{"title":"L. Jon Wertheim","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eL. Jon Wertheim\u003c\/em\u003e is a distinguished journalist and author known for his insightful and compelling writing. As a senior writer for \u003cem\u003eSports Illustrated\u003c\/em\u003e and a correspondent for \u003cem\u003e60 Minutes\u003c\/em\u003e, Wertheim has developed a knack for capturing the essence of sports, culture, and human stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of his notable works, \u003cem\u003eGlory Days\u003c\/em\u003e, takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the pivotal moments and cultural upheavals of the summer of 1984. With an engaging narrative style, Wertheim vividly brings to life the events and personalities that shaped this momentous period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our collection of L. Jon Wertheim's books to delve into the fascinating world of sports, history, and human achievement, all brought to you by one of today's premier storytellers.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"glory-days","title":"Glory Days","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGlory Days\u003c\/em\u003e by L. Jon Wertheim provides a vibrant journey through the transformative summer of 1984, a period that revitalised the landscape of modern sports. This meticulously researched narrative transports readers back to the heart of the 1980s, detailing how a sequence of pivotal events converged, forever altering the way we perceive and engage with sports today. Wertheim deftly interweaves the stories of major athletic and cultural milestones, capturing both the intensity and the nostalgia of an era when sports became an integral part of mainstream entertainment and commercial culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring this landmark summer, a young Michael Jordan captivated the nation, transitioning from a promising college basketball player to an emerging NBA superstar, setting the stage for a legendary career. Concurrently, ESPN, the innovative all-sports network, was gaining prominence, while the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics heralded a new era of commercialisation and profitability for the Games. The intensifying rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird kept basketball fans on edge, with both athletes symbolising the fierce competition and charisma of NBA basketball.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the tennis courts, icons Martina Navratilova and John McEnroe dominated, their riveting performances captivating audiences worldwide. The realm of professional wrestling also underwent a significant transformation, as Hulk Hogan, under the strategic guidance of Vince McMahon, transformed WWE into a dominant entertainment powerhouse. Meanwhile, Donald Trump emerged as a controversial figure in sports, making headlines as a new owner in the world of professional American football with his acquisition of the New Jersey Generals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWertheim parallels Bill Bryson’s eloquent storytelling in \u003ci\u003eOne Summer: America, 1927\u003c\/i\u003e, blending these individual strands into a cohesive narrative. The ninety days of the summer of 1984 encapsulate a period when sports transformed into a highly commercialised, sensationalised, and deeply ingrained part of global culture. Wertheim vividly portrays how this era marked the shift from modest, old-school aesthetics, represented by worn-out Converses, to the sleek, heavily branded, and ingeniously marketed Nikes that epitomise modern sportswear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGlory Days\u003c\/em\u003e not only chronicles the events themselves but also reflects on the broader cultural and societal shifts of the 1980s. It offers a rich tapestry of memories and moments that highlight the profound evolution within the sports world, ultimately capturing the essence of a time when sports truly went \"big-time\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45686027944172,"sku":"9780358695288","price":36.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780358695288.jpg?v=1725460081"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/l-jon-wertheim.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}