Richard Askwith

Richard Askwith is a British journalist and author known for his acclaimed writing about sports, particularly running and athletics. His 2004 book "Feet in the Clouds" about fell running established him as a significant voice in sports literature, winning the Best New Writer prize at the Sports Book Awards. Throughout his career, Askwith has produced notable biographies of sporting figures, including works on Emil Zátopek and Lata Brandisová. His biography "Unbreakable" about Brandisová, the first and only woman to win the Grand Pardubice steeplechase, received particular acclaim and was named Biography of the Year at the 2020 Sports Book Awards. Beyond sports writing, Askwith has worked as a journalist and has co-authored books on various subjects. His work consistently demonstrates deep research and an ability to explore the human stories behind sporting achievements.

Readers commend Askwith's deep research and engaging narrative style in his non-fiction works, particularly in "Running Free" and "Today We Die a Little" (his biography of Emil Zátopek). They note his skill at weaving historical context with personal stories. Readers appreciate: - Detailed research and historical accuracy - Personal narrative interwoven with facts - Clear, accessible writing style - Connection between running and broader social themes Common criticisms: - Some sections in "Running Free" seen as repetitive - Occasional tangents that stray from main narrative - "Feet in the Clouds" feels unfocused to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: - "Today We Die a Little": 4.2/5 (500+ ratings) - "Running Free": 3.9/5 (200+ ratings) - "Feet in the Clouds": 4.1/5 (1000+ ratings) Amazon: - Average 4.3/5 across all books - "Today We Die a Little" highest rated at 4.5/5

Feet in the Clouds: A Tale of Fell-Running and Obsession (2004) A detailed exploration of fell running in Britain, combining personal experience with the history and culture of this demanding sport.

Running Free: A Runner's Journey Back to Nature (2014) An examination of natural running and its benefits, contrasting it with the modern commercialized running industry.

Today We Die a Little: The Rise and Fall of Emil Zátopek, Olympic Legend (2016) A biography chronicling the life of Czech runner Emil Zátopek, from his Olympic achievements to his experiences under Communist rule.

Unbreakable: The Woman Who Defied the Nazis in the World's Most Dangerous Horse Race (2019) A biographical account of Lata Brandisová, who became the first woman to win Czechoslovakia's Grand Pardubice steeplechase in 1937.

The Lost Village: In Search of a Forgotten Rural England (2008) An investigation into the changes in English rural life over the past century, focusing on the village of Frisby-on-the-Wreake.

Christopher McDougall writes about endurance sports and running cultures across the world, with deep reporting on both elite athletes and everyday participants. His narrative style combines historical research with personal accounts of runners and communities, similar to Askwith's approach to documenting running subcultures.

Bernd Heinrich explores running through the lens of biology and natural history, drawing connections between human endurance and animal behavior. His work bridges scientific observation with personal running experience, offering perspectives on why humans run and how we connect to the natural world.

Adharanand Finn documents running cultures in Kenya, Japan, and other locations through immersive journalism and first-hand participation. His books examine both elite training methods and cultural approaches to running, combining personal narrative with detailed reporting on running communities.

Roger Robinson writes about running history and the development of athletics as both a participant and scholar. His work covers the evolution of running from ancient times to modern competition, providing historical context and analysis of significant moments in running history.

Alexandra Heminsley chronicles personal running experiences while exploring broader themes about athletics, gender, and society. Her work examines the transformative aspects of running and athletics from a perspective that combines memoir with cultural analysis.