredients and the cooking of meals for or by viewers, has created a cookbook for halftime. He presents 16 recipes, one for each match in the preliminary rounds, to be prepared and eaten midway through the contest. Cheerful lists and instructions are supplemented by photographs of friends watching football on TV, and Tiravanija incorporates the World Cup motto "time to make friends"--which is dear to his own heart and central to his sociable, intercultural artistic practice--as the book's mission statement." -- From the publisher.

"This book is not a history of sport but a montage of images- images to be found in the arts and crafts of Canada that reflect aspects of certain games and pastimes which have long held the interest of Canadians"--Page 6.

"Fully updated with the latest statistics and world records, The Sports Book is packed with comprehensive details for more than 200 different sports, from baseball to hockey, jujitsu to cross-country skiing, and water polo to gymnastics. This invaluable reference also includes an extensive Olympics section covering the Paralympics, London 2012, and a look forward to Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016." -- From the publisher.

"Over 2500 illustrations in full color, including 400 events, over 150 sports" -- From the publisher.

"In Japan, an art such as archery is not practiced solely for utilitarian purposes such as learning to hit targets. Archery is also meant to train the mind and bring it into contact with the ultimate reality. If one really wishes to be master of an art, technical knowledge of it is not enough. One has to transcend technique so that the art becomes an "artless art" growing out of the Unconsciousness. In this way, as the author simply, clearly demonstrates, archery becomes a path to greater understanding and enlightenment." -- From the publisher.

"Swimming Studies is a brilliantly original, meditative memoir that explores the worlds of competitive and recreational swimming. From her training for the Olympic trials as a teenager to enjoying pools and beaches around the world as an adult, Leanne Shapton offers a fascinating glimpse into the private, often solitary, realm of swimming. Her spare and elegant writing reveals an intimate narrative of suburban adolescence, spent underwater in a discipline that continues to inspire Shapton’s work as an artist and author. Her illustrations throughout the book offer an intuitive perspective on the landscapes and imagery of the sport. Shapton’s emphasis is on the smaller moments of athletic pursuit rather than its triumphs. For the accomplished athlete, aspiring amateur, or habitual practicer, this remarkable work of written and visual sketches propels the reader through a beautifully personal and universally appealing exercise in reflection." -- From the publisher.

"Includes advice on choosing the martial arts discipline best suited to your particular needs - for men and women of all ages and fitness levels, children, and people with disabilities. This book helps discover spiritual and physical harmony with two dedicated step-by-step teaching plans and training programmes for t'ai chi and aikido." -- From the publisher.

"Compiled from Bruce Lee's notes and essays and originally published in 1975, Tao of Jeet Kune Do is the best-selling martial arts book in the world. This iconic work explains the science and philosophy behind jeet kune do-the art Lee invented-and includes hundreds of Lee's illustrations. Topics include Zen and enlightenment, kicking, striking, grappling, and footwork. With introductions by Linda Lee and editor Gilbert Johnson, Tao of Jeet Kune Do is essential reading for any practitioner and offers a brief glimpse into the mind of one of the world's greatest martial artists." -- From the publisher.

"With detailed anatomical drawings, this book precisely illustrates the inner workings of your body during key martial arts moves. Its color drawings, helpful photos and clear text make it easy to identify the specific muscles you need to train for maximum speed, power and accuracy. More than just an anatomy book, each section is accompanied by exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles, prevent injury and improve form." -- From the publisher.

"Who's Afraid of Niketown? illustrates the way Nike is transforming urban space into a new brand city. In his persuasive analyses, Friedrich von Borries is able to demonstrate this process with astonishing concreteness. He proceeds not just analytically, but also undertakes speculative excursions into the future. This approach endows his detailed investigations of contemporary marketing strategies with their forcefulness. Nike has developed new marketing strategies during the last years which focus on the temporary transformation of urban space into brand-specific sites of experience. By looking at Nikes strategies of urban interventions, this publication investigates the role that branding and marketing strategies will have on the city of the future as well as the responsibilities architects involved in the projects will have." -- From the publisher.

"Contest is a riotous excursion through the contemporary sportscape. Gary Genosko uncovers the cultural and political qualities of the world of sports from its gaudiest moments-the professional spectacle of Super Sunday and Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition-to its obscure nooks and crannies, like figure-skating psychoanalyst Ernest Jones. The exploration ranges from hockey ("Disciplining Road Hockey," "Athletes as Pets") to sports' relationship with design ("Furniture and Sport"); from bodybuilding ("A Portrait of Jesus as a Young Schwarzenegger") to bike messengers; from gymnastics ("Olympian Cuteness") to memorabilia. Genosko's exhilarating approach employs an idiosyncratic mix of cultural studies, contemporary theory, and a lifetime of collecting sports cards as he celebrates the heroic amateurs and the radical losers who are the real stars of Contest.' -- From the publisher.

