Why Golf?: The Mystery of the Game Revisited by Bob Cullen (2000 1st Edition Hardcover in Dust Jacket)

• Author: Bob Cullen

• Book Design: O'Lanso Gabbidon

• Jacket Design: Janet Perr

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster New York, NY U.S.A 2000

"The simple answer to Bob Cullen's titular question is, of course, "Why not golf?" but when has a duffer ever been satisfied with simplicity when a more complex route presents itself? The nature of the game--and the realization that something is just as likely to go horribly on the next shot as it is to go well--produces a species of adherents wracked with doubt, soul-searching, and self-flagellation, a perfect petri dish for observation, experimentation, and meditation. Smart, witty, irreverent, and insightful, Cullen's personal odyssey into the heart of the enigma is as provocative as it is entertaining.

Cullen begins with a reading of The Mystery of Golf, Arnold Haultain's touchstone 1908 volume, and ends, as Haultain did, with his acceptance that golf's secret can't be found in any one place. Still, like any good afternoon on the links, he winds up in some pretty spectacular, far-flung, and surprising lies--and truths--along the way. Such as the former Imperial Country Club in Teheran. The minds of Bob Rotella and instructors Bob Toski and Paul Runyon. A chapter from The Biophilia Hypothesis by ornithologist Gordon Orians. The Koran. Harbour View, a state-of-the-art track in Virginia, and Li'l Bit o' Heaven, the scruffy old course run by 1955 U.S. Open champ Jack Fleck in Arkansas. The work of 19th-century Scots novelist George MacDonald. And, finally, his own backyard. Eclectic stuff, to be sure.

Haultain remains his caddie throughout; a citation from The Mystery of Golf begins every chapter. "Why is it, let us ask ourselves, that mankind consents to hold prowess in sport in such high esteem?" incites a fascinating contemplation of Tiger Woods as the golfing embodiment of the prisoner who escapes from Plato's cave; it turns wonderfully surreal when Cullen actually confronts Woods with the theory in the press tent following a tournament round. It's just one of the many unexpected and alluring connections that turns Why Golf? (the book) into an irresistible first tee to start searching for the answer to "Why golf?" (the question)." --Jeff Silverman

Bob Cullen is the co-author, with Dr. Bob Rotella, of Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect and other best-selling works on the mental game. A former contributing editor at Travel & Leisure Golf, he has reported on courses from datelines as diverse as Slovenia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Iran.

Book Design by O'Lanso Gabbidon. Jacket design by Janet Perr.

Hardcovers have a laminated boards showing a field of grass with a golfball displaying title on front. DJ has a cut-out for the golfball. New books in new DJs. Never individually sold, from inventory of defunct bookstore. No marks. Great gift. Ready to ship.

• Size: 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall, 240pp.

• Condition: New Hardcover, in new Dust Jacket – 1st Edition. Never sold individually.

Copyright 2000. Manufactured in U.S.A. Full printline indicates is a true 1st. LCCN: 00-020260. ISBN: 0-684-86722-2. MSR - US $22.00.

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.” Booksellers needed some word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.

Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask).

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy.

Thanks for looking!