Squash – A History of the Game

How does one review a book on the history of the game of squash? Easy. You seek out someone who has not only had a life long passion for the game but who lived much of the history. Ian Stewart has had an enormous impact on the game, not just in Ontario and Canada, but also internationally. His credentials for critiquing the book include being President of Squash Canada, founding Chairman of Squash Ontario, Vice President of the International Squash Racquets Federation (now World Squash Federation) and, from 1981- 1985, the Chairman of the I.S.R.F., the first Canadian to ever hold this position.

James Zug has written a wonderful book about the history of squash as played in the United States of America. It is full of facts and anecdotes about the game from its birth up to the present day. A must-read for anybody who has any interest in the game at all, as either a player or as a spectator.

Unfortunately, as squash is a relatively minor sport in North America, it has never had the media coverage that it deserves. Consequently, a good deal of Mr. Zug’s book has, as its basis, stories as told from memory by others and handed down from one generation to another. As time goes by, total recall is not always perfect. One should read this book with that thought in mind.

One must also keep in mind the fact this book has been written from an American point of view and may not necessarily correspond with the views of others. I certainly will not question the authenticity of the bulk of this book that deals with the game in that country. However, I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the portions of the book that deal with the beginnings of the ISRF in the mid to late ‘60s and the conversion of North America to the international or soft ball game in the early ‘80s. After all, as Chairman of the ISRF at the time and in the thick of things, I was in a much different position that those who were simply observing.

No one can question the Americans for their enthusiasm and contribution to the game. Any endeavour that keeps the interest alive and encourages new generations to participate in a sport we all love is to be commended. As the late George Plimpton so ably expressed in the forward to this book, “this carefully researched volume on squash must have required an unholy amount of time and effort – the kind only undertaken by those with a great love and passion of their subject.”

Congratulations, James, on an outstanding effort. As said earlier, this is a must-read.