A Handful of Summers

A Handful of Summers is a tennis memoir chronicling Gordon Forbes' experiences on the international amateur circuit during the 1950s and early 1960s. The book captures the final years of amateur tennis, just before the sport turned professional. Forbes recounts his journey from South Africa through the tennis courts of Europe and beyond, sharing stories of matches, travel, and camaraderie with fellow players. The narrative focuses on the unique characters of the tennis world during this era, including Forbes' doubles partner Abe Segal and other notable figures of the time. The memoir provides an insider's view of tennis culture during a pivotal transition period, detailing the tournaments, training, and social dynamics of the amateur circuit. Forbes brings to life the atmosphere of major competitions like Wimbledon and the French Championships, along with smaller tournaments across multiple continents. Through its blend of sport and personal reflection, the book captures a vanished era in tennis history while exploring themes of friendship, competition, and the pursuit of excellence in athletics. Forbes' account serves as both a historical record and a meditation on the nature of amateur sport.

Readers consistently mention the book's humor and engaging storytelling about professional tennis in the 1950s and 60s. Many note Forbes' witty observations of tennis personalities and his self-deprecating accounts of life on the circuit. Readers appreciated: - Personal anecdotes about tennis legends - Behind-the-scenes glimpses of amateur tennis era - Light, conversational writing style - Portrayal of tennis culture and camaraderie Common criticisms: - Some tennis references can be obscure for modern readers - Occasional meandering narrative - Limited appeal outside tennis enthusiasts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (48 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (31 ratings) Sample review: "Forbes writes with charm and wit about a golden age in tennis. His stories about players like Rod Laver and Roy Emerson bring the era alive." - Amazon reviewer "The best tennis book ever written" - Open Court magazine reviewer John Barrett

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🎾 Gordon Forbes played tennis professionally in the 1950s and early 1960s, competing at Wimbledon and other major tournaments before becoming an author. 📖 The book, published in 1978, is considered one of the most entertaining and well-written memoirs about professional tennis, bringing to life the amateur era of the sport. 🌍 The title "A Handful of Summers" refers to Forbes' years on the international tennis circuit, primarily spent traveling between Europe and his native South Africa. 🤝 The memoir features vivid portraits of tennis legends like Roy Emerson, Lew Hoad, and Pancho Gonzales, offering rare insights into their personalities both on and off the court. ✍️ Forbes wrote the book while running his family's wine farm in South Africa, drawing from detailed diaries he kept during his playing days to capture the atmosphere of 1950s tennis with remarkable accuracy.