Book Review: Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899

   Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899 by Norman Jetmundsen & Karin Dupree Fecteau

  This is about a football team that perhaps had the best season in college football history. In 1899, winning all 12 of their games, they came to be known as the greatest team of all time. The book begins with a narrative on the introduction of football in the early 1890s with a peep into the notable games and events that happened. Followed by a short history about the introduction and growth of the game in Sewanee, where one can also relish the grand matches of that era. Next chapter describes the year 1899, and Sewanee's standing in the whole tapestry of inter-collegiate football. A good look at the team's journeys, games, results, and the honours that fell due. Further, a rich collection of footnotes is there to join missing links, if any.

This is a collector's item that traces the full path of the 1899 team, answering who, what, and where all they are now. With relevant pictures, charts, newspaper clippings, and original records, it can keep both history buffs and football enthusiasts equally busy. Not only that it is a well-researched work, but also is replete with romantic sketches of all things that happened at that time. A good read, indeed.  

Book Review: To Stop a Tyrant

This book discusses ways to preempt political tyranny, before it fully blossoms into one. Since followers create their leaders, the good, the bad, and the dangerous, it covers the complete environment of leaders, followers, and the institutions.

It begins with a survey of the global political landscape that shows a regression to authoritarian rule, whether the encroachment is coming from “the left” or “the right. Followed by an analysis of distinctive circles of followers in different proximity to the leader, paying particular attention to three interacting elements: leadership, followers, and context. The book then examines the makings of a follower of a political leader and the abstract elements of activism. Further chapters discuss the role of bureaucrats in translating the vision and policies of political leaders into programs that affect all. 

I admire the clarity of ideas presented in the book, many a time illustrated with real-life examples. Like, how activism is not primarily a rational act, and, if unchecked, would become another yoke of tyranny. And the distinctive division of followers into conformist, those who collude, and courageous. Or, the significance of values and the institutions designed to keep them serving us.