A. J. Liebling
Abbott Joseph Liebling was an American journalist who was known for his work at The New Yorker. He was a prolific writer, covering a wide range of topics including World War II, boxing, and food. Liebling is often celebrated for his wit and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Sweet Science
"The Sweet Science" is a collection of essays that delves into the world of boxing during its golden age in the 1950s. The author offers a detailed analysis and vivid descriptions of famous fights and boxers of the era, such as Rocky Marciano and Sugar Ray Robinson, while also exploring the culture and mechanics of the sport. The book is not just a historical account, but also a philosophical and sociological examination of boxing, its practitioners, and its fans.
The 3941st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. The Earl of Louisiana
"The Earl of Louisiana" is a political biography that intricately details the life and career of a charismatic and controversial Louisiana governor. The book delves into his ambitious political maneuvers, colorful personality, and the impact he had on the state's politics and culture. The narrative also explores the complexities of Louisiana's political landscape, highlighting the influence of race, religion, and class on the state's politics.
The 4876th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. Between Meals
An Appetite for Paris
"Between Meals" is an evocative memoir that captures the author's lifelong passion for food, intertwined with his experiences as a young journalist in Paris during the 1920s. The narrative delves into the rich tapestry of Parisian cuisine and culture, exploring various bistros, restaurants, and culinary delights that define the city. Through a series of personal anecdotes and reflections, the author not only shares his gastronomic adventures but also reflects on the broader implications of food on culture, memory, and identity. The memoir is a celebration of the pleasures of eating well and the art of living that is deeply rooted in the sensory experiences of taste and place.
The 15910th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
4. A.J. Liebling
Abbott Joseph Liebling (October 18, 1904 – December 28, 1963) was an American journalist who was closely associated with The New Yorker from 1935 until his death. His New York Times obituary called him "a critic of the daily press, a chronicler of the prize ring, an epicure and a biographer of such diverse personages as Gov. Earl Long of Louisiana and Col. John R. Stingo." He was known for dubbing Chicago "The Second City" and for the aphorism "Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one." Liebling's boxing book The Sweet Science was named the greatest sports book of all time by Sports Illustrated. Liebling was a connoisseur of French cuisine, a subject he wrote about in Between Meals: An Appetite For Paris. Pete Hamill, editor of a Library of America anthology of Liebling's writings, said "He was a gourmand of words, in addition to food... he retained his taste for 'low' culture too: boxers and corner men, conmen and cigar store owners, political hacks and hack operators. They're all celebrated in [his] pages."
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5. Normandy Revisited
A blend of travelogue, historical reportage and personal reflection in which the narrator returns to the beaches, towns and countryside of Normandy to assess how places and people have recovered since the Allied invasion; through vivid scene-setting, conversations with veterans and locals, and wry, humane observation, the account examines memory, reconstruction, and the lingering moral and human consequences of wartime experience.