The Top of His Game: The Best Sportswriting of W. C. Heinz

A Library of America Special Publication

By: W. C. Heinz, Bill Littlefield

Narrated by: Bill Littlefield

A pioneer of the long-form sports story, W. C. Heinz wrote with a freshness of perception, a gift for characterization, and a finely tuned ear for dialogue. Here is a first of its kind audio edition of some of his finest work, selected and read by Bill Littlefield (NPR's "Only a Game"), including “Brownsville Bum”—“the greatest magazine sports story I’ve ever read, bar none” (Jimmy Breslin)—and the unforgettable “Death of a Race Horse.” As a special feature this exclusive audio edition includes Bill Littlefield's 2001 interview with W. C. Heinz as well as commentary and recollections from the author's daughter, Gayl Heinz.

Critic reviews

“Heinz had it all—a deep understanding of human nature, a wonderful sense of humor, and a writing style so clear and clean that he makes the difficult seem easy, just the way a great athlete does.” — David Maraniss

"Bill Heinz is not just one of the great sportswriters this country has produced, he is one of the great American writers." — Mike Lupica

"Heinz could make sentences sing, but his special gift was somehow to sound the chord of music that was the man. The subjects of his profiles lived and breathed and laughed and wept with unforgettable vitality." — Roger Kahn

"Heinz is that rare writer who not only becomes more important over time but more essential. His work deserves to be read and treasured by a new generation of readers." — Glenn Stout

Great!

Really enjoyed the stories snd the narration was outstanding. Heinz was amazing, never read sport articles like that before