"Given its global popularity and its prevalence across the spectrum of cultural and commercial life it is not surprising that scholars interrogating the cultural politics of sport have begun to recognise advertising as an important site for the analysis of power relations, cultural politics and cultural representation. Sport, Culture and Advertising presents a first step towards understanding the relationship between advertising and identity with a focus on sport. The book will be useful for scholars across a range of disciplines and will be of interest to students looking for a more critical examination of the commercial realm of sport." -- From the publisher.

"Combining case-study analysis with discussion of key conceptual and theoretical themes, sociology, and cultural studies, this book offers a clear understanding of the sociological implications of "leisure"." -- From the publisher.

"This is a scholarly book on Sports Marketing and a book in the Advertising and Consumer Psychology Series sponsored by the Society of Consumer Psychology." -- From the publisher.

"The growing complexity and importance of sports and event marketing has pushed scholars and practitioners to apply sophisticated marketing thinking and applications to these topics. This book deals with the professional development in the sense that sports marketing can be viewed as an application of consumer behavior research. Readers will learn about new opportunities in using consumer behavior knowledge effectively in the areas of a)influencing behaviors in society and sports b) building relationships with consumers through sports and events and c) providing services to consumers through sport and event sponsorships. This book, by a superb group of authors, includes comprehensive reviews, innovative conceptual pieces, empirical research and rigorous attention to data." -- From the publisher.

Skis, ice skates, in-line skates, bicycles, bike saddles, scooters, snow boards, skateboards, swimwear, wetsuits, golf clubs, helmets, footgear, backpacks, fishing reels, astroturf, home fitness equipment, kayacs, climbing equipment, etc.

"Sports equipment has undergone radical changes in recent years, as technology has reshaped the way sports are played. New designs such as oversized tennis rackets, parabolic skis, titanium bats, and reconfigured golf clubs have altered the very nature of their respective sports, setting new standards of technical performance. Indeed, some professional sports organizations have banned certain kinds of equipment because they fear it could transform the nature of their games. Design for Sports covers a range of cultural issues: how development of sports technology has heightened the visibility of and participation in women's sports; sports subcultures, revealed through the graphics of athletic footwear; and how sports equipment allows for a new relationship with the natural world, as it replicates outdoor conditions inside the gym." -- From the publisher.

"Sports products offer nearly limitless scope for design innovation and creativity, constituting as they do a synthesis of function, beauty, high-tech materials and imaginative concepts. The 400 pages and over 800 photos in this book are divided into sections on snow, air, water and earth. The book provides fascinating insight into the most advanced product concepts from today's leading international sports brands." -- From the publisher.

"A collection of the best and most popular bikes to be found anywhere right now, this book gives the overview of what is out there for every kind of cyclist. Whether you are a BMXtreme or mountain bike enthusiast, a keen tourer or racer, a city commuter or courier, or simply fascinated with the constantly advancing mechanics and engineering of folding and other innovative bike designs, this book has something for you. 100 Best Bikes is the essential resource for anyone wanting to know what is the best they can find now in design and engineering for every kind of bike."-- From the publisher.

"Velo introduces a wild bunch of passionate cyclists - frame builders, urban planners, artists, photographers, and those who ride professionally - who are making an impact. They are not only shaping styles, but promoting cycling as a primary form of transport. The book also explores the aesthetic of today's cycling culture and presents custom-made frames and art bikes as well as a selection of contemporary illustration and design influenced by the cycling movement. Geared toward anyone who has a personal or professional interest in cycling, Velo is the fast lane into a current topic that is both entertaining and socially relevant." -- From the publisher.

"Documenting more than 400 pairs of sneakers in a highly illustrated, chronological format, Where'd You Get Those? is simply a stone cold classic. Sneakers are fetishized by consumers worldwide, and dozens of subsequent sneakers books have come and gone, but none have come close to attracting the readership and unfettered adulation that this book has enjoyed. (Carnegie Mellon University even offers a class, Sneakerology 101, that uses Where'd You Get Those? as its main textbook.)" -- From the publisher.

"There are now sports clothes and accessories specifically made to speed the runner, streamline the swimmer, protect the snowboarder, or insulate the mountaineer.This wonderfully illustrated book, written by two experts on revolutionary textiles, describes new fabrics (including those made of metal, glass, or ceramic yarns) and their amazing properties. It explains the design processes for making clothes that mimic the carapace of an insect, are seamless, or have venting systems. It also includes the latest fashions that owe their stylish futuristic look to the innovations of sportswear, and is completed by a glossary of technical terms and a directory of designers and manufacturers." -- From the publisher.

"The bowling shirt is a unique work of art. With patterns and colors as varied as the bowlers who wore them, bowling shirts reflect a time when Americans loved their big cars, drive-ins, bowling alleys, and flashy clothing. This book showcases a wonderful collection of bowling shirts, each with its individual art work. In over 600 color photographs, the shirts are displayed alphabetically by manufacturers. Embroidery and design detail, manufacturers' labels, and special features are shown along with a complete description and value guide."

"Explores how the influence of fashion and sport extends from high performance textiles developed for competition, to high-end fashion and finally, through the filter of adapted advertising and magazine imagery, to the consumer, who adopts and adapts the styles to make their own unique fashion statements." -- From the publisher.

"Okkonen, a baseball historian and illustrator, has compiled the first complete record of 20th-century major league baseball uniforms. He provides a brief historical overview of major trends in uniform design, as well as an essay on each major league team which links uniform changes to team history. The bulk of the book is a year-by-year pictorial register covering the years 1900 to 1991." -- Library Journal

"Miller draws on recent archaeological and historical discoveries to discuss in comprehensive detail all aspects of games and athletic competitions in ancient Greece. Throughout Miller places athletics in its social context because, as he argues, sport was one of the ways in which Greeks could aspire to their cultural ideal, to be civilised men. Supported by numerous photographs, often in colour, and illustrations of sites and objects that depict competitions, the scholarly text describes in fascinating detail the origin of athletics, the Olympic Games and other festivals, the role of women in this male domain, the relationship between an athlete and a hero, Greek recreation, the gymnasium, sport as entertainment, professional athletes and the political side to competitions." -- From the publisher.

"This comprehensive text focuses mostly on athletics in classical Greece and Rome, emphasizing the relationship between athletics and religion, art, and education. Also discussed are such events as throwing the discus and javelin, the pentathlon, the stadium and the foot-race, jumping, wrestling, boxing, ball play, and a Greek athletic festival." -- From the publisher.

"Presents the most notable, moving, and little-known stories of the Olympics about such athletes as Jesse Owens, Bruce Jenner, Zola Budd, and obscure figures like the Zatopeks, all lavishly illustrated with striking photographs and memorabilia." -- From the publisher.

"Bribery, illicit drugs, tainted judges, dirty politics . . . the Olympics have come a long way from ancient Greece. Far from the vaunted symbol of athletic excellence, the Olympic games have become awash in scandal (from doping and judging scandals, questionable selection practices for future sites) that have given it a tawdry luster only cynics and news junkies would relish. Now, Dick Pound, a former Olympic medalist and twenty-five year member of the IOC gives an insider's account of the politics within the IOC as well as an unsensationalistic look at what went on behind the headlines." -- From the publisher.

"Baseball is so tightly embedded in American culture that even if you don't like sports you tend to have a favorite baseball team. Inside Baseball is the perfect book for people who want to know more about baseball through photos, short descriptions, and charts. This book is a virtual who's who of baseball past and present and makes the sport's reigning moments come to life. It charts traditional top tens, like Career Home Run Percentage, and also includes quirky ones, like Baseball Books and Baseball Movies, that enthusiasts will love. Inside Baseball is neatly categorized into sections like "History's Changeups," "The Shortstop," "Behind the Plate," "The Manager and His Tools," and "The Pallpark Promotion" that tell you not only about the rules of the game but how baseball became as American as apple pie." -- From the publisher.

"It is one of Australia's most iconic images. On 17 April 1993, the Indigenous AFL footballer Nicky Winmar stood up against racial abuse and made history. Facing the Collingwood crowd that had taunted him all day the St Kilda player pulled up his shirt, pointed to his chest and declared: 'I'm black and I'm proud to be black'. Published the next day, the photos of Winmar's gesture sparked an intense debate that forced the AFL, the fans and the nation to confront their prejudices head-on. Black and Proud takes us behind the searing image to the stories of those who made it happen." -- From the publisher.

"How did sports grow from primeval playground games into the worldwide business we know today? This reflection on athletics and their increasingly central role in contemporary society examines their metamorphosis from purely social activities into disciplines combining technology, economy, medicine, communication, fashion and art. The increasing spread of sports culture has altered habits and ways of dressing all over the world, marking us all as members of the tribe of athletes (never mind the infighting between Nike and Adidas or high-tech and retro factions). This powerful compilation of research, analysis and visuals looks into the influence of sports, sports celebrities and sportswear in fields as varied as film, fashion, art, advertising and architecture." -- From the publisher.

"More than simply kicking a ball around, soccer stirs passions beyond rational thought, and crosses every boundary of nationality, race, class, and religion. Magnum Soccer is a lively portfolio of images by outstanding Magnum photographers that document the pleasures, passions and tensions of this universal game. From children playing barefoot on African mud, to priests juggling the ball in a Brazilian seminary, to Japanese superfans decked-out in neon blue wigs, to Marilyn Monroe kicking off a match in New York City, the collection shows how deeply the roots of soccer culture run and how widely they are spread. Important social issues are also raised in the book such as military occupation, the empowerment of women through soccer in Iran, and the bitter religious rivalry between Glasgow's two teams the Rangers and Celtics. Magnum Soccer features photographs of the world's most popular sport by Henri Cartier-Bresson, James Nachtwey, Steve McCurry, Martin Parr, Abbas, Luc Delahaye and many more." -- From the publisher.

"Sports is the latest collection of works by Leifer, a 20-year veteran of sports photography. The most captivating shots are of amateur competitors, such as the eight-oared Olympic rowing team, Daley Thompson firing his javelin, and midshipmen and cadets lining up for their annual gridiron showdown. Also memorable are the closeups of sports legends: the serious stare of Bear Bryant, as seen through an acrylic chalkboard; the toothless smile of Terry Bradshaw; the playfully menacing profile of George Foreman. Leifer includes shots of many international events, like the Olympics and World Cup Soccer, but features on current stars such as Darryl Strawberry and Lawrence Taylor add little depth to an otherwise attractive volume." -- Library Journal

"Coolly observational yet intensely engaging, the immensely influential American photographer Tod Papageorge's American Sports, 1970 draws a subtle but sharp parallel between the war in Vietnam and the American attitude toward spectator sports during a time of conflict. In 1970, a watershed year for popular opinion against the war, Papageorge was awarded a Guggenheim Foundation grant. His ostensible subject--sports and its role in American life--quickly became charged with the political, racial and sexual conflicts ignited by the war. Each and every picture is electric with disquiet. Military men in uniform parade across a field or relax in the stands. Cheerleaders rehearse beneath the gaze of the police. A couple sprawls and embraces in the debris of the Indianapolis 500. And hundreds of fans are drawn in unsettling group portraits at various stadiums and in the stands of many classic American sporting events." -- From the publisher.

"As snapshots through time, Olympic posters provide a fascinating record of our world, a lens through which we can explore links between sports and art, politics and place, commerce and culture. A Century of Olympic Posters offers an intensely visual representation of the modern Games, and shows the evolution of the Olympic Games poster as well, from the first official poster for Stockholm in 1912 right up to the present." -- From the publisher.

"The Illustrator's reference manual: Sport comprises over 80 sports divided into the following categories -- Ball sports, athletics, gymnastics, combat sports, weightlifting, target sports, water sports, winter sports, adventure sports, cycle sports and horse sports." -- From the publisher.

"Serious and comic images of football, tennis, golf, wrestling, baseball, swimming, athletics, boating, horse riding, and more. Includes many pictures of sporting equipment." -- From the publisher.

"Pete Rose led both a stellar and controversial career over his decades of playing, coaching and eventual retirement. Newspaper cartoonist, Jerry Dowling was there for virtually Pete's whole career, documenting highs and lows of this amazing athlete's exploits. With a foreward by hall of fame sportswriter, Hal McCoy, this book provides both the history of Pete's career and commentary from one who was there to witness Pete making history over and over again." -- From the publisher.

"Distinctive examples of sporting goods design, from fashion to consumer packaging, are shown in this unusual collection. Includes the best in uniforms, shoes, skis, skateboards and much more." -- From the publisher.

"With talented young Japanese players signing to the American Majors, interest in Japanese baseball is at an all-time high. Sayonara Home Run! introduces curious fans to Japan's national pastime through the lens of the country's playfully beautiful baseball cards. A fascinating text traces the roots and cross-cultural history of the Japanese game, while hundreds of illustrations showcase gorgeous vintage cards. Woven throughout are profiles of key Japanese players, features on important U.S. team tours of Japan (with Japanese cards of players such as Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio), and insights into the social history of the cards. Including primers on Japanese player nicknames and baseball terms, and the fine points of the Japanese game, Sayonara Home Run! is a must-have for anyone interested in baseball, Japan, or this unique chapter in popular design." -- From the publisher.

"Welcome to the world of clip-art karate, outrageous trash talk, and cartoon characters as you've never seen them before. The New Fighting Technique may have sprung from the crucible of cubicle culture—Rees created the strip while working a deathly boring temp job, harnessing the potential energy of his PowerPoint software, Internet connection, laser printer, and vast expanses of fallow hours into this Unstoppable ass-kicking phenomenon—but the result has less to do with clockwatching than with the explosive energy of freestyling gangsta rap, airborne Bruce Lee maneuvers, and a profane, deadpan sense of humor that just may establish David Rees as the Lenny Bruce of our times." -- From the publisher.

"This book offers a rare chance to understand how sport and architecture come together to create an outstanding building type - a symbol of our times. Rod Sheard shares the experience and expertise of HOK LOBB in this beautifully illustrated book, offering practical advice and guidance on commissioning, designing and managing sports venues around the world. The award-winning work of this firm includes the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, the Wembley National Stadium, London and the Stadium Australia in Sydney, commissioned for the Olympic Games 2000." -- From the publisher.

"Fascinating study of construction leading up to the Summer 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney." -- From the publisher.

"Plans to regenerate East London and transform the capital are integral to the vision of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This title brings into focus notions of regeneration within the specific context of London: what does the term actually mean, how has it been applied and is it being applied? Historical overviews of large-scale interventions from the past are combined with case studies of new and planned schemes, and explorations of how change and rejuvenation can retain or enhance the city’s unique sense of place and identity. Looking beyond the Games, the title will look at the direction in which regeneration is going in a post-recession economy. How can a long-established, highly protected and even cherished city, like London, continue to renew and expand?" -- From the publisher.

"Despite the legendary reputations of Madison Square Garden, Maple Leaf Gardens, and the Montreal Forum, skating rinks and hockey arenas may be North America's most overlooked cultural buildings. Architecture on Ice reveals the central role they have played in influencing urban, social, and political life across the continent. In the first book to chart the development of skating rinks and arenas from their origins as simple wooden sheds to today's fully wired, multi-purpose entertainment complexes, Howard Shubert examines how these buildings have been adapted to seasonal change and to a multitude of uses besides skating - from political rallies to rock concerts - and how these adaptations, in turn, have transformed skating, curling, and hockey." -- Provided by publisher.

"This stunning tribute to “the one and only,” written by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Ira Berkow, is timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Wrigley Field in 2014. Wrigley Field brilliantly and beautifully documents the stadium’s entire career through a decade-by-decade account, a priceless collection of historical photographs and memorabilia, and vivid first-person reminiscences of the people to whom this great place has meant so much. Notable fans interviewed for this book include Barack Obama, Scott Turow, Joe Mantegna, Sara Paretsky, Jim Bouton, and George F. Will, among others. Rounded out by a foreword by former player Kerry Wood and an afterword by associate justice John Paul Stevens, this is a book that no Cubs fan—and no baseball fan—will be able to resist." -- From the publisher.

"How England's most beloved football stadium was transformed into the world's largest and most versatile of its kind. "Some people are on the pitch. They think it's all over … it is now!" Or at least it is for the old Wembley. With its spectacular 133-meter-high arch dramatically illuminating the night skyline, London has a new icon: the new Wembley Stadium. Designed by Foster + Partners and the architectural firm HOK, the new stadium is almost 4 times the height of the original, covering twice the area, with 90,000 seats, a partially retractable roof, and state-of-the-art spectator comforts. It is the largest and most sophisticated football stadium in the world. Drawing from a treasure chest of striking archive images, "Wembley Stadium: National Icon" tells the fascinating stories of the old and the new stadium." -- From the publisher.

"When it comes to golf course design, Robert Muir Graves and Geoffrey S. Cornish are true masters. Over the past few decades, they have produced every type of course imaginable: long and short, entry level and upscale, courses built on ocean bluffs and swamps, courses located in the United States and around the world. Now, drawing on this vast experience and their popular golf course design seminars held at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and nationwide for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Graves and Cornish share a wealth of expertise on all aspects of design and construction in this outstanding book. Golf Course Design covers all of the major historic, aesthetic, business, and technical issues of the subject— from course layout, hole design, drainage, irrigation, and turf-grass selection to planning, financing, construction, and environmental considerations." -- From the publisher.

"An investigation of the swimming, pool as a quintessentially modern and American space, reflecting America's infatuation with hygiene, skin, and recreation. ... It is the story of the origin and evolution of the private swimming pool as a building type and cultural artifact. ... Van Leeuwen explores the human relationship to water from a variety of viewpoints: social, religious, artistic, sexual, psychological, technical, and above all architectural." -- Book jacket